Immigration Canada

10 TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN CANADA

Get an idea of your potential GPA equivalency by using this free tool: iGPA Calculator.

Compare the colleges and universities in the country where you will be studying.

Before committing, you can try international learning through a summertime study abroad program.

Explore opportunities to fund your education in Canada.

Make sure your college application is filled out correctly and makes you a competitive candidate.

You will want to be completely prepared for your Study visa interview!

Find out what health insurance is available to international students.

Learn how you can expand your comfort zone to make new friends in North America.

Contact your school to see if they require a credential evaluation and whether they have a preferred company for supplying this degree equivalency report.

Use the Scholarship Finder to help you find financial aid and other opportunities to pay for school.

Souce: WES

10 TOP CAREER ADVICE FOR IMMIGRANTS TO CANADA

Find out what you can add to today’s skills-based economy in North America. How can you continue to be a valuable asset to your company in the long-term?

It never hurts to continue your professional development. Start by honestly assessing your current job skills. If necessary, seek additional training to make you a more valuable employee.

Learn how to market your international education. Employers typically take less than 20 seconds to review your application for employment. Make the decision to hire you as easy as possible.

You should also read about what North American employers seek in a top candidate.

When entering negotiations about your position, do not forget to mention your credential evaluation and overseas training. This can help you secure a higher salary.

Find out if you have the skills and training necessary to excel in a technologically advanced workplace. How can you demonstrate those skills in a profitable way?

Volunteering is a fantastic way to make connections in your community, expand your professional network, and gain access to free training and development opportunities.

Networking, in general, is a sure way to promote your skills, build your confidence, and grow your resources.

You should also focus on networking with your own colleagues. Focus on developing interpersonal skills and utilizing strong communication habits at work.

Once you have a good job, always consider your next steps. Prepare to take your career to the next level.

Top ten tips for people immigrating to Canada.

Work on improving your Express Entry score before applying for permanent residency in Canada.

Take a practice test for the International English Language Testing Exam (IELTS) to see if you need to work on your English before immigrating to Canada.

There are also several provinces where it will benefit you to brush up on your French.

Canada is made up of 10 provinces and three territories—each with its own immigration policies. Learn about the differences, and which factors might influence where you live and work in Canada.

Ask Canadian friends to help improve your communication skills. Build your confidence by practicing with others and receiving feedback. This can help you communicate in a culturally appropriate way.

Networking will also help you adjust once you move to Canada. Here is some great advice about how to meet people, make connections, and develop your social skills.

Stay ahead of the labor market: Learn about your career prospects in Canada.

Consider taking online courses to make you more eligible for jobs. Studying online can be a cheaper and more flexible option for people who are working while they continue to develop their skills.

You probably want to open a bank account and start building credit right away.

Learn about Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) opportunities to help you decide where to settle.

Source: WES

Quick Immigration Updates: Canada Is Hiring Tech-Savvy Immigrants

by WES Advisor

Ontario’s First Tech Draw

The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program has started doing “Tech Draws.” This is a unique opportunity for people with technology backgrounds to qualify for permanent residency, even if they might not otherwise meet the scoring cutoff for federal immigration draws. Candidates are evaluated for at least one year of experience in six tech-related fields.

The Tech Draws are intended to identify qualified immigrants that meet the growing labor needs of the province’s technology market. Applicants with overall CRS scores as low as 439 qualified for the program in July. In total, Ontario’s Tech Draw invited more than 1,600 Express Entry candidates to apply for the Provincial Nominee Program.

Agri-Food Pathway for Migrant Workers

In addition to technology, a new pathway to the permanent residence has opened up for migrant workers with agri-food experience. A three-year pilot program is intended to help grow the local economies and create jobs for Canadians. It caps the applicant pool at 2,750 each year, including family members. However, the program could welcome over 16,000 new permanent residents to Canada in total.

Fewer Irregular Migrant Crossings to Canada

Irregular migrant crossings into Canada are down by 38 percent in the first half of 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. Since June 2019, a total of 6,707 asylum-seekers have come irregularly into Canada. However, there was a slight increase during the month of June that has conservative border critics concerned that irregular border crossings may be rising in the second half of 2019.

Quebec’s International Student Program Is Suspended

The Quebec Experience Program has been temporarily suspended, leaving many international students uncertain of their future in Canada. As an express immigration process for recent graduates, it has left many scholars without options for permanent residence or employment. The program may resume in November.

JOB SEARCH AND INTERVIEW TIPS FOR IMMIGRANTS

Ask yourself: Am I completely prepared to launch my job search? Starting without the correct strategy could mean missing out on great opportunities.

Prepare by learning about the hiring process directly from a human resources (HR) specialist.

It all starts with a strong résumé. Have someone you trust to read your résumé and provide feedback.

Make sure you provide your contact information! Even if you include it in your cover letter, it needs to be on the résumé, too—in case this page is handled separately.

Three things you should never do on your résumé: Do not include a photo of yourself. Do not mention your salary expectations. Do not let your information exceed one typed page.

Customize your cover letter for each company and job opportunity. It is time-consuming, but it will help you stand out from other candidates.

And do not forget about your soft skills! Traits like communication and organization are highly prized by employers. Mention these strengths in your cover letter and during your interview.

Note your credential evaluation on your résumé, in your cover letter, and during job interviews. It helps employers understand your background, making you stand out as a stronger candidate.

Keep a complete record of your job search! Save every job posting in a separate file on your computer, or print it out—it will be deleted after the posting is closed.

Job interviews are all about preparation. Learn about the six interview types so that you will be ready to anticipate the situation—and give an exemplary interview.

During an interview, you will be asked if you have any questions. It is good to have some prepared, to show your interest. Here are five questions you can ask at any job interview.

Did you know that there are important cultural customs regarding your behavior after a job interview? Here’s how to follow up with your prospective employer.

Make the most of LinkedIn: Write an attention-grabbing headline such as: “Motivated, experienced sales manager.” Under each job title or previous position, you should have at least three bullet points with strong examples of your expertise.

Your employer is likely to look at your public social media pages—so you might want to consider cultivating a personal brand. Define your vision, mission, and core values.

Your job application, social media presence, and LinkedIn profile should combine to create a narrative about your professional experience. Show employers your career trajectory—instead of just a list of jobs.