How can I get a job in Canada from Nigeria – If you’re a Nigerian looking to work in Canada, you’re not alone; many Nigerians migrate to Canada after getting a job offer in Canada while in Nigeria. Canada has numerous opportunities for skilled immigrants, if you have the skills; the country is ready to welcome you.
However, the process of securing a job in Canada can be very complex and overwhelming at first. If you have the skill and educational qualifications, this article will walk you through the process of getting a job in Canada from Nigeria.
Determine your Eligibility
This is the first step you should take, before you start your job search, check to determine if you are eligible to work in Canada.
The most common way for Nigerians to work in Canada is through the Express Entry system, which is a point-based immigration system.
To qualify for the Express Entry System, you need to:
- Have a high school diploma or higher education.
- Prove your language proficiency in English or French by taking language tests like IELTS or TEF (this is not mandatory).
- Get your foreign educational credentials assessed by an organization recognized by Canada.
- Have at least one year of skilled work experience.
- Score enough points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Create an Express Entry profile
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can create an Express Entry profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Keep your login details safe, you will need them to access your account. After creating your account, your profile will be ranked based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and more.
If your profile scores high enough, you may receive an ITA for permanent residence. If you don’t score high enough, you can get more work experience and make up your score after which you can apply again.
Gather Necessary Documents
If you scored high enough and received an ITA for permanent residence, you can then apply for jobs in Canada.
To apply for jobs in Canada, you’ll need some documents, you will need your:
- Passport and other identification documents.
- Educational credentials.
- Language proficiency test results.
- Resume/CV.
- Reference letters from previous employers.
- Proof of funds to support yourself in Canada if necessary.
Search for jobs
While waiting for your ITA for permanent residence, you can start searching for jobs in Canada. Popular job search websites in Canada include LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
Customize your resume for Canadian employers, highlighting your skills and experience relevant to the job you’re applying for.
Apply for jobs
Apply to job postings that match your skills and experience. Follow the application instructions carefully and ensure your resume and cover letter are well-written and tailored to each job.
You want to make sure you apply to only jobs in your field, this will help you get called for interviews faster.
Networking
If you are looking for a job, networking is a powerful tool that you can use to find the right job for you in Canada.
You can connect with professionals in your field on LinkedIn, or Twitter, attend industry events, and join online forums or social media groups related to your profession.
This will help you get jobs easily.
Interviews
If an employer is interested in your application, they will invite you for an interview. The interviews can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video conferencing. If you get invited, you can prepare for interviews by researching the company and practicing common interview questions.
Job offer
If your interview is successful, you will receive a job offer letter. Once you receive a job offer, you’ll need to secure a work permit to legally work in Canada.
The employer will help you with this process; they will secure the LMIA certificate with which you will apply for a work permit.
During your work permit application, make sure to follow the instructions provided by the Canadian embassy or consulate in Nigeria to obtain your work permit.
Prepare for arrival
Before moving to Canada, make necessary arrangements, such as finding accommodation, obtaining health insurance, and understanding the Canadian tax system. Familiarize yourself with the city or province where you’ll be living. You can join Nigerian communities in Canada to make your transition smoother.
Upon arriving in Canada, focus on integrating into Canadian society. Embrace the culture, make new friends, and explore your new home. Canada is a great country with a working system that protects all. You can join various support services that are available for newcomers, and they will help you settle in comfortably.
Getting a job in Canada from Nigeria may seem like a challenging process, but many Nigerians have successfully migrated to Canada through jobs they got while in Nigeria. If you have the right skills (the skills needed by Canadian employers), you can search for these jobs and apply. It never hurts to try.
