For the past few decades, Canada has been seen as the light at the end of the tunnel for immigrant dreams of a new life. Their recent policies are increasing the pool of talent and resources dedicated to the nation’s advancement available to anyone willing to become a part of the Great White North.
There are likewise numerous government employment opportunities for starters that one may seldom think about which is ripe in the different fields. Most of these jobs are permanent and secure and offer the individuals the opportunities to contribute to the development of the country that hosts them.
Government Sectors Available To Immigrants
Canada’s government sector is one of the biggest employers in the country, and there is vacancy for a variety of positions. There are many sectors in which immigrants may be able to seek employment and they include; administrations, health services, police services and security services. The federal government and provincial and municipal governments of Canada mostly employ immigrants for various positions. Some of the key sectors which can be found in large quantities include.
- Health and Social Services: Areas of employment for the holders of appropriate degree includes public health agencies, social work and family support services.
- Public Administration: Some people work as civil servants in different ministries and departments where they assist in putting into effect government polices.
- Law Enforcement and Security: Opportunities with law enforcement like the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and military like the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).
- Immigration Services: Government and para-governmental positions that involve the administration of the immigration services, immigration settlement services, and support to the nation’s citizenship programs.
- Tax and Revenue Services: Functions from the Canadian Revenue Agency which is in charge of the taxation and the financial issues.
Canada Government Job Salaries and Benefits
Perhaps one of the most appealing factors about the Canadian government jobs is the remuneration offered to the employees. This is particularly true for the entry and mid-grade jobs, which probably come with better remuneration than what is offered in the private organizations.
Moreover, healthcare and engineering industries are sensitive industries that are associated with relatively high or above average remunerations; a registered Nurse earns between 70 to 80,000 Canadian dollars in health care units while Engineers between 85,000 Canadian dollars – 95,000 Canadian dollars earning per year.
Besides wages, government jobs have other benefits such as medical coverage, pension, and paid vacation that again enhance total remuneration.
Another thing is the orientation to work-life balance, including the ability to flexibly design the working day and the availability of remote positions in most positions.
Immigrants Can Apply for Government Jobs in Canada
It should be noted that there is a misconception that only the citizens of Canada can work for the government whereas the fact is that many positions along with the civil servant positions, are available for the permanent residents as well. Although some positions, with focus on national security, may require citizenship of the country in question, a large number of positions accept foreign immigrants. The idea is to have at least appropriate professional qualifications and sometimes English or French language skills.
Now let us turn to several particular departments in which immigrants can work.
1. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
IRCC acts as an initial contact for most of the immigrants and it also provides employment opportunities. The most meaningful job at IRCC seems to be satisfying for immigrants who want to assist others having the same experience as they once went through. Immigration officers, policy analysts are professionals of this field while administrative personnel can also work in this field. These positions may be valuable for you owing to your firsthand experience of being an immigrant person.
2. Public Service Commission (PSC)
The PSC is tasked with protecting the processes of hiring public servants in the federal government from fraud. They offer a number of positions and they also avail info to the immigrants about how they can go about getting a government job. As much as possible, follow the job postings along with their guidance materials.
3. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Another large source of government employment is the CRA, which performs the administration of the government’s tax legislation and a number of benefit programs. They usually look for candidates with a prior experience in accounting, finance, or as customer service personnel. If you are good at working with numbers or if you like to explain mathematical concepts to other people, the CRA may be just for you.
4. Canadian Armed Forces (CAF)
The CAF is a perfect option for immigrants to contribute to their new home country. Some jobs call for citizenship, however, many jobs are open to permanent residents. Looking at the CAF, it offers good training, career progression, and an opportunity to acquire useful skills. There are all sorts of opportunities, from purely technical positions to the highest levels of management.
5. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMI)
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police or the RCMP, which is Canada’s national police service goes out of its way to acquire diversity. Although, to become a police officer, one needs to be a citizen, there are many other civilian job openings for labor permitting permanent residents. These units are auxiliary to the operations of the RCMP and can be an excellent means to work in the public safety interest and observe Canadian law enforcement at work.
Final Thoughts
Job hunting and the subsequent landing of a civil service position in Canada for an immigrant might sound impossible; however, the general idea is achievable. First you should look for other departments or other agencies, which are interested in your skills and your passion. Before proceeding with the application, you should first have a clue on how the process works; this usually includes signing up for a profile on the government’s website for jobs. Do not get upset if with the first applications you do not receive invitations to interviews – a job is waiting for you; patience and constant upgrading of your resumes may help you succeed.
Just consider that sometimes employers think that only american born candidates are suitable for any government position, However your immigrant experience can be of great value in many positions in government. This is because hiring people from diverse backgrounds will lead to more culturally sensitive and sensitive policies hence helping the Canucks with their decentralized multicultural population get the right services. Take time to accept the journey and think of how you will be useful to the Canadian public service. So if you are willing and make the right efforts, it is not impossible to build a successful government career that will help you not only live in Canada but also contribute to making it a better nation in the process.
