Employment Opportunities in Canada
It cannot be stressed enough that before deciding to go to Canada you should ensure that your educational and training qualifications are accepted here. Just because Immigration Canada gives more points on the permanent resident application for certain occupations does not mean that you will be able to continue in that job once in Canada.
The reason more points are given for highly educated individuals is that the Canadian government feels those people are more inclined to work hard and succeed in whatever they do. It is a sad truth that many engineers, doctors and other professionals end up in low-paying, low-skill jobs because their degrees are not recognised in Canada. Often, an immigrant is required to undertake many years of equivalency training, at the immigrant's expense. But, sometimes all that is needed is Canadian experience which means the immigrant has to undertake some volunteer work in his or her field before being hired in a paid position.
In terms of trade workers like electricians, carpenters and tool and dye makers, qualifications often do stand up as long as the immigrant has enough work experience. You will still have to pass a licensing exam, however. Make sure that you bring to Canada all your original certificates, documents and letters of recommendations.
The first step in finding out whether your credentials are good in Canada is to contact the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials or other credential checking services
Applying for a Social Insurance Number
No one can legally work in Canada without a SIN. It is a unique number that a person is assigned that enables him or her to get a job, pay income tax and receive benefits (Employment Insurance, Social Assistance, etc). As a newcomer you are likely to receive an application when you first arrive, but if you do not you can go to any Human Resource Centre of Canada (HRCC). Branches are listed in the phone book. To apply you need to show your birth certificate, immigration visa and passport as well as pay a small fee. You can also get applications at Canada Post Offices and at agencies that help immigrants.
Once you are hired your new employer will ask for your Social Insurance Number. You are not obligated to give it before then.
