Employers discriminate against PGWP holders?

[Sergey18]

Hi everyone,

I see on this forum people usually struggle due to the lack of Canadian experience, but I have a slightly different issue.

I graduated with a bachelors degree in Computer Science in February and have been looking for work ever since. I've had ~20 onsite interviews so far, but nothing came out of them. What I noticed is that when the hiring manager or HR finds out you are not a citizen or PR, they lose interest. Even when they don't mention it in the job add, it seems they will STRONGLY prefer someone with a permanent status.
Mentioning my TRV status in the cover letter = no response / rejection. When I stopped doing that I started getting 10x more interview invitations. Still, they find out eventually, and it's an instant red flag.

I am currently aiming for good IT-related jobs (software development, system administration, etc). I do realize that my inexperience is often the defining factor, but I was told (or hinted) on way too many occasions that they won't hire me due to my immigration status alone. Once I was practically hired by a large corporation for a QA automation job. They already started discussing the minor details of my future employment, when I mentioned my PGWP. The manager then suddenly became morose, quickly ended the interview and showed me to the door saying they have many other people to interview.

Is there anything I can do to alleviate this situation?

Should I focus on more menial jobs (technician, call center) or contract work?

Thanks.

 

[PMM]

Hi

Hi everyone,

I see on this forum people usually struggle due to the lack of Canadian experience, but I have a slightly different issue.

I graduated with a bachelors degree in Computer Science in February and have been looking for work ever since. I've had ~20 onsite interviews so far, but nothing came out of them. What I noticed is that when the hiring manager or HR finds out you are not a citizen or PR, they lose interest. Even when they don't mention it in the job add, it seems they will STRONGLY prefer someone with a permanent status.
Mentioning my TRV status in the cover letter = no response / rejection. When I stopped doing that I started getting 10x more interview invitations. Still, they find out eventually, and it's an instant red flag.

I am currently aiming for good IT-related jobs (software development, system administration, etc). I do realize that my inexperience is often the defining factor, but I was told (or hinted) on way too many occasions that they won't hire me due to my immigration status alone. Once I was practically hired by a large corporation for a QA automation job. They already started discussing the minor details of my future employment, when I mentioned my PGWP. The manager then suddenly became morose, quickly ended the interview and showed me to the door saying they have many other people to interview.

Is there anything I can do to alleviate this situation?

Should I focus on more menial jobs (technician, call center) or contract work?

Thanks.

1. The employers probably lose interest, because they don't want to spend the time and training on someone in a senior position who will be gone in 2-3 years.

 

[Bs65]

This is normal in any country where people are on temporary permits and is just human nature not discrimination as such. Why invest in someone who is only temporary when you have a PR or citizen candidate.

So many people approach a company for a job when in back of their minds they themselves are looking for that golden ticket of a job offer to support PR without thinking that may even come across in the interview or the employer thinks that the moment the residency status is discussed. This is not to say some people do not strike lucky and get a job for the duration of their permit but most find that contracting provides an alternative plus is still Canadian experience.

 

[metalrahul]

Also, keep in mind that the company have to spend extra money on your LMIA, work permit and the time period for processing or uncertainty with application process only adds their demotivating factors for hiring a foreigner. It's all about persistence, don't give up. There are many companies that still hire foreigners so it just matter of time and luck.

 

[Sergey18]

The employers probably lose interest, because they don't want to spend the time and training on someone in a senior position who will be gone in 2-3 years.

Apparently so.

Even when I say I only need 12 months of paid full-time work experience to apply for PR (I should have enough points for successful CEC) and don't need any support whatsoever, I usually hear something like "Uhh, we never hired anyone with a TRV before... ". It seems most employers just don't want to bother, when there are so many other qualified candidates.

Why invest in someone who is only temporary when you have a PR or citizen candidate.

Classic catch22: need experience to obtain PR, but can't, because I don't already have a PR.

 

[Regina]

Never heard about such cases. At least, not in financial sector.

Your situation is very odd, Sergey18.
Maybe those companies thought you will need LMIA? And did not want to bother with all that process?

Were those companies big enough? Big companies (their HR )understand immigration rules and do not mind PGWP.

Maybe next time do not give them details, just if and when they ask , tell them you are lawfully allowed to work in Canada (without info on what visa or immigration status). They will ask you later to prove it but not on the interview!

Also, if you think there are too many applicants for employers to choose try adds of companies in Godforsaken places. You need a job and possibility to get PR, so 12 months in out-of-the way place will not be a waste of time.

 

[Ray3000]

...when I mentioned my PGWP. The manager then suddenly became morose, quickly ended the interview and showed me to the door saying they have many other people to interview.

Hi.. I have PGWP and I'm in the exact same situation. Did you have any success landing jobs? Are you using recruiters or directly contacting companies?

 

[God of war]

Try not to mention about your status. Just tell them you are legally entitled to work in Canada. After getting Canadian work experience, you can negotiate with an employer. I never have never discussed my immigration status during interview unless they asked me.

Hi.. I have PGWP and I'm in the exact same situation. Did you have any success landing jobs? Are you using recruiters or directly contacting companies?