Please note that at first I didn't agree with washington.state's comments about how difficult it is to find jobs in Canada. However, his comments did force me to do a little digging of my own, I checked out online all weekend (wish had saved some of those links), but it does seem like the Canadian economy is general and the Canadian employers in specific are (its hard to say it in writing) are somewhat difficult and shall I say a little less welcoming to new immigrant employees (NOT the Canadian people, they seem far more polite and courteous). I also talked to a few guys who have previously immigrated to Canada in mid 2000's and warned me of similar hardships. In specific these two points which I am summarizing in my own words here:
- If not all, most jobs for some reason prefer Canadian experience as if the years of US experience is less in value somehow. Most time they won't mention this on the job description/ads.
- There is this negative perception buildup in the minds of many hiring managers when they see your name(foreign sounding name), they think of another newly arrived immigrant trying to get a job, who probably don't speak the language well, or lacks the Canadian work ethics etc....... you got the picture.
I certainly hoped this was not the case, but after spending two days online reading hundreds of forums messages and the two guys I talked to both of whom are now in the US, I am certainly thinking more reservedly and frankly has somewhat curtailed my enthusiasm in finding a job immediately. That doesn't mean that I have given up any hope. Frankly if I could find well paid jobs(not some sweat shop) one after another for years here in the US with all the H1-B baggage that I brought to my new employers, I am sure I will eventually get one in Canada as well. It may not be as easy though. I am sure this applies to many of us here in this forum.
The lessen that we should all learn from this is that we need to be realists, save as much money as possible to support yourself as a new immigrant in Canada until you find a job, and work 110% harder to find a job. Seriously guys to me the H1-B visa is more restraining than being a new LEGAL immigrant in Canada fully authorized to work. Good Luck to all of us.
Oh about the two guys I talked to regarding Canadian experience are who are now in the US:
- one is working as an IT manager and another as IT contractor
- At the time of their Canadian immigration they both had about 4-5 years experience each in the US.
- One is about to get his US citizenship and the other is a US GC holder.
- One is a USA BSc and MSc degrees holder as well.
- Both speak fluent English and very little ascent.
- you get the picture.
I hope this helps you prepare better than mere getting scared.
Regards,
lee26 said:
Man, don't scare me.. is that difficult to get a job? Iam scared.
Just wondering did you applied for Canadian PR..?