Your first job in Canada: a checklist
The steps from arriving in Canada to your first pay cheque. Tick them off as you go; your progress is saved on this device.
Saved on this device only.
Before you start work
Do these in your first weeks. Employers will ask for some of them on your first day.
Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
You need a SIN to work in Canada and to be paid. Apply online, by mail or at a Service Canada office; it is free. Give it to your employer only after you are hired.
Read the conditions on your work permit
Check the type of permit, its expiry date and any conditions. An employer-specific permit lets you work only for the employer named on it, and may limit the job and location. Permanent residents can work for any employer.
Open a bank account
Most employers pay by direct deposit. You have the right to open a personal bank account without a job or a deposit, as long as you show acceptable identification.
Apply for provincial or territorial health coverage
Each province and territory runs its own health insurance plan, with its own rules on who qualifies. Some have a waiting period for new residents, so apply as soon as you arrive and consider private insurance until you are covered.
Getting ready to apply
A few things that make Canadian employers more likely to call you back.
Write a Canadian-style résumé
One or two pages, most recent job first, with achievements rather than duties. Leave out your photo, date of birth, marital status and SIN.
Check whether your credentials need recognition
Some occupations, such as nursing, engineering, teaching and many skilled trades, are regulated: you need a licence or certificate from the provincial or territorial regulator to work in them. For other jobs, a credential assessment can help employers understand your education.
Get a Canadian phone number and a professional email
Employers call or text to arrange interviews and may not call an international number. Use an email address with your name in it, and check your voicemail.
Line up two or three references
Many Canadian employers phone references before they make an offer. Former managers abroad count. Volunteer work in Canada can also give you a local reference.
Finding work
Apply widely, and know how to spot a job offer that is not real.
Search for jobs and turn on alerts
Look for jobs near where you live or can travel to, and turn on alerts so you hear about new ones early. Many jobs on this site take applications directly.
Never pay for a job
A real employer does not charge you for a job offer, an LMIA or a work permit. Be wary of anyone who asks for money, your SIN or bank details before you are hired.
Check the offer before you accept
Ask for the pay, hours, start date and duties in writing. Compare the pay with what similar jobs pay, and make sure it is at least the minimum wage where you will work.
Your first job
Once you are hired, a few things to check in your first months.
Read your first pay stub
Your employer deducts income tax, Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) in Quebec, and Employment Insurance (EI) premiums. Check that your hours and rate are right.
Know your rights at work
Minimum wage, breaks, overtime, vacation pay and public holidays are set by the employment standards of your province or territory. Federally regulated workplaces, such as banks, airlines and interprovincial trucking, follow federal labour standards. These rights apply whatever your immigration status.
File a tax return each spring
File even if your income was low: it is how you get benefits and credits such as the GST/HST credit. Keep the T4 slip your employer gives you early in the year.
About this checklist
This is general information to help you plan, not legal or immigration advice. Rules differ by province and change over time, so check the official pages linked above for your situation. Canada Job Centre is an independent job board and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada.