Getting Work Experience as a Student
Four Ways to Immigrate to Canada
- Immigrating as a Foreign-Trained Professional
- As a Foreign Student Graduating from a Canadian Program with Canadian Work Experience
- Being Sponsored as a Family Member
- The Quebec Option
Canadian Experience Class
One of the Best Ways to Enter Canada
What does "Experience Class" mean?
It means that you first come to Canada as a foreign student, and spend time in school getting trained, and working as part of your program, at a Canadian Educational Institution. After or during the time you are attending school in Canada, you apply for entry into Canada under the Canadian Experience Class option. Of course, it is wise to begin this process while you are a student, so you have time to get accepted.
Why wouldn't I get trained in my own country first, and then apply to Canada as a skilled professional?
If you were considering getting trained in your native country, right now, in order to get into Canada, you might like to reconsider this option. Foreign-Trained Professionals have not fared well, in the Canadian workplace. In many professions, it is very difficult to have foreign education recognized in Canada. You may have to repeat the same things you studied in a Canadian program. Avoid this waste of time and money, and get Canadian qualifications after you arrive.
The best way to get around the dilemma that foreign-trained professionals have been encountering, is to come to Canada as a student and get trained here.
- You then graduate on an equal footing with Canadians in terms of finding work.
- Your instructors will help you in getting licensed by your association.
- You will get a Canadian work history to put on your resume.
- You will have a much easier time getting a job with Canadian qualifications and work experience.
Important:Be very careful which programs you apply to. Be sure there is a strong work experience component included. Some schools offer 3 weeks. Try to find schools that offer at least 3 months experience or more. All schools are aware of how important work experience is. You have to do the research, through interviewing them and asking questions, to find the ones that offer more work experience.
News Release
Scholarships for International Students
How do you get on the Experience Class route to Canada?
You apply to a Government run trade school or professional school - it's best to look for government programs with a work experience built in.
- Choosing a School, College or UniversityA Note on Private Schools
Private schools have been known to close unexpectedly, leaving students without any qualifications, and unable to get their money back. This is a fact of life. Private schools are run as businesses. And when the business is facing bankruptcy, students can't rely on the business to protect their best interests.
Tips on Being Prepared
Aim to get into at least a one year or longer co-op or internship program - don't be seduced by 6 month programs that can't get you certified and have very limited work practice options. You need to be certified to practice in your field or it will be difficult to impossible to get hired. You need a substantial work experience component as part of your program, or you are wasting your time.
It is important that you do your research on the schools and programs that are available. For information on approved programs being offered at Canadian schools and universities
- Choosing a School, College or UniversityAll government programs should provide an opportunity for a work practicum or internship during the program, so you get Canadian experience. Try to get at least one-third of the program as work-experience.
The Benefits of Taking the Experience Class Route to enter Canada.
During your program you will become familiar with Canadian society and how it works.
- You will have the help of instructors who are interested in guiding you.
- You will be getting Canadian Qualifications and experience.
- While you are studying as a full-time student at a government institution, your spouse may apply to work in Canada.
- You will be able to orient yourself to the Canadian Way of Life, and make new friends through work and school.
Getting Your Work Permit
Please note. Apply for a work permit before you arrive. As a student with a work permit, you may also apply to work in jobs outside of your program, on campus - this will give you extra work experience.
Work Permits for StudentsWork Permits for Your Spouse or Partner
Be sure you get all your work permits before you arrive. It takes time to get these. You don't want any problems getting work permits after you arrive. Never let your permits expire, or you will have to leave Canada.
Note: You must apply for a work permit to participate in the work component of these programs, and so that your spouse can work while you are in school. For more on getting your work permits see: Permits for Work Co-op and Internship ProgramsUsing this option allows you, when you are ready, to apply to immigrate to Canada under The Canadian Experience Class.
Key Websites
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Studying in Canada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/faq/study/index.asp
Searching the Programs in Canada
Choosing a School, College or University in Canada
Who can Apply, How to Apply, After Applying
- Using the Canadian Class Experience Route
www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/cec/index.asp
Studying in Canada
www.cic.gc.ca/english/study/index.asp
The Working In Canada Tool
The The Working in Canada Tool can help you to decide where to live and work, and what kinds of jobs are out there. It's important to find the right job for you. It's a mistake to train in something just to get into a program. Think long-term. You want a program that will set you up for a lasting long-term job.
With this tool you can generate your own report on job descriptions, wages, skill requirements, language training and job opportunities based on the occupations you choose. Generate as many reports as you want. Look at many different types of work that interest you.
By using this tool you can research different occupations and different locations to work in Canada. It will help you make decisions that are right for you and your family.
How to use the Working in Canada tool
Direct Link to the tool itself
THE QUEBEC OPTION
There is another route to enter Canada, which French speakers and others may want to look into.
It is through the French-speaking province of Quebec which has its own rules and regulations.
For information on the Quebec Option:
Be Careful of Immigration Fraud
You don't need to pay anyone to get you into Canada. Things don't work that way in Canada. It's all done by the legal route. Always be honest and straight with the government of Canada. Go by the regulations. Watch this video of what happened to this family.
Becoming Canadian: Combatting Immigration FraudMore Information on Scams
Remember
- You do not need anyone to act as a mediator to go between you and the government of Canada.
- You yourself, can fill out the forms that you find on the government websites.
- No special consideration is given to the file of an applicant who uses the services of an immigration intermediary.
- You can save a lot of time, and money by filling out the forms yourself. That way you are sure that your application will get into the right hands.
- And the government will correspond directly with you.
