Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We provide Orientation, Information, and Referrals related to Employment and Settlement in Canada.

"Knowledge is power" and together we are a powerful team!

Here, you'll learn about:

• Where to look for Labour Market Information
• How to conduct your job search
• How to structure your resume and cover letter
• What professional behaviour is expected from you in Canada
• How to prepare for an interview
• Where to find local resources
• Supported referrals to specific services
• Answers to questions about settlement and life in Canada
• ...And much more.

Your Employment and Information Specialist will provide information and referrals tailored to your occupation and industry.

We continually update our website with relevant information and resources that will help you conducting your job search.

Employment Information Specialists are Subject Matter Experts who will guide and support your job search and help you with researching and finding resources near you. They do not secure employment for you. They provide you with a resume critique, and tailored resources based on your short-term career goals and landing chosen location. They will, however, be able to suggest the right resources and services for your needs.

NIC Online services are provided free of cost to all eligible and registered clients.

NIC Online services are available as long as you meet the criteria (Permanent Resident or Conventional Refugee). Since this is a client driven referral, you can contact us any time you need a referral for a service, and we will guide you.

NIC Online provides online services, and the meetings are set up using Zoom. Our office is located in Mississauga, but we generally do not meet clients in person. We do however, make referrals to in person services that our clients can access locally.

We host a panel discussion with recruiters on a quarterly basis. This discussion panel gives you the opportunity to gain some insights into what Canadian Employers are seeking when hiring. Most Guest Panelists are open to being contacted afterward so this is a great way to grow your professional network in Canada.

Securing a job in Canada while living overseas can be a challenge because you are thousands of miles away and you cannot attend in-person interviews. Also, employers often want new hires to start working two weeks after they have accepted a job offer.

It will be easier for you to secure a job when you are physically in Canada because you will be accessible and available to them when they need you. Having said this, obtaining employment before landing in Canada it is not unheard of, and resilience is paramount during the job-hunting process.

Yes, we are connected with employers, but we are NOT a Recruitment Agency.

We provide the information and tools you'll need to find a job that suits your expectations and needs. This means that we will help you with your marketing tools, provide guidance and resources for you to practice your interview skills, and also refer you to specialists who can work with you to help you further. However, we are not a recruitment or temporary work agency and we will NOT get you a job.

• Get your Social Insurance Number (SIN)
• Apply for Health card (OHIP card)
• Apply for driver's license
• Apply for bank account
• Apply for child and family benefits

The cost of living in Ontario varies from location. Living in the heart of Toronto will cost more than living in smaller towns across the province. Some of the most affordable cities in Ontario include: Thunder Bay, Guelph, Kitchner-Waterloo, Kingston, and London. Canada Buzz has a great blog about the average cost of living in Ontario in 2020.

Settlement agencies provide support services for newcomers to Canada. These agencies provide information and assistance with getting your life started as a newcomer. NIC Online is here to support newcomers through virtual sessions and resources. Register now to access our services!

Settlement services are all across the province. Follow this link to find a settlement agency near you.

You have a few options here and make sure you understand the implications of your decision.

•  If you use a Canadian address, you may be invited to an in-person interview for the next business day.
• If you are applying for a position that is geographically far away from where you live, you may want to mention that you are willing to relocate in your cover letter.

Salaries depend greatly on the labour market. If there’s a shortage of labour and a high demand for your occupation, you may ask for a higher salary.

Some websites such as Glassdoor and Job Bank Canada provide average salaries for a wide range of occupations.

Your Salary expectation should be a range that is around average for your occupation, so do your research.

The minimum salary varies from one province to another. In some of them,  this minimum wage increases yearly based on the average of the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index.

Source: Government of Canada. Information retrieved December, 2020.

Your monthly expenses depend on many factors: the city you live in, housing type, where you shop, and your overall lifestyle. Here are some references:

• The cost of living in Toronto (Canada) is 59% more expensive than in Beijing (China)
• The cost of living in Toronto (Canada) is 181% more expensive than in Delhi (India)
• The cost of living in Toronto (Canada) is 79% more expensive than in Manila (Philippines)
• The cost of living in Toronto (Canada) is 5% cheaper than in Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

Source: https://www.expatistan.com. Information retrieved September, 2020.

Labour Market Information (LMI) is constantly changing. LMI sources include newspapers, the Job Bank Canada website, and Statistics Canada. You can also check this link: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/trend-analysis/search-occupations

Getting a new job takes time. Job searches can last anywhere from two days to over a year. The Canadian average duration of unemployment-period reported by Statistics Canada in the years between 2009-2019 has been from 15 weeks to 21.3 weeks.

There are many options to improve your English language skills before you come to Canada. Welcome to Ontario provides some option you may want to consider. You can also talk to the Employment and Information Specialist for local referrals to appropriate programs.