If you are an employer in London, there are a variety of resources available to help you find immigrant and newcomer talent. Whether you’re looking for a long-term employee, temporary worker, or skilled tradesperson, there are organizations that can work with you to fill positions and network with foreign job seekers.
Employer’s Roadmap to hiring and retaining internationally trained workers
The Employer's Roadmap to Hiring and Retaining International Workers, created by the Government of Canada, provides a full outline of the process for Canadian business owners to hire international talent. The website explains the different types of permits and immigration statuses that potential employees may hold and/or require to work in Canada, as well as tips and resources on how to find new employees. Learn about how to advertise open positions, including how to define language, credentials and certification, and essential skills requirements.
Resources for hiring a foreign worker
Organizations to help businesses find and hire immigrant and newcomer employees
WIL Employment Connections (WIL) is a non-profit community organization that has been providing quality employment support services and career development solutions to the London community since 1984. WIL offers programs and services specifically for newcomers and immigrants, including tips on how to search for jobs.
IMMPLOY Job Match provides employers across Southwestern Ontario coordinated access to qualified Canadian newcomer talent.
- Learn about employers seeking your skills
- Increase knowledge of regional labour markets
- Prepare for interviews and evaluate job offers
- Access Immploy Job Match Postings
Hire Immigrants is a global hub for employer best practices in immigrant employment. Learn to leverage immigrant talent, break down barriers and outdated hiring processes, network with key stakeholders, and explore resources, webinars, reports, and tools specifically created for employers. Access Hire Immigrants’ “Employer Guide to Hiring Newcomers” for even more information on how to get started, or improve existing practices.
Benefits of Hiring International Students
- Adaptability, perseverance and determination
- Proficient in multiple languages
- Courage to tackle the unknown
- High quality skills in leadership and independence
- Fresh perspective in the workplace
- Links to global markets
- Easier to attract and retain
- Cultural diversity shown to improve overall business performance and team dynamics
Frequently Asked Questions
Can international students work in Canada?
Yes! International students that are registered as a full-time student in a post-secondary program that is at least 6 months in duration are allowed to work on and off-campus:
- On-campus: There is no restriction on the number of hours.
- Off-campus: no more than 20 hours per week during their regular academic terms; Up to full-time while on a scheduled break, such as Christmas holidays, or between two programs (the student must have successfully completed their first program and will start their next program within 150 days).
Students who have successfully completed their program can also continue to work:
- 20 hours per week while waiting for the official documents to apply for their post-graduation work permit (PGWP) up until the date they receive their official graduation documents (official transcript with “graduated” status, and program completion letter);
- They may work full-time while the PGWP application is in process IF the PGWP application was submitted within 90 days from the program completion date and while the study permit was valid. Benefits of Hiring International Students
What type of work permit is required for international students to work in Canada?
To work on/off-campus, there is no separate work permit required. Students must provide proof that they are registered/enrolled as a full-time student in good standing (official transcript, verification of enrolment letter). In addition, the study permit must have the phrase “May accept employment on/off-campus…” printed on it.
To participate in a working component that is an essential part of the education program, such as co-op/internship/practicum/placement – paid or unpaid, a valid co-op work permit is required in addition to the study permit (the learning institution is usually listed as the employer). Students may work as many hours as required to fulfill the program requirements. However, the working component must be less than 50% of their program length.
What if I want to keep the students on part-time after their work term finishes?
You can! Please refer to the information above under the heading “Can international students work in Canada?”
How do I pay an International student?
The same as you would a domestic student! International students must apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) as part of their co-op work permit. The regulations for minimum wage and labour standards are the same for International students as they are for all Canadians.
Are international students qualified to work for my company?
Absolutely! International students often have excellent global experience as well as higher education credentials Also, international students must reach a certain level of English proficiency before they are able to enter a university or college program, so you can be assured that they are able to communicate and follow instructions in English.
What if I want to hire an international student after they graduate?
That’s great! Students may apply for a post-graduation work permit after graduation for up to three years in length as long as they have completed two years or more of full-time studies in Canada.
If they are successful in obtaining a post-graduation work permit, you can hire them as you would any other employee. If after that time you wish to keep them on, please refer to the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship of Canada’s website
For more information on hiring international students visit cic.gc.ca, ontarioimmigration.ca and tcu.gov.on.ca