How do I find a job in Canada? - Lead Stories - Jamaica Gleaner - Tuesday

How do I find a job in Canada? - Lead Stories - Jamaica Gleaner - Tuesday | January 29, 2013

Dear Miss Powell,

I would like to get a job in Canada, and one of my friends said that it would be best to contact you, a well-known lawyer, to help me instead of using the agencies here. I really don't trust those agencies as I hear so many horror stories. Can you help me to find a job and help me with my immigration papers?

- NB

Dear NB,

Lawyers are not recruitment agencies, so we do not find jobs for individuals. However, from time to time, we do assist our business clients with the preparation of job offers and contracts of employment. We also act as representatives for individuals and guide them through the immigration process.

My office is here to help people who are desirous of using a representative who has the experience of dealing with the immigration process. Some people may want to have the reassurance that their documentation is being prepared and monitored by a legal professional. We also represent persons who have difficulty qualifying without legal assistance, for example, where there is a medical or criminal inadmissibility issue.

It is not uncommon for people to contact recruitment agencies to help them to find jobs in Canada. However, be cautious about who you select to represent you as there have been several incidents of fraud with immigration agencies throughout the world. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has posted a 'fraud warning notice' on its website, and you should read it before you decide to choose an agency.

Before choosing an agency, investigate them. Do you know anyone who has had a successful case with them? Who are the people who form part of the management of the company? Is it a registered company? What qualifications do they have? What is their reputation? How long have they been in business? Do not just give your money to someone without checking the individual out thoroughly.

A legitimate foreign-worker recruiter is usually paid by the company that he represents, and you do not have to pay for the services. Some may charge you for assistance with preparation of your résumé and miscellaneous costs such as courier fees. Ensure that you are clear about what you are paying for in advance. Ensure that the fee for processing your visa is payable to CIC and not the agency.

Government website

There are several ways that you may go about seeking a job on your own. I would recommend that you explore the Canadian Government website: www.workingincanada.gc.ca. There are other useful websites that you can use that do not charge you for their services. Some websites give you the option to post your résumés and employers will contact you if they are interested.

Some companies in the mining, farming, hotel, and manufacturing fields, post job opportunities on their website. Check their websites and sign up for their job alert. You could also be proactive and send them your résumé. You may get the attention of the human resources manager.

After you have a job offer, you should contact a lawyer to assist you with reviewing the contract to ensure that your rights and interests are protected. You may also retain a lawyer to represent you in the application for your work permit or permanent residency and to do an assessment of whether or not you qualify under one of the categories.

When choosing a lawyer, you should also check to see if the person is a member of a law society or legal council in good standing and has experience dealing with immigration law. Feel free to contact my office if you would like to retain my services!

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator, and notary public who is a member of the Jamaican and Ontario, Canada bars, with office located in Ottawa, Ontario. Her areas of practice are immigration, real estate, commercial, personal injury, family, and administration of estates. Email: info@deidrepowell.com. Subject line: Immigration or telephone 613-695-8777; fax 613-695-8778.

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