Canada is one of the world's richest countries. Recognized as the second biggest country in terms of land area, Canada's economy has been rapidly expanding these recent years. Because of this, the country boasts of a continuously lowering overall unemployment rate. Alberta has the lowest unemployment percentage of only 3.6% while Newfoundland and Labrador have the highest at 14.6%. The most prominent industries of Canada include oil, logging, mining, manufacturing, and service; with the last one being the largest among them all. Canada's service industry is comprised of ¾ Canadians and ¼ foreign workers. 

Working in Canada

Moving to Canada

Approximately 90% of all skilled workers who apply for jobs in Canada are successful. If you happen to become a part of the percentage in the future, you might want to know some information about the country beforehand. Immigrants from tropical countries should be prepared to battle colder climates since temperatures in Canada are usually low. The country ensures health care of legal employees which works to your advantage. Another thing you should probably get used to are the large amounts of empty spaces since Canada is a large country. If you think you would feel more comfortable if people from your own culture are nearby, try Canada's largest urban areas where cultures are usually diverse.

Job Prospects in Canada

Currently, prospective jobs for immigrants include those in their largest sectors of oil and logging. Skilled workers are very welcome to work in the country though their benefits are less than those of natives.

Typical Salaries and Benefits in Canada

The average annual salary in Canada is around $55263 (Canadian dollars). Bonuses are usually at the $3,331 mark. Employees work at an average of 44 hours a week and enjoy a paid vacation of up to three and a half weeks. Job benefits of workers include health care, training reimbursements, and paid training periods for novices among others.

Basic Data on Taxes in Canada

Taxes in Canada are not based on citizenship but rather on residency. Non-residents of Canada are only required to pay taxes on what they earn inside the country. Citizens who are currently non-residents are not obliged to pay taxes for their international earnings. Residents are taxed on the income they generate from their international resources though they are allowed to establish offshore trust funds which could serve as a Canadian tax shelter. This could be beneficial for those who are planning to become permanent residents since it would lead to elimination of Canadian taxes for five years. During the course of those years, you would be allowed to apply for Canadian citizenship and hence not be charged taxes on international income.

High Demand Jobs in Canada

Skilled workers currently have the highest demand in the country. Most are usually in the construction and machinery industries. Some of these include project superintendents, construction laborers, carpenters, machinists, technicians, mechanics, mechanical engineers, and heavy equipment operators among hundreds of other skilled laborer positions. Certain jobs in the agriculture sectors are also in high demand. These include grain and hog farm workers, farm laborers, and truck drivers. There is also an increase in demand for Information Technology jobs such as C or C++ programmers, Windows developers, web and MS SQL programmers, animation effects creators and editors together with software designers and engineers. Health care workers such as nurses and doctors are in high demand, though immigrants are required to take an equivalency test in order to get a license to practice.

Immigration and Visa Issues in Canada

If you are recruited by a Canadian firm, you will be given a temporary worker's permit which only lasts until you are working for the company that had sponsored you. After some time, you will be eligible to apply for a Canadian working Visa. If your potential employer is a member of the Provincial Nominee program, they could sponsor you for a Canada permanent Visa. All applicants and their families are required to go through medical examinations and must have built strong character trust along with the evidence that they had abided by Canadian laws. Self-employed entrepreneurs are welcome to apply for Canada's business Visa. 

Best Job Locations in Canada

The best places to look for work in Canada are those with the highest employment rates such as Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Alberta, Manitoba, and British Columbia. Newfoundland, Saskwatchewan and Labrador are areas with high unemployment rates.

Find Jobs via Websites in Canada

http://www.jobpostcanada.com
A directory for available jobs in Canada
http://www.workopolis.com
Over 5,000 job leads available in this web site
http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/Intro_en.aspx
A job site where you can post your resume and search employers
http://www.monster.ca/
Another web site where you can place your resume and search for employers
http://www.jobfutures.ca/
A web site providing information for jobs in Canada in English and French
http://www.jobs-emplois.gc.ca/menu/home_e.htm
A job site by the Public Service Commission of Canada