Jobs for Newcomers & Immigrants in Toronto

Starting Your Job Search in Canada

Moving to a new country is one of the most significant life changes a person can make, and finding work quickly is almost always the top priority. If you have recently arrived in Toronto as a newcomer, immigrant, refugee, or international worker, understanding how the Canadian job market works will help you avoid common pitfalls and start earning sooner. The good news is that the Rexdale and Etobicoke area is one of the best places in the GTA for newcomers to find employment, thanks to its concentration of warehouses, factories, restaurants, and service businesses that hire year-round.

The Canadian job market differs from many other countries in several important ways. Networking and referrals play a significant role in hiring, so connecting with your local community and settlement agencies is essential. Resumes in Canada follow a specific format that emphasizes skills and accomplishments rather than personal details like age, marital status, or a photo. Job interviews tend to be conversational and focus on behavioural questions about how you have handled situations in the past. Understanding these norms gives you an immediate advantage.

One of the most important things newcomers should know is that requiring "Canadian experience" as a job qualification is a violation of the Ontario Human Rights Code. The Ontario Human Rights Commission has explicitly stated that employers cannot use lack of Canadian experience as a reason to reject a candidate. Your international work experience is valid, and any employer who insists otherwise is acting contrary to Ontario law. If you encounter this barrier, you can file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario.

Before you begin applying for jobs, make sure you have completed these essential steps: apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) at a Service Canada office, which you need before any employer can legally pay you; open a Canadian bank account so you can receive direct deposit paycheques; get a Canadian phone number so employers can reach you for interviews; and familiarize yourself with Canadian workplace culture, including punctuality expectations, workplace safety standards, and your rights under Ontario employment law.

Jobs Commonly Available for Newcomers

The following job types are among the most accessible for newcomers and immigrants in Toronto. These roles typically do not require Canadian experience, offer on-the-job training, and have a high volume of openings throughout the year in the Rexdale and Etobicoke area.

Free Settlement & Employment Services in Rexdale

One of the greatest advantages of living in Rexdale and Etobicoke as a newcomer is access to an extensive network of free settlement and employment services. These organizations are funded by the federal and provincial governments to help permanent residents, refugees, and protected persons integrate into Canadian society and find work. All services listed below are provided at no cost to eligible newcomers.

Rexdale Community Hub

Located in the heart of the neighbourhood, the Rexdale Community Hub is a one-stop resource centre for newcomers. Services include job search workshops, resume writing and review in multiple languages, interview preparation and mock interviews, computer literacy training, connections to local employers who are actively hiring, and referrals to other settlement services. The Hub also hosts regular job fairs and information sessions on topics like workplace rights and financial literacy.

COSTI Immigrant Services

COSTI is one of Ontario's largest immigrant-serving organizations and has been helping newcomers find employment for over 60 years. Their services include one-on-one employment counselling, sector-specific job training programs, language assessment and referral to LINC (Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada) classes, credential recognition guidance, and mentorship programs that connect newcomers with established professionals in their field. COSTI has multiple locations across Toronto, including offices accessible to Rexdale and Etobicoke residents.

Polycultural Immigrant and Community Services

Polycultural provides comprehensive settlement support including employment workshops, career mentorship, job placement assistance, and sector bridging programs. They specialize in helping newcomers navigate the gap between their international qualifications and Canadian labour market expectations. Their counsellors speak multiple languages and understand the unique challenges faced by different newcomer communities.

YMCA Employment Services

The YMCA of Greater Toronto runs several employment programs specifically designed for newcomers, including sector-specific job training, paid work placements, and ongoing career coaching. Their programs cover industries like hospitality, construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, with a focus on getting newcomers into stable, full-time employment. YMCA locations in the Etobicoke area offer convenient access for Rexdale residents.

Albion Neighbourhood Services

Based in the Rexdale community, Albion Neighbourhood Services provides one-on-one employment support, help with resume and cover letter preparation, access to job listings, and referrals to training programs. They also offer community programs that help newcomers build social connections, which is important for both wellbeing and job networking in Canada.

Toronto Employment & Social Services (TESS)

The City of Toronto's employment and social services offices provide job search resources, career counselling, and may offer financial assistance (Ontario Works) while you are looking for work. TESS can also connect you with subsidized childcare, transit support, and other services that remove barriers to employment. Newcomers who are eligible for Ontario Works can receive income support, employment-related benefits, and health coverage while they search for work.

Getting Your Foreign Credentials Recognized

If you have professional qualifications, degrees, or trade certificates from your home country, getting them recognized in Ontario is an important step toward working in your field in Canada. The process varies depending on whether your profession is regulated or unregulated.

Academic Credential Assessment (WES)

World Education Services (WES) is the most widely used credential evaluation service in Canada. A WES Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) compares your international degrees, diplomas, and certificates to Canadian educational standards. Many employers, professional regulatory bodies, and immigration programs (including Express Entry) require or accept a WES evaluation. The process typically takes 20-35 business days and costs approximately $200-300 CAD. You will need to send your original academic transcripts and degree certificates directly from your issuing institution to WES.

Regulated Professions

In Ontario, approximately 20% of occupations are regulated, meaning you need a licence or certificate from a professional regulatory body to legally practise. Common regulated professions include nursing (College of Nurses of Ontario), engineering (Professional Engineers Ontario), teaching (Ontario College of Teachers), medicine (College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario), accounting (CPA Ontario), and skilled trades like electrician and plumber (Ontario College of Trades). Each regulatory body has its own recognition process, which may include exams, bridging courses, supervised practice, and language proficiency tests.

Bridging Programs

Ontario colleges and universities offer bridging programs specifically designed to help internationally trained professionals meet Canadian licensing requirements. Humber College, George Brown College, Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University), and York University all offer bridging programs in fields such as nursing, engineering technology, business, early childhood education, and social work. These programs are shorter and less expensive than starting a Canadian degree from scratch, and many are eligible for OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) funding.

Ontario Fairness Commissioner

The Office of the Ontario Fairness Commissioner oversees the registration practices of Ontario's regulated professions to ensure they are transparent, objective, impartial, and fair. If you believe the credential recognition process for your profession is unfair or discriminatory, you can raise your concerns with the Fairness Commissioner. Their office also publishes guides and resources to help newcomers understand the licensing process for their specific profession.

Unregulated Professions

The majority of occupations in Canada are unregulated, meaning you do not need a licence to work in them. For unregulated professions such as IT, marketing, project management, administrative support, retail management, and many others, you can present your international education and experience directly to employers. A WES evaluation is still helpful for demonstrating the Canadian equivalency of your credentials, but it is not legally required. Focus on tailoring your resume to the Canadian format and highlighting transferable skills.

Language Programs & ESL for Job Seekers

Strong English language skills are one of the most important factors in finding and keeping a good job in Toronto. Fortunately, there are numerous free and low-cost language training options available to newcomers in the Rexdale and Etobicoke area.

LINC Classes (Free for Permanent Residents)

Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) is a federally funded program that provides free English language training to adult permanent residents and convention refugees. LINC classes are offered at multiple levels from beginner to advanced and are available at community centres, schools, and colleges across Toronto. Many LINC providers in the Rexdale area offer childcare during class hours. Classes focus on practical communication skills including workplace English, reading and writing for daily life, and understanding Canadian culture and systems.

ESL at Humber College

Humber College's North Campus in Rexdale offers English as a Second Language (ESL) programs ranging from basic communication skills to academic-level English. These programs can prepare newcomers for college-level education, professional certification programs, or employment in fields that require stronger English proficiency. Some ESL programs are offered at reduced cost or free for eligible newcomers through government funding.

Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT)

Occupation-Specific Language Training (OSLT) programs are designed for internationally trained professionals who need to develop the English language skills required for their specific profession in Canada. OSLT programs are available for healthcare professionals, engineers, IT workers, financial professionals, and other regulated and skilled occupations. These programs combine language instruction with workplace culture training and profession-specific terminology, helping newcomers bridge the gap between their qualifications and Canadian workplace expectations.

English Conversation Circles at Libraries

Toronto Public Library branches, including the Rexdale, Albion, and Humber Bay branches, offer free English conversation circles where newcomers can practise speaking English in a relaxed, supportive environment. These informal sessions are led by volunteers and are open to all skill levels. Conversation circles are an excellent way to build confidence, improve pronunciation, and meet other newcomers in your community. Check your local library's event calendar for schedules.

Your Work Authorization in Canada

Before you can start working in Canada, you need to understand your work authorization status and what documents employers will expect to see. The type of work authorization you hold determines what kind of jobs you can accept and whether there are any restrictions on your employment.

Types of Work Authorization

• Permanent Resident (PR) Card: As a permanent resident, you have the right to work for any employer in Canada without restrictions. Your PR card serves as proof of your status. You can work full-time, part-time, or be self-employed in any occupation.
• Open Work Permit: An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada. These are issued to certain categories of workers including spouses of skilled workers or international students, post-graduation work permit holders, and some refugee claimants. You do not need a specific job offer to use an open work permit.
• Employer-Specific Work Permit: This type of work permit ties you to a specific employer, job location, and duration. You can only work for the employer listed on your permit. If you want to change employers, you must apply for a new work permit. Check the conditions on your permit carefully.
• Refugee Claimant Document: Refugee claimants can apply for an open work permit while their claim is being processed by the Immigration and Refugee Board. Once approved, the work permit allows you to work for any employer. Processing times vary, but you can begin working as soon as you receive your work permit.
• Student Work Permit: International students with a valid study permit from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) can work up to 20 hours per week during regular academic sessions and full-time during scheduled breaks. Co-op and internship work permits are available for programs that require work placements.

Getting Your SIN (Social Insurance Number)

Your Social Insurance Number (SIN) is required before any employer can legally hire and pay you in Canada. Apply in person at any Service Canada office. Bring your immigration documents (PR card, work permit, refugee claim document, or study permit) and one piece of government-issued photo ID. There is no fee for a SIN application, and you will typically receive your number on the same day. If you have an employer-specific work permit, your SIN will start with the number 9 and will have an expiry date matching your work permit.

What to Bring When Starting a New Job

When you start a new job in Canada, employers will typically ask for your SIN number, one or two pieces of government-issued photo ID (PR card, work permit, passport, or provincial photo ID), your banking information for direct deposit (a void cheque or a direct deposit form from your bank), and your contact information including a Canadian phone number and email address. For warehouse and construction jobs, you will also need CSA-approved safety boots. Having these items ready before your first day makes the onboarding process smooth and shows your employer that you are organized and prepared.