What to Prepare for a Short-to-Medium Term Job in Canada (Taiwan Edition)
Assuming that the relevant work permits and necessary visa applications have already been approved, the next step in your preparation for a short-to-medium term job in Canada is crucial. Whether it’s shortening your adaptation period, finding a job quickly, or preparing for future studies and potential permanent residency, thorough preparation beforehand can lay a strong foundation for your success in Canada. Document preparation plays a pivotal role in this process. It is recommended to directly apply for documents in English or French, depending on the requirement. If translation is needed, it must be certified by a court or public notary to ensure legal validity. Additionally, it is essential to prepare both digital and physical copies of all documents to prevent issues if any documents are lost or damaged.
Preparing for a Shorter Adaptation Period
- Prepare Sufficient Cash for Living Expenses
- Before your arrival in Canada, make sure you have enough cash saved up to cover at least a year’s worth of basic living expenses. This will help ensure a smoother transition and will allow you to focus on settling into your new life without worrying about financial pressures.
- Open a Foreign Exchange Account
If you plan to live in Canada for an extended period or make frequent transfers, it is advisable to open a foreign exchange account and ensure it is properly set up. Be sure to confirm the procedures and regulations for:
- Receiving Foreign Remittances: Understand how money transfers will be received and the related fees or requirements.
- Sending Foreign Remittances: Learn about the procedures and regulations for transferring money back to your home country.
4. Obtain an International Driver’s License and Car Insurance Records
If you plan to drive in Canada, apply for an international driver’s license and ensure you have a clean driving record. If you plan on purchasing a vehicle, also prepare records of your vehicle insurance claims history to facilitate the process.
Preparing for Employment or Integrating into the Workplace
If your primary goal is to work or integrate into the Canadian job market, preparing the following documents in English or having their certified translations will be beneficial:
- Professional Certifications
If your field requires specific professional certifications, obtain these certificates and have them translated into English. This will improve your credibility and help you gain recognition in the job market.
- National Examination or Qualification Documents
If your profession requires passing a national exam or obtaining certain qualifications, make sure you have these documents ready in English. This will facilitate your job search and make it easier for potential employers to assess your qualifications.
- Language Proficiency Proof
Canada requires a certain level of language proficiency, particularly in English (e.g., IELTS-General) or French (e.g., CELPIP-General). Providing proof of language proficiency will help boost your chances of finding a job, especially for positions requiring strong language skills.
- Resume Adjustments
Modify your resume to match Canadian standards. This may involve formatting changes and focusing on the aspects of your experience that are most relevant to the Canadian job market, improving your chances of securing employment.
Preparing for Future Studies and Permanent Residency
If you are considering further studies or potentially applying for permanent residency in the future, preparing the following documents will be useful:
- Educational Documents
Apart from third-party credential evaluations, you should also prepare your diploma, transcripts, and course syllabi if available. These documents will be required for school applications and immigration processes.
- Police Clearance Certificate
Canada has strict requirements regarding criminal records. Be sure to obtain a police clearance certificate to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for immigration or student visa applications.
- Immigration and Travel Records
If you have lived in any other countries for more than 180 days after the age of 18 or within the last 10 years, you will need to provide relevant immigration and travel records. These will be important for background checks during immigration processing.
- Identity Documents
Prepare scanned copies of your birth certificate, national ID, and passport (especially pages used in the past 10 years). These are essential for both study and immigration applications.
- Financial Proof
In addition to bank statements, it’s advisable to provide proof of income tax filings for the last 10 years, which can help demonstrate your financial stability.
- Language Proficiency Proof
Language proficiency tests such as IELTS-General/Academic or CELPIP-General will be required for both academic and immigration purposes.
- Employment Documents
If applicable, prepare employment verification documents, such as offer letters, job contracts, or payslips, especially for positions held within the past 10 years after reaching the age of 18. These documents can significantly impact your immigration and educational applications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is crucial to prepare all necessary documents in advance and have them translated and notarized to ensure they are legally valid in Canada. Whether you are applying directly for English or French documents or translating documents, proper preparation will help you avoid unnecessary delays. Additionally, remember to keep both digital and physical copies of all important documents to ensure you have access to them when needed. Such thorough preparation will not only make your adaptation to Canadian life easier but also provide you with a strong foundation for future academic pursuits and the potential transition to permanent residency.
