Can I look for a job in Canada with a tourist visa?

Canada has different visas that it offers those who want to come into the country – the visit type you will apply for depends on the purpose of your visit.

If you’re coming for fun or family visits, you will get a Tourist Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV) that lasts up to six months, but you can’t work with it.

Business Visitor Visas are for business-related activities, like meetings, also with a six-month duration and no work allowed.

Also read: How do I correct a mistake on my UK visa application after submission?

You are only allowed to work in Canada if you obtain a work visa or any other visa with work permissions.

Working in Canada without a visa with work permission is against the country’s immigration policy and will only get you kicked out.

Also read: disadvantages of studying in Australia for international students

But, how about, entering the country under a visitor visa (which does not grant you work permissions) and deciding to look for a job in the hope of transitioning to a visa with work permissions?

Also read: Can international student work full-time in Canada?

If you are planning to visit Canada under a visitor visa but wish to transition to a work visa before the end of your stay, here are your chances.

Also read: How to avoid Canada student visa refusal

Can I look for a job in Canada with a tourist visa?

Even though your tourist visa doesn’t allow you to work in Canada, you can make the most of your time here by engaging in activities that will pave the way for future job opportunities for you – through this way, you can get a job and transition to a visa that has work permission.

These activities include networking, informational interviews, and attending job fairs.

Building a professional network during your stay in Canada can be invaluable when you later apply for work permits or permanent residency.

How you can look for a job in Canada with a tourist visa

Here are some ways you can explore job opportunities in Canada with a tourist visa:

• Networking

This is one of the best ways to get around any country’s job market – Networking is a powerful tool in any job search.

Also read: What are the requirements for a study permit in Canada?

While on a tourist visa, you can attend industry events, seminars, and workshops to connect with professionals in your field.

In addition, you can utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to reach out to Canadian professionals, express your interest, and request informational interviews – all while on a tourist visa.

With a strong professional network, you can open doors to potential job opportunities while you are still enjoying your leisure time in Canada.

• Informational interviews

To take your search to the next level, you can make use of the connections you have built from your networking activities.

Engage and conduct informational interviews with professionals in your industry to learn more about the Canadian job market.

Also read: Is life easy for international students in Canada

Remember, your target is to get a job offer before your visit ends

Use these interviews to gain insights into the industry, understand the skills employers value the most, and establish connections that will lead to job opportunities before your stay ends.

• You can search for jobs on job boards

With your tourist visa, you are not allowed to work but you can search for jobs especially when the search is online.

Also read: Benefits of studying in the USA for international students

Use online tools and resources to your advantage, you can use online job boards such as Indeed, Workopolis, and Glassdoor to find job listings in your field.

Also read: How can I get a scholarship to study in Canada

Tailor your resume to meet Canadian standards, and customize your cover letter for each application – it is proof that you are genuinely interested in the position and the company.

• Attend job fairs and networking events

Many cities in Canada host job fairs and networking events where employers actively seek potential candidates.

You can attend these events to meet employers face-to-face, distribute your resume, and gain insights into the local job market.

Engaging with employers in person can leave a lasting impression and increase your chances of being considered for future opportunities.

Engaging in job fairs and networking activities while on a tourist visa is not against immigration policies in Canada – as long as you don’t start working.

• Hook up with professional associations

This is another great way to explore job opportunities in Canada while on a tourist visa.

Join professional associations related to your field in Canada. Attend their events, participate in discussions, and connect with industry professionals.

Also read: How is life in Canada for immigrants

Being a part of these associations will give you valuable insights and contacts within your specific industry.

These contacts can give you a job offer.

• Make use of forums

You can also join online platforms and forums related to your profession in Canada.

Participate in discussions, ask questions, and seek advice from professionals already working in the country.

These platforms can give you valuable information about Canada’s job market and where you can find potential opportunities that will eventually land you a job.

• Do volunteer work

This doesn’t work all the time but it can be a great option if you find the right volunteer work.

Also read: How to survive as an international student in the UK

Consider engaging in volunteer work related to your field. While you may not be able to earn a salary, volunteering allows you to gain Canadian work experience, expand your network, and demonstrate your skills to potential employers.

It can also be a pathway to securing paid employment later on.

• Language courses and further education

You can also enrol in language courses or short-term educational programs related to your field.

This will not only enhance your skills but also provide opportunities to network with professors, classmates, and professionals in the industry, potentially leading to job referrals.

• Understand the various pathways to work permits in Canada

If you wish to work in Canada, you need to know how to achieve that, study the various pathways that could lead to work permits and know which one you easily qualify for.

Programs like the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP) offer routes to legal employment in Canada.

Also read: How to cancel Thai Airways flight

Know the eligibility criteria and requirements for these programs.

If you find the immigration and job search process overwhelming, you can consider seeking professional advice from immigration consultants or employment agencies.

They will guide you through the legal aspects and offer you personalized advice based on your specific situation.

Conclusion 

Canada’s tourist visa also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is intended for individuals planning to visit Canada for leisure, tourism, or family visits.

It does not grant the holder the right to work in the country.

Working without the appropriate authorization is strictly prohibited and can lead to severe consequences, including deportation and future entry bans.

Also read: What happens if an international student comes to Canada and works illegally?

However, while on a tourist visa in Canada, you can use this opportunity to engage in networking activities that can get you a job.

Once you have a job offer, you can work your way to transition to a work visa through the proper channel.