Recruit internationally trained workers

Recruit workers in B.C.

First, look for internationally trained workers here in British Columbia. Immigrants, students and temporary foreign workers may be here and looking for work.

• You can also post jobs and find talent by using WorkBC’s job board.
• Read about the benefits of the WorkBC job board in 14 languages. 
• Immigrant settlement agencies help newcomers connect with employers.
• The Immigrant Employment Council of BC works to integrate immigrants into British Columbia’s labour market.

Recruit workers overseas

Recruiting employees from overseas and helping them immigrate to Canada can be complex and time-consuming.

Talk to knowledgeable staff from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to get realistic expectations about the recruitment and immigration processes and timeline. See the information pages on hiring and retaining foreign workers.

The Immigrant Employment Council of BC offers employer tools and resources to hire workers overseas, as well as immigrants already in B.C.

Hiring steps

When you hire internationally trained workers, you may need to adapt your usual hiring processes, particularly if you are hiring workers who are not permanent residents of Canada.

The Roadmap offers a step-by-step interactive guide to building a recruitment strategy by Hire Immigrants, which supports investment in immigrant talent.

• If the worker you plan to hire is not a Canadian resident, the worker will need to apply to work in Canada, either as part of the Express Entry system or through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
• When you recruit workers overseas, refer to:
  • the National Occupational Classification (NOC) that candidates will use to apply for immigration
  • WelcomeBC Career Profiles that describe how a job is performed in Canada
• Post your job on WorkBC’s Job Board. Learn the advantages of this free job board and find out how it can help you expand your workforce.
  • Essential Skills Profiles describe the occupation and the required essential skills.

Check resumes and credentials

Ask job candidates to provide electronic contact information so that you can get in touch with educational institutions, former employers and references. Request a telephone number, email addresses, website and, if possible, an online video chat address such as a Skype ID.

Use these resources to evaluate a resume from another country:

• Hire Immigrant Talent – Check out the resources from the Immigrant Employment Council of BC, including the Resume Review Centre.
• Hire Immigrants – Find resources to help employers assess and select internationally trained workers.

Use these resources to evaluate professional credentials from another country:

• British Columbia Regulatory Authorities – Find the organizations that regulate various professions and trades.
• International Credential Evaluation Service – Use the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s service to evaluate foreign credentials.