Working in B.C.

Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants helps professionals use their skills, training, and international qualifications for work in B.C. They can help you get jobs that match your experience and background. They also offer:

• job-related language training
• career planning and coaching
• assessment (checking) of credentials and experience
• help communicating with regulatory authorities
• referrals to employers and mentors
• financial help (money) to pay for professional training or licences
• Canadian work experience opportunities

If your occupation is not practised in B.C. or your qualifications are not recognized in B.C., Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants can help you find other options. 

In Canada, a Social Insurance Number (SIN) is a 9-digit number issued by the federal government. You will need a SIN to work, be paid, or access specific government programs and benefits. You can apply for a SIN online.

Your SIN is confidential (private). Learn how to protect your SIN. 

Some jobs in B.C. are regulated. This means people need special education and training to do them. People also need to prove that they have the required skills and training. This is called certification. There are other words that mean “certified”. These include “authorized”, “designated”, “licensed”, “member”, or “registered”.

If you want to work in a regulated job, you will need to show that your education meets the requirements in British Columbia. You will need to have your certification checked. You may also need to get more education or training to work in a regulated profession here.

Credential recognition process

You must check if you need to be certified for work in B.C. if you:

• went to university
• went to college
• had an apprenticeship
• completed a certificate, diploma, or degree related to your work
• registered to use a professional title or designation
• needed a licence, registration, or certification for your past work

Step 1: Find out if you need to get certified

1. Go to jobbank.gc.ca
2. Click “career planning”, then click “job profiles”.
3. Type the name of your job. You will see a list of jobs. Choose the job name that is most like yours.
4. Next, choose the area: “Province of British Columbia”. Click “search”.
5. Under a job’s name, click “requirements”.
6. Check the “professional certification and licensing” section. You may see a link called “regulatory body” (also called “regulatory authority”). This is the office that makes the certification rules. Click the link to find information about getting certified.
7. The job bank will say if your occupation is regulated in B.C.

It can be hard to compare jobs in different countries. They may have the same name but have different duties. A job that doesn’t need certification in other countries may need certification in Canada. It can also be different depending on what part of Canada you are in or who you work for.

Step 2: Apply to get certified for your occupation

To get certified, you must apply to the correct regulatory authority. Here is a list of regulatory authorities in B.C. The regulatory authority’s website usually tells you how to apply for certification. You will need to send official documents from your country. You should start your application as early as you can. Some regulatory authorities will allow you to apply before you come to Canada. If not, you should apply as soon as you arrive.

• Carefully read about registration and joining (membership) on the website.
• Contact the regulatory authority by phone or email. Ask about your international documents and training.
• Prepare your documents for the application. Talk to the regulatory authority before translating or assessing your documents. The authority may have rules about where to go for this service.
• Ask if you need to take an exam or provide a reference from your previous employer.
• Collect the money to pay the costs. It may cost hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars. If you don’t have enough money, you may be able to get a low-interest loan to help you pay the fees.

These programs provide financial help:

• The Career Paths for Skilled Immigrants program offers financial help to pay for training or licences. 
• Several organizations offer low-interest loans to pay for foreign credential recognition:
  • SUCCESS 
  • PICS 
  • ISSBC

Step 3: Wait for the results of your certification

Each regulatory authority has its own licensing requirements. They may ask for different documents for your application. Regulatory authorities can ask for:

• Transcripts (a record of your courses and grades) from the university or institution where you trained for your profession. If your regulatory authority requires transcripts, ask how they would like to receive these documents.
• Exam results to show your knowledge in your profession. Ask your regulatory authority which exams you need to take, when the exam is offered, and if there is a study guide. Some regulatory authorities work with third-party assessors. You may need to take an exam from another organization as part of your application process.
• English language test results that show your English language skills.
• Some regulatory authorities can ask for Canadian work experience. If your regulatory authority requires you to show you have Canadian work experience, talk to them about how you can do this.

It may take several months to gather the materials for your application and wait for the results. Completing your application can be the longest part of the process. After you submit your application, there may still be more to do. The regulatory authority may:

• contact your references and past employers to check your experience
• require you to complete an assessment of your job-related skills
• interview you
• ask you for more documents or information

If your regulatory authority is under the International Credentials Recognition Act, it can tell you how long the assessment process usually takes.

You must receive your certification before you can be hired and begin work in most regulated occupations in B.C.

Step 4: Take additional training if needed

You may need to take more training to work in a certified industry in B.C. This is called “upgrading”, “bridge training”, or “bridging”. Ask your regulatory authority if you need to take an upgrading or bridging program.

Colleges and universities have career training and upgrading programs. You can search EducationPlannerBC for career training programs in B.C.

If you find a program you are interested in, contact the school’s recruitment office or program coordinator for more information. Before you apply and register for a program, contact your regulatory authority to make sure the program meets their requirements.

Learn more about B.C.’s post-secondary programs and institutions. 

You can learn about education and careers on Find Your Path. 

International Credentials Recognition Act

The International Credentials Recognition Act came into effect in 2024. This new law tries to help internationally trained professionals use their skills in B.C. by making the credential recognition process faster, fairer, and easier. The law applies to 18 regulatory authorities and 29 professions. 

The International Credentials Recognition Act changes what regulatory authorities can require from internationally trained applicants. The Act:

• removes unfair Canadian work experience requirements
• removes requirements to provide new English language test results if applicants have already submitted valid results
• requires regulatory authorities to charge similar fees to international and domestic applicants
• requires regulatory authorities to publish information about the international credential assessment process on their website

The Superintendent of International Credential Recognition makes sure that regulatory authorities obey these new rules. If you have questions about the Act, contact the Office for International Credential Recognition (OICR).

There are many resources in B.C. to help you find work. Settlement agencies and government programs will show you how to find job listings and explain the application process. They can also help you write a resume, prepare for an interview, and apply for skills training.

People and organizations in your community can also suggest where to look for work. Tell friends, relatives, teachers, neighbours, and counsellors that you are looking for a job. They may share ideas or introduce you to employers.

Your local newspaper may have job postings. Read the Classified section and look on the newspaper’s website.

Some businesses post signs on doors and windows looking for workers. Many shops, cafes, and restaurants do this. Look for signs saying “help wanted”, “hiring”, or “seeking”. Businesses might also post signs at libraries, recreation centres, and grocery stores.

You can also reach out to companies you would like to work for. Call the office and ask if you can speak to someone about work opportunities. They may ask for your resume. Many large companies have special departments (teams) that hire new workers. This is called the personnel or human resources (HR) department. For example, a hospital, hotel, or university may have an HR department. To find jobs in large companies, contact the HR department.

Most organizations that offer services for newcomers in B.C. have employment programs. These could include employment services, workshops about job search skills, information about employees’ rights and responsibilities, and help understanding B.C. workplace culture. Settlement agencies have support in many languages. 

To find a settlement agency in B.C., visit the links below:

• For permanent residents, including refugees
• For temporary residents, including refugee claimants, temporary foreign workers, and post-secondary international students

WorkBC

WorkBC helps British Columbians find and apply for jobs. You can visit WorkBC to search for jobs and learn about different careers. You can learn about B.C.’s economy, industries, and job market. You can also get information about employment services and job training programs available to you.

To use WorkBC, you must be at least 16 years old and legally allowed to work in Canada. Temporary residents, including refugee claimants, may be eligible for WorkBC’s employment programs. Find out if you are eligible for WorkBC services. 

WorkBC has free resources you can use. Sometimes they provide money for things you might need for work, like a bus pass or work boots. They may also provide skills training, or help you get a temporary job to increase your work experience.

WorkBC Centres offer:

• employment counselling
• planning, support, and workshops to help you find a job
• help writing a resume and preparing for a job interview
• access to job opportunities and connections to employers
• free use of resources, including computers and copiers
• skills training
• basic certification
• paid work-experience placements
• help starting your own business
• foreign credential evaluation
• language interpretation
• English language training
• mental health counselling
• assistive technology and other help for people with disabilities
• financial support for services such as child care, transportation, essential work clothes and tools, and language interpretation

Find the WorkBC Centre nearest to you.   

Starting a job search in B.C. involves several key steps. Here are some important things to know when you apply for a job in B.C.

Resumes

Most companies ask for a resume and cover letter when you apply for a job. A resume describes your work experience and education. It says what kind of job you had, who you worked for, when you worked, and what you did. The way your resume looks and the way you describe your jobs may change depending on the type of jobs you are applying for.

A cover letter is a short letter to the employer. It should be 1 page or less. You can say why you want the job and why you would be good at it. It should also have your full contact information—your name, phone number, email address, and home address. The cover letter is very important. It lets the employer know you better, and shows how well you communicate.

Find out how the company would like to receive your resume and cover letter— by email, through a website, or printed on paper.

Go to WorkBC to learn how to write your resume and cover letter. WorkBC Centres also offer free workshops. Visit the website to find a centre near you. 

The job search section of Canada’s Job Bank has information about writing a resume. 

Applications

Most companies want you to complete an application. You will need to give your address, phone number, work history, and references (contact information of people you worked for). Make sure you have all the information you need before you fill out an application form. Some companies will take your application in person. Others will only accept applications online.

The WorkBC website has information to help you with job applications. You can learn how to write a resume, get ready for an interview, network (meet people who can help you find work), and use social media to find jobs.

Job interviews

If you are qualified and the employer likes your resume and cover letter, they may invite you for interview. This is a meeting where the employer can learn about you, and you can learn about the job. Interviews are usually at the employer’s location. They can also be over the phone or online. The employer will want to learn about your education, skills, and work experience.

They might ask questions like:

• Why do you want to work here?
• Why do you think you are the best person for the job?
• Tell me about yourself.
• Tell me about other jobs you’ve had.

Employers want you to explain your skills. Practice answering questions before the interview. Employers also want you to care about their business. Learn about the company before your interview. You can ask the employer questions about job duties, wages, work hours, benefits, and vacation time.

Learn more about resumes, cover letters, and job interviews on the WorkBC website. 

References

References are people who know you and can recommend you for a job. You can ask former employers and landlords if they can be your reference. Employers may contact your references to ask about your qualifications. You will need to give your references’ names and contact information (phone number and email address) when you apply for a job. 

If you are new to Canada, you may not have any references here. Volunteering can help you get local work experience and meet people who will be a reference for you. A WorkBC Centre may be able to help you find volunteer experience. 

Criminal record checks

Some employers may ask for a criminal record check. A criminal record check is an official report from the police. It shows if you have been convicted (found guilty) of a criminal act (breaking the law). If you have a criminal record, you can still find work. However, some employers—such as schools and child care companies—will not hire people with criminal records. You can apply for a criminal record check online. 

English Language Learning (ELL)

English Language Learning (ELL) courses are available for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and refugees. These courses are usually taught at post-secondary institutions. Most ELL programs do not charge tuition fees, but you may have to pay other costs. Learn more about ELL programs. 

B.C. Human Rights Code

Employers cannot refuse to hire people because of personal characteristics that are protected under the B.C. Human Rights Code. These include skin colour, race, marital status, place you are from, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or a disability.

Treating people differently because of their personal characteristics is called discrimination. The B.C. Human Rights Code is a law that protects workers from discrimination.

If you experience discrimination that violates (does not follow) the Human Rights Code, you can make a complaint to the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal. 

The law in B.C. sets standards for payment, compensation, and working conditions in most workplaces. The standards promote open communication, fair treatment, and work-life balance for employees.

Getting paid for work

Employees must be paid for the work they do. They should get at least minimum wage for hours worked in each pay period.

Employees must be paid twice per month. Pay periods cannot be longer than 16 days. All money earned, including overtime and statutory holiday pay, must be paid within 8 days after the end of the pay period. Annual vacation pay and wages in an employee’s time bank do not need to be paid within the pay period.

Wages must be paid in Canadian currency. Payment can be cash, cheque, bank draft, or money order. It can also be made by direct deposit to an employee's bank account if this agreed to in writing or if this arrangement is part of a collective agreement. Farm labour contractors must pay wages directly to an employee's bank account.

When employment ends, employers must pay employees their final wages. 

Minimum wage

The minimum wage in B.C. is an hourly wage that applies to most employees regardless of how they're paid—hourly, salary, commission, or on an incentive basis. If an employee's wage is below minimum wage for the hours they worked, the employer must top up their payment so that it's equal to minimum wage. Some employees in specific industries have different minimum wages.

Some types of employees are paid a piece rate. A piece rate is a rate of pay based on a measurable quantity of work completed. Employees must be told what the piece rates are before they start work. They may also be paid a different set wage for specific tasks (e.g. paid an hourly rate). 

Hours of work and overtime

Employers schedule work hours for employees. Scheduling can be done every day or weeks in advance. It can be based on employee seniority or availability, or other criteria the employer chooses. Employees must arrive ready to work the hours they are scheduled.

Standard work hours are 8 hours in a day and 40 hours in a week. A week is from Sunday to Saturday. Standard work hours may be different if an employee is working under an averaging agreement or a variance.

Employees can be required to work overtime. Employees who work more than 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week must be paid time-and-a-half or double-time for overtime hours worked.

Employees must be scheduled for at least 2 hours of work. They must also be paid if they report to work as scheduled and there is no work for them to do.

Employers must allow time for rest each week. An employee must have at least 32 hours in a row free from work each week. If an employee works during this period (e.g. because of an emergency), they must be paid extra pay. An employee must also have at least 8 hours off between shifts. If an employee works during this period, the hours are added to other hours worked in the day. This usually means the employee must be paid at overtime rates.

Employers can change shifts at any time as long as employees have enough time free from work. Employees do not need to be paid if they are given notice of shift changes or cancellations before they report to work.

A 30-minute unpaid meal break must be provided when an employee works more than 5 hours in a row. The employee must be paid for the meal break if they're required to work (or be available to work) during their meal break. Working through a meal break does not always result in overtime pay.

A split shift divides a work day into separate periods of work. The employee's work day is the combined total of the hours worked during all of the periods. The split shift (including breaks) must be completed within a 12-hour period. Learn more about hours of work. 

Statutory holidays

A statutory holiday does not necessarily mean employees get a day off. Instead, employees may qualify for statutory holiday pay. Learn more about statutory holidays in B.C.

Taking time off

After 1 year of work, employees get to take vacation days—time off with pay. Employers may allow employees to use vacation time to deal with unexpected situations. An employer can schedule your vacation according to business needs.

Employees can take time away from work to deal with unexpected illnesses or life situations. An employee's job is protected while they are on leave. Employees can take a leave of absence for things like family responsibilities or sick days.

Employers need to follow B.C. employment standards if their business is unexpectedly disrupted or employees must be absent from work. Learn more about taking time off. 

Quitting, getting fired or laid off

Both employees and employers can end employment. Employees should consider whether they are eligible for a job- protected leave of absence if they need to take time off work to deal with illness or life situations.

Employees can quit their job at any time. If an employee quits their job, they're not paid compensation for length of employment. Employers can end an employee's job by giving written working notice or pay (called compensation for length of service). They can also choose to give a combination of both notice and pay.

A temporary layoff is when an employee earns less than 50% of their regular weekly wages – with the plan that the employee will return to a regular work schedule. If the employee won't be returning to work, the layoff is a termination of employment.

If circumstances require terminating 50 or more employees at a single location within a two-month period, the employer must give written notice of group termination to each employee affected, the Minister of Labour, and any trade union that represents the employees. Learn more about quitting, getting fired or laid off.

Making a complaint

Try to resolve disputes informally. If this isn't possible, you can submit a complaint to resolve a problem at work. For example, you can request payment for wages that you are owed.

Employers aren't allowed to intimidate or discriminate against you for making a complaint. This includes refusing to hire you or threatening to fire you.

Not every work issue, workplace, or type of work is covered by employment standards. For example:

• workplace safety or injuries
• discrimination, bullying, or harassment
• unionized or federally-regulated workplaces
• excluded jobs and professions
• work performed entirely outside of B.C.
• pay transparency

The complaint process can take several months. Resolving a complaint might require an investigation. You may need to be involved at certain steps in the process. Learn more about the complaint process. 

Discrimination and harassment

Treating people differently because of their personal characteristics is called discrimination. These personal characteristics include skin colour, race, marital status, place you are from, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or a disability. The B.C. Human Rights Code is a law that protects workers from discrimination.

All people have the right to a safe workplace. If an employer or colleague makes unwelcome sexual advances (for example, always asking you for a date, telling sexual jokes, or touching you), this is called sexual harassment. It is also harassment if people criticize or joke about your personal characteristics such as the place you are from, your ethnicity, or your religion. The Human Rights Code protects you against this behaviour.

If you experience discrimination or harassment that violates (does not follow) the Human Rights Code, you can make a complaint to the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal. 

If the employer is regulated by the federal government (for example, a bank, the Government of Canada, Canada Post, or an airline company), you can contact the Canadian Human Rights Commission to complain. 

Some kinds of harassment are not included in the Human Rights Code. These include actions or comments that make someone feel embarrassed or afraid, such as spreading gossip or bad stories about a person, criticizing someone, calling them insulting names, staring, yelling, ignoring or excluding a person, and blocking a person’s path.

If you experienced harassment, bullying, or discrimination:

• write down what happened, including specific things the person said
• contact anyone who witnessed (saw) what happened and ask them to write what they saw
• write down any dates the behaviour occurred

You can also report harassment or bullying in the workplace to your union, your supervisor, or the other person’s supervisor, or by contacting WorkSafeBC. 

People may have different ideas about when behaviour is appropriate and when it is harassment, discrimination, or bullying. Sometimes, behaviour that is acceptable in one country or culture is not acceptable in another. If you are not sure if someone’s behaviour is acceptable or not, talk to a settlement worker. They can help you understand what happened and decide what to do next.

You can also contact a settlement agency. To find a settlement agency in B.C., visit the links below:

• For permanent residents, including refugees
• For temporary residents, including refugee claimants, temporary foreign workers, and post-secondary international students 

If you are a foreign worker with a closed work permit and you are experiencing harassment, discrimination, or safety problems at work, contact MOSAIC’s Migrant Worker Program. 

Unions

A union is a group of employees who join together to protect their rights in the workplace. The union represents workers and negotiates with their employer. Negotiations are usually about better wages, benefits (extra money to cover certain costs), and working conditions. When the union and the employer agree, both sides sign a contract. The contract is called a collective agreement.

Unions also help workers solve problems and disagreements with employers. They help workers demand a safer working environment. When the employer breaks the collective agreement or a workplace law, the union can help. If you are in a union and you have a problem with your employer, talk to your union representative.

Unions must be certified to represent workers in a workplace. A union is certified if 55% or more of the workers sign a membership card. A union can also be certified if most of the workers vote to have a union.

Workers pay dues (like a membership fee) to be part of the union. Union dues are deducted (taken) from workers’ paycheques.

All employees have the legal right to join a union. Dependent contractors (workers who are not employees of a company but who do most of their work for that company) can also join a union. If a workplace has a union, you may automatically become a member when you are hired.

For more information about unions, contact the BC Federation of Labour.