Work and Employment

Your CUAET open work permit allows you to work for almost any employer, anywhere in Canada, without an LMIA. Show your work permit to employers as proof of authorization — you do not need to present your passport. Your SIN starting with "9" is valid for employment.

Use Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca), Indeed.ca, LinkedIn, and Ukrainian community job boards. Canadian resumes do not include a photo, age, or marital status. Tailor your resume to each position. Staffing agencies (Randstad, Adecco, Express Employment) can find you entry-level work quickly while you search for a career-level position.

The federal Foreign Credential Recognition program helps internationally trained professionals get their qualifications assessed. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) through WES or other designated organizations is required for Express Entry and many jobs. Qualified tradespeople may be eligible for Red Seal certification. Some professions require a Canadian licence to practise.

Doctors, pharmacists, dentists, and other health professionals work in regulated professions requiring provincial licences. Physicians must pass MCCQE exams and match through CaRMS (2-5 years). Pharmacists need PEBC evaluating and qualifying exams ($2,000-$3,000, 1-2 years). Dentists go through the NDEB equivalency process ($15,000-$25,000, 2-3 years). For skilled trades, Red Seal certification provides interprovincial recognition. See the profession-specific cards below for nurses, engineers, teachers, and accountants.

Internationally educated nurses must complete an NNAS (National Nursing Assessment Service) credential assessment, then apply to their provincial regulatory body: CNO (Ontario), BCCNM (British Columbia), CARNA (Alberta), or others. Bridging programs help meet Canadian competency standards. Costs: $3,000-$5,000 total. Timeline: 6-18 months depending on province and bridging requirements.

To practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng), apply through your province's regulator: PEO (Ontario), EGBC (British Columbia), APEGA (Alberta). Engineers Canada coordinates national standards. You will need transcript assessment, technical exams (if required), and Canadian work experience. Costs: $1,000-$3,000. Timeline: 6-12 months. Some provinces offer provisional licences while you complete requirements.

Teaching certification is provincial. Apply to OCT (Ontario College of Teachers), BCTI (British Columbia Teacher Regulation Branch), or Alberta Education. You will need transcript evaluation and may need to complete additional coursework. Some provinces offer conditional certificates allowing you to teach while completing requirements. Timeline: 3-12 months.

CPA Canada assesses international accounting credentials. You may need to complete prerequisite courses through the Advanced Certificate in Accounting and Finance (ACAF) program before entering the CPA Professional Education Program (PEP). Costs: $5,000-$10,000 for exams and courses. Timeline: 1-3 years. Employers often support CPA candidates with tuition and study time.

Minimum wage varies by province. In 2026: Alberta $15.00/hour (lowest); Ontario $17.95/hour; territories higher (Nunavut $20.17/hour). Several provinces increase their minimum wage on October 1 — check your province's official labour ministry for the current rate. You are protected by your province's employment standards legislation: overtime, vacation, workplace health and safety (WSIB/WCB), breaks, and termination rules. If your rights are violated, contact your province's labour board. Free legal clinics can help with employment disputes. Your open work permit does NOT authorize self-employment or freelancing. Sources: provincial/territorial employment standards offices (e.g., Ontario Ministry of Labour; Government of Nunavut, Sept 1, 2026).

After accumulating 600 hours of insurable employment, you become eligible for EI benefits if you lose your job. EI pays 55% of your average insurable earnings, up to a maximum. Apply online through Service Canada. EI also covers maternity and parental benefits.