{"id":1954,"date":"2018-06-01T12:00:48","date_gmt":"2018-06-01T16:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/?p=1954"},"modified":"2024-02-13T11:50:50","modified_gmt":"2024-02-13T16:50:50","slug":"preparing-to-work-in-canada-as-a-newcomer-qa-with-shawn-mccarty-of-iaf-canada","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/futurpreneur.ca\/en\/blog\/preparing-to-work-in-canada-as-a-newcomer-qa-with-shawn-mccarty-of-iaf-canada\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing to Work in Canada as a Newcomer: Q&A with Shawn McCarty of IAF Canada"},"content":{"rendered":"

We all know the benefits of starting your own business. The flexibility, the financial independence and the opportunity to follow your passion are all huge reasons why many people become entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n

However, we don\u2019t always talk about the barriers. And if you\u2019re a recent immigrant, there can be even more challenges.<\/p>\n

Of course, nobody becomes an entrepreneur because they want to take the easy road. However, if you\u2019re looking to enter the workforce or start a business as a newcomer, there are some important things you need to know first.<\/p>\n

Fortunately, we had the opportunity to connect with Shawn McCarty, Manager, Key Partnerships at Immigrant Access Fund (IAF) Canada<\/a>. IAF Canada supports highly-skilled and internationally trained immigrants and refugees by providing micro loans that they can put towards education, course materials and other expenses related to building a career in Canada.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

We caught up with Shawn to learn more about IAF and how newcomers can successfully transition into life in Canada.<\/p>\n

1) We often hear stories about immigrants with PhDs and extensive work experience struggling to find work in their field when they come to Canada. Why does this happen?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Though many immigrants are welcomed to Canada because of their existing skills, there are typically steep costs associated with becoming job-ready in this country<\/strong>. Thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars may be required to cover licensing and\/or training courses required by Canadian industry or law.<\/p>\n

For newcomers lacking income, collateral or a credit history, this might mean years of struggling in low-level jobs while earning credentials for a field in which they may have decades of experience.<\/p>\n

Barriers to economic integration of newcomers is an issue for all Canadians. When newcomer potential is squandered, they earn less, contribute less and feel less a part of Canadian society.<\/p>\n

When immigrant professionals have a chance to earn their credentials and achieve their full working potential they thrive, and they help their families and communities thrive.<\/p>\n

2) How does the Immigrant Access Fund help newcomers transition to Canada?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Immigrant Access Fund<\/a> is a non-profit charitable organization able to lend up to $10,000 for costs related to rebuilding one\u2019s credentials in Canada.<\/p>\n

The loan can pay for education, exams, course materials, living allowance, and most other expenses related to obtaining needed qualifications.<\/strong> Canadian credit history, income and employment is not required, unlike almost all other mainstream credit providers.<\/p>\n

As a national organization (available in every province and territory, except for Quebec), IAF is a proud part of Canada\u2019s immigrant-serving community of educators, employment and settlement service providers, and charities.<\/p>\n

3) Apart from financial barriers, what are some other issues that newcomers face?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The employer demand for \u201cCanadian experience\u201d looms large over newcomer professionals seeking to re-enter their field.<\/p>\n

What makes this expectation so intimidating is that there is no single definition for what Canadian experience really means.<\/strong> For some employers, it might refer to possessing formal credentials from a Canadian educational institution. For others, it could mean having worked for months or even years in Canada. Employers may even insist on Canadian experience without knowing how they themselves might define it.<\/p>\n

Another major challenge, particularly for those newcomers entering regulated professions, can be complex or confusing licensing pathways.<\/strong><\/p>\n