With over 8.3 million persons in the 2021 Canadian Census, immigrants make up approximately 20% of the population.
Due to their unique and diverse backgrounds, immigrants are often well-positioned to find creative ways to make money in Canada.
This article will provide tips for how immigrant populations can leverage their skills and expertise to create financial stability within the country.
We’ll discuss the available resources, best practices for finding work opportunities, and other strategies for maximizing income potential as an immigrant in Canada.
1. Look for Employment
This may sound obvious, but we have to cover it.
Finding employment is the #1 way for immigrants to make money in Canada.
Luckily, various job types are available depending on an individual’s skills and experience, from part-time and seasonal jobs to full-time positions with higher wages.
Job seekers can find positions in almost any field, such as retail, healthcare, hospitality, and construction.
When looking for employment, several resources can be used to assist the job search process.
In fact, many cities have programs designed specifically for immigrants seeking work which offer free online tools and workshops that help build resumes and provide access to local job fairs.
Additionally, several websites in Canada are dedicated to helping those interested in finding employment connect with employers looking for workers with their particular skill set or qualifications.
These include
While at it, be open to relocating to different parts of Canada, as job opportunities may vary by region.
Also, get familiar with the Canadian work culture and laws to avoid misunderstandings or mistakes.
2. Take Up Freelance Work
Another excellent way for immigrants to make money in Canada is through freelance work.
Freelancers can find a variety of jobs such as writing, web design, graphic design, translation and much more.
And numerous websites are dedicated to connecting freelancers with clients who need their services.
As a freelancer in Canada, you can create your own job schedule and take on as many or as few projects as you like.
You will also be able to set your own rates and decide which projects interest you the most.
Why is this viable?
Well, freelance work gives immigrants the flexibility they need while adjusting to life in Canada and exploring other opportunities that may arise.
Furthermore, many of these skills can be learned online or through short courses.
That said, here are some of the skills you can sell online as a freelancer in Canada:
- Writing and editing: Freelance writing and editing is a great option for immigrants with good language skills, especially if they have experience in journalism, blogging, or content creation.
- Graphic design: If you have experience in graphic design, there are many opportunities for freelance work in Canada, such as designing logos, brochures, and websites.
- Translation: If you are fluent in more than one language, translation can be a great freelance opportunity. Many Canadian businesses require translation services for their websites, documents, and marketing materials.
- Web development: If you have experience in web development, you can offer your services as a freelancer to Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs looking to build or improve their websites.
- Social media management: If you have experience managing social media accounts, you can offer your services as a freelancer to Canadian businesses looking to improve their online presence.
With hard work and dedication, freelancing can be very profitable for immigrants looking to make money in Canada.
3. Utilize Social Media To Promote Your Services, Look For Gigs, And Advertise Your Products Or Services.
Did you know?
There are over 34.47 million social media users in Canada!
This makes these platforms a vital for immigrants looking to make money in Canada.
With it, you can build networks, find job opportunities, and promote your services and products.
By creating an account on social media platforms, immigrants can showcase their skillset or product offerings to potential employers or customers in Canada.
For example, on Instagram, consider using hashtags related to the field you are interested in to get a better chance of being discovered by relevant audiences.
Also, post content regularly to keep followers updated with your latest activities and projects.
And above all, create content that educates people about your culture or skill set.
Doing this goes a long way to building credibility and gain more traction on social media platforms.
4. Sell Goods Online: Set up an online store or sell goods through an online marketplace like eBay or Amazon.
Canadians have adapted to the B2C electronic commerce revolution, leading to a major shift in retail channels.
In 2022, it was estimated that 27 million Canadians shopped online, accounting for three-quarters of the population.
And it doesn’t stop there.
Predictions indicate that this figure could rise by 77.6 percent by 2025.
If you are looking for ways to make money in Canada as an immigrant, this is your chance.
Setting up an online store or selling products through an online marketplace such as eBay can be an excellent way to earn extra income and make some extra money.
An e-commerce store allows people to easily display their products and services, provide payment options, and even ship them directly from the store’s website.
And it is easier than ever to get started, thanks to many popular marketplaces available.
These platforms allow you to quickly set up shop without having any prior experience with running a business.
eBay is one of the most recognizable names in this arena.
And yes, selling items on eBay is easy; all you need is a valid email address, a PayPal account, and you’re good to go!
If you are scratching your head wondering what to sell, check these ideas:
- Handmade or unique items: If you have a talent for crafting, you can sell handmade items such as jewelry, clothing, pottery, or woodwork on eBay.
- Vintage or collectible items: If you have a collection of vintage or collectible items, you can sell them on eBay. This could include anything from vintage clothing, to old toys, to rare comics or stamps.
- Second-hand items: You can sell items that are no longer needed, such as clothing, furniture, or electronics.
- Personal service: You could sell your service such as graphic design, writing, photography, or translation services.
It doesn’t stop here.
5. Become an Entrepreneur
If you don’t find a job or don’t want to be employed, becoming an entrepreneur is one of the most popular and effective ways for immigrants to improve their financial situations.
With the increasing prevalence of digital technology, there are now more opportunities than ever before for entrepreneurs to launch and grow successful businesses.
Yes, starting your own business can be daunting and scary (especially in a new country).
But with the right resources and advice, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience both financially and personally.
First, do some research before launching any business venture.
This will help you understand what works in the Canadian market and how best to compete with similar ventures.
And if you think your skills aren’t that good, here is some good news.
There are plenty of online courses available that can help potential entrepreneurs develop essential skills such as marketing strategy or customer service practices.
The business doesn’t have to be something out of this world.
- Create an app
- Develop an online course to make money in Canada as an immigrant.
- Open a coffee shop
Just make sure you follow all the right channels before you launch. The last thing you want is to end up on the wrong side of the law far from home😥.
6. Become a Tutor
With over 1.116 million full-time and 299 thousand part-time students in 2022, there is no shortage of students who may need additional help with their studies.
This makes tutoring one of the best ways to make money in Canada as an immigrant.
It offers a unique opportunity to use your existing knowledge and experience to provide valuable assistance to those having difficulties understanding material or concepts related to their subject matter.
To become a tutor in Canada, you will likely need at least some form of postsecondary education in the subject matter you plan on tutoring.
You can also offer general tutoring services, such as assisting with organization and study skills.
This requires less specialized knowledge but still provides a service that can be helpful for many students struggling with their studies.
And according to Indeed, the average salary for a Tutor is $30.94 per hour in Canada.
7. Become an Online Marketer And Offer Your Services To Businesses
With the right skills and tools, you can offer your services to businesses in need of assistance with their marketing efforts.
This line of work may include website development, content creation, search engine optimization (SEO), social media management, email campaigns, and more.
According to SimpliLearn.com, a digital marketing salary in Canada is between 52,000 and 58,500 CAD per year, or 28.96 CAD per hour.
Expect a starting income of 32,250 CAD, rising to 99,450 CAD with experience.
An entry-level digital marketing specialist can expect to make 43,711 CAD in total compensation.
Not bad for an immigrant!
To get started as an online marketer in Canada, you will need to have some experience or knowledge in this field.
You should also have good communication skills and understand clients’ needs so that you can effectively meet their objectives.
And above all, stay up-to-date on the latest trends and changes within the industry so that they can provide accurate advice to clients.
8. Use Your Wheels To Make Cash
Consider using your wheels when you are an immigrant in Canada and looking to make money.
If you have a car, you can rent it to others when you don’t need it.
Companies like Turo and Getaround offer services where people can rent cars from private owners like yourself.
Alternatively, ride-sharing companies like Uber always look for more drivers if you prefer driving people around.
If you’d rather use two wheels than four, there are still plenty of ways for you to make money!
Having a bike or scooter is great for delivering food with apps like DoorDash and SkipTheDishes.
You could also pick up parcels through delivery companies such as FedEx or UPS with your bike or scooter.
These types of deliveries provide flexible hours and the ability to work whenever suits your schedule best!
9. Become a Pet Sitter: Offer pet-sitting services to pet owners in Canada and make money while caring for pets.
According to a nationwide survey conducted in 2022, an estimated 8.5 million cats and 7.9 million dogs live in Canadian households.
This presents an excellent opportunity for those wishing to become pet sitters as the demand for their services is very high.
Pet sitting allows individuals the flexibility of setting their own hours and rates.
Not to mention the added bonus of potentially making long-term relationships with satisfied clients who will recommend them to others.
In addition, being able to work with animals can be highly rewarding and enjoyable—especially if you’re already a pet lover!
10. Look For Remote Work And Get Paid While Working From The Comfort Of Your Home.
Remote work is an increasingly popular way of making money.
It allows you to work from home instead of having to travel somewhere physically.
This option can be especially beneficial for newcomers who may not have access to transportation or have difficulty finding time away from their other obligations.
Unlike project-based freelancing, remote jobs usually offer fixed salaries and employee benefits such as health insurance and paid leave.
And there are many types of remote jobs available.
These include customer service, software development, graphic design, copywriting, and virtual assistant roles.
More specialized positions, such as medical coding or transcription, may also be found by searching for “remote work.”
To find these opportunities, you can use job boards like FlexJobs or Upwork that specialize in finding legitimate telecommuting gigs.
You should also look at websites maintained by larger companies that often list open positions on their own sites or advertise them online via social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Twitter.
Finally, take advantage of networking events hosted by local organizations related to your area of expertise.
Here’s where employers might post openings looking for qualified applicants with specific skillsets they need filled remotely from home office locations around the country (or the world).
Final Thoughts
As an immigrant in Canada, there are many opportunities to make money and build a new life.
Immigrants can succeed in this country with the right combination of education, experience, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Building relationships with locals is crucial in finding job opportunities and capitalizing on them.
Taking advantage of government programs like the Start-Up Visa Program can provide access to funding for projects or business ideas that may not have been available before.
Immigrants may need to adjust their expectations as they settle into a new life in Canada.
It will likely take some time for newcomers to get established financially but with patience and hard work, it is possible to make a living here as an immigrant.
Above all, have the right attitude towards networking and learning about different ways of making money.
It is essential for financial growth in this country.
Related: