Job Matching Process
This Frequently Asked Questions summary was developed to provide more information on the recently launched Job Matching process to assist employers in finding qualified candidates. This process is a new service being offered to Newfoundland and Labrador-based employers.
Question 1: How can this initiative benefit me as an employer?
Answer: We continue to hear from employers of the ongoing struggles to find workers in this province. The Department of Immigration, Population Growth and Skills (IPGS) is committed to assisting employers to find the talent they need for their organizations.
Through this initiative, IPGS will match available job seekers to vacancies that you identify and provide you the opportunity to consider their suitability. These individuals are interested in permanently immigrating to Newfoundland and Labrador, and are already eligible to work in Canada.
Question 2: How will the job matching work?
Answer: As an employer, you may register via the Employer Registration Form.
You will then be contacted by an official from IPGS to discuss your human resources needs and they will share candidate resumes with you that meet your requirements.
Departmental staff may assist you in setting up interviews with candidates. However, it will be up to you as an employer to select a candidate and extend a job offer. IPGS staff will then assist you in navigating next steps, including immigration-related steps your new employee will need to follow. Please note that all candidates will be assessed for immigration eligibility and their ability to work in Canada prior to their profiles being forwarded to you for consideration.
Question 3: Are there costs or fees associated with this initiative?
Answer: No, there are no costs associated with registering for this initiative.
Please note that IPGS requires employers to be directly engaged in this process, and no third parties, such as recruiters or consultants, may avail of this process. Additionally, IPGS provides the necessary supports for employers, and employers do not need to hire third-party services to complete associated work to recruit international graduates in Newfoundland and Labrador and professionals with open-work permits within the province and other parts of Canada.
Question 4: What is the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system and why are you asking for this information?
Answer: The NOC is Canada’s national system for describing occupations. You can search the NOC system to find the classification of an occupation and to learn about its main duties, educational requirements and other useful information. All NOC information can be found on this page.
All employer applicants are required to provide the four-digit NOC code that best describes the occupation for which they are recruiting, and best fits the skills, training and work experience for which employers are seeking to hire. We will use that NOC code to match your application to job seekers with the required skills, training and work experience. Requesting the NOC code of your positions will help ensure that candidates routed to you meet your workforce needs.
Question 5: Can this initiative be used to hire professionals in skilled trades or regulated occupations?
Answer: There is no restriction on which occupations are eligible for job matching.
Professionals in skilled trades or other regulated occupations will be required to validate their credentials and participate in prior learning assessments to obtain certification equivalency from the regulatory body in Newfoundland and Labrador. Only individuals who are certified to work in the province will be considered in the matching process.
Question 6: I have an approved Job Vacancy Assessment in the Provincial Nominee Program and/or I am designated under the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program. Do I need to register through this process to access the talent you identified?
Answer: Yes. If you are interested in this particular Job Matching initiative, you must register via the Employer Registration Form.
Question 7: Are employees hired through this initiative eligible for wage subsidies from your department? Are there any other financial supports available?
Answer: Eligibility depends on the status of the employee, whether they are currently unemployed/underemployed, and the type of work permit they hold or are eligible. If you require more information on eligibility, please contact EmploymentPrograms@gov.nl.ca
Question 8: What are my requirements pertaining to payroll and benefits when hiring international workers through this process?
Answer: These new hires would be part of your regular staff and would follow your company hiring and employment guidelines, while adhering to Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Standards requirements. The Labour Standards Act requires all employers to establish conditions of employment that meet at least the legislated minimum standards in areas such as hours of work, minimum wage, leave entitlements, termination of employment, paid public holidays, vacation, etc. For information pertaining to labour standards in Newfoundland and Labrador, please visit: https://www.gov.nl.ca/ecc/files/Publications_Labour_Relations_At_Work_Updates_April-2021.pdf
Question 9: Do I have to hire employees on a full-time basis? How about part-time or seasonal employment?
Answer: Yes. For this initiative the hiring must be full-time, year-round and for an indeterminate period in order for individuals to be eligible for Job Matching.
Question 10: Am I expected to provide accommodations or other personal/living supports?
Answer: No. However, it is expected that employers provide individuals with settlement assistance in such areas as: finding suitable, affordable and appropriate accommodations; relocation to your place of business; and referral to local organizations that provide settlement services. Please see a full listing of settlement assistance here.
Question 11: Am I required to assist the employee in obtaining permanent residency?
Answer: Yes, as the intention of this program is to match local employers with individuals who intend to immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador The Office of Immigration and Multiculturalism will guide individuals and employers through the necessary processes and requirements to obtain permanent residency. You may be required to register in the federal employment portal if a work permit extension application is required, this registration includes you paying a $230.00 employer compliance fee to the Government of Canada. More information on the federal employer portal is found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/partners-service-providers/employer-portal.html
Question 12: I am interested in this process, but have questions about the immigration criteria. What do I need to know?
Answer: We are pleased that you are considering this process in order to meet your human resource needs. Departmental staff are committed to supporting you through this process.
To learn more about immigration programs, please get in touch. We are happy to answer your questions. You can reach us at JobMatching@gov.nl.ca.