Finding Work in Montréal: A Guide for Immigrants and Temporary Residents

Welcome to the Workforce in Montréal

Whether you’ve arrived in Montréal as a new permanent resident, an international student, or a temporary foreign worker, one of the most pressing questions is: How do I find a job? Montréal is a vibrant, multilingual city with a diverse economy, but breaking into the job market can still be challenging—especially if you're navigating new languages, unfamiliar systems, and cultural norms.

This guide is here to make your job search easier, clearer, and more empowering. From crafting a Québec-style CV to exploring where to apply, understanding language expectations, and finding community-based support, you’ll get practical advice rooted in the real experience of newcomers.

1. Understanding the Montréal Job Market

Montréal is Québec’s economic engine and Canada’s second-largest city. Its economy is remarkably diverse, spanning sectors like:

  • Information technology and video game development

  • Aerospace and engineering

  • Arts and design

  • Healthcare

  • Education

  • Finance

  • Tourism and hospitality

  • Artificial intelligence and research

Montréal has also become a startup hub, with many incubators and accelerators welcoming international talent. The city’s unemployment rate tends to be lower than the national average, but newcomers often face added barriers when trying to enter the market, such as credential recognition, French requirements, or a lack of local experience.

2. High-Demand Sectors in 2025

Based on current labor trends and government forecasts, here are some of the most promising industries for immigrants and temporary residents:

Technology and IT

Montréal is home to offices of big players like Ubisoft, Behaviour Interactive, Google, and Amazon. Skilled developers, data scientists, UX designers, and cybersecurity experts are in high demand.

Healthcare and Social Services

The province is facing shortages of nurses, personal support workers, and mental health professionals. Some roles require licensing, but there are many support roles available as well.

Education and Early Childhood

There’s an urgent need for teachers and educators, especially in early childhood (CPEs), French-language education, and tutoring.

Logistics and Transportation

With e-commerce booming, drivers, logistics coordinators, and warehouse workers are needed across the island and in surrounding areas.

Customer Service and Retail

This sector is open to many levels of French fluency and often welcomes temporary residents and students. Multilingualism is an asset.

Construction and Skilled Trades

Electricians, carpenters, HVAC specialists, and other tradespeople are in strong demand—especially those who hold Red Seal certifications or have equivalent international credentials.

3. Writing a Québec-Style CV and Cover Letter

Your resumé (CV) is your first introduction to employers. Québec employers often expect a format that’s clear, concise, and to the point. Here's how to adapt:

CV Tips:

  • Length: Ideally 1–2 pages (3 pages for academic or technical fields)

  • Language: Choose French or English depending on the job posting; always tailor

  • Sections:

    • Personal Info (no photo, date of birth, or marital status)

    • Profile Summary (2–3 lines about who you are)

    • Professional Experience (reverse chronological)

    • Education

    • Skills (especially languages and tech tools)

    • Certifications or Trainings

  • Avoid: Using the term “resume” interchangeably with “CV” in Québec; keep formatting simple and professional

Cover Letter Tips:

  • Address it properly – use the hiring manager’s name if possible

  • Explain why you're applying, what makes you a good match, and why you're interested in the company

  • Keep it to one page, in professional tone (either formal vous in French or standard business English)

  • Express openness to interviews, and mention your legal right to work if applicable (e.g., valid permit)

Several community organizations and university career centers offer free CV clinics, where professionals will help adapt your application documents to local norms.

4. Where to Look for Jobs: Websites and Programs

There are dozens of job boards and platforms, but some are better tailored to newcomers and local opportunities:

Major Job Boards

  • Indeed.ca – Most-used platform in Montréal across all industries

  • Emploi-Québec – Provincial job listings and career resources

  • Job Bank – Government of Canada’s official employment site

  • Jobillico and Workopolis – Focus on local and mid-sized employers

Sector-Specific Sites

  • Tech Jobs: TechJobs.ca, Montréal International Tech Hub

  • Healthcare: Santé Montréal (santemontreal.qc.ca)

  • Academic: University career sites (McGill, UQAM, etc.)

  • Creative: Culture Montréal, Jobboom’s arts section

Integration Support Programs

  • Accueil aux Immigrants (Collective Welcome Programs) – These are often offered through CLSCs or municipal programs and help bridge job access

  • Montreal International – Runs programs to attract international students and professionals to stay and work locally

  • YES Employment Services – Offers job-search assistance, career coaching, and entrepreneurial support

For Students:

  • University Job Centres: All major universities in Montréal offer job banks and co-op programs specifically for international students.

  • PEQ and PGWP Holders: Even if you’re on a post-grad work permit, universities often extend access to alumni services.

5. Networking: The Secret Weapon for Job Seekers

In Montréal, like in many cities, networking isn’t just helpful—it’s often essential. Many jobs are filled through informal referrals or personal recommendations before they ever appear online.

Here’s how you can build your own network, even if you’re starting from scratch:

Start with What You Have

  • University groups: If you’re studying or recently graduated, attend career fairs, alumni mixers, and student-run events.

  • Community organizations: Groups like PROMIS or CACI offer cultural integration activities, job workshops, and often introduce you to professionals in your field.

  • Volunteering: A great way to meet people and gain Canadian experience, especially in non-profits or community events.

Join Events and Workshops

  • Meetup.com hosts dozens of Montréal events every week on tech, entrepreneurship, arts, language exchange, and more.

  • YES Employment + Entrepreneurship hosts networking events specifically for newcomers.

  • Chambers of Commerce: Both the French-speaking (Chambre de commerce du Montréal métropolitain) and English-speaking chambers offer networking breakfasts and seminars.

Leverage LinkedIn

  • Update your profile in both French and English

  • Follow Montréal-based recruiters and companies

  • Engage with posts and reach out to professionals for informational interviews

When reaching out on LinkedIn or in person, always be respectful of people’s time. A simple message like “I’m new to Montréal and would love to hear more about your career path over a quick coffee” goes a long way.

6. Understanding the Role of French

Whether or not French is strictly required for your job depends on your industry, employer, and role. But even when not required, it’s often highly recommended—and legally prioritized in Québec.

Roles That Typically Require French

  • Government jobs (provincial or municipal)

  • Customer-facing roles (retail, call centers, public services)

  • Healthcare, education, and legal sectors

  • Construction and trades with union affiliation

More Flexible Sectors

  • Tech/startups

  • Scientific research

  • Certain creative/English-language media jobs

  • International corporations with a bilingual work environment

What If Your French Isn’t Great Yet?

You can still apply to English-speaking roles while improving your French in parallel. Mention in your cover letter that you’re actively studying French and are open to learning on the job. Many employers appreciate the effort.

7. Work Permits and Your Rights

Depending on your immigration status, your ability to work may come with certain conditions. Here's an overview:

International Students

  • Can work up to 20 hours/week during the semester, and full-time during scheduled breaks (as of 2025, this may change—always verify)

  • Eligible for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) after completing certain programs

Temporary Foreign Workers

  • Work must be tied to the employer and job listed on your permit

  • Some workers can apply for open work permits through family sponsorship or spousal visas

Open Work Permit Holders

  • You can work for any employer in any field, except restricted occupations (e.g., health care without medical clearance)

  • Includes PGWP, spousal open work permits, and some refugee claimants

Permanent Residents

  • Can work in any job without restrictions, but credential recognition may still be required for regulated professions

Regardless of your status, you’re protected by Québec’s Labour Standards Act, which covers minimum wage, working hours, safety, and fair treatment.

You can learn more or report abuse (anonymously) at:
Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) – https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca

8. Career Support, Mentorship, and Resources

Government-Funded Integration Services

  • Objectif Intégration: Mandatory course for some newcomers, but great for job market insight

  • Services Québec: Local branches offer employment guidance and referrals

  • Francisation Québec: Offers free French courses and even financial aid while studying

Community-Based Programs

  • PROMIS (https://promis.qc.ca) – job search, CV help, integration

  • La Maisonnée – support for immigrants with job coaching

  • ALPA – helps professionals re-enter their career path in Québec

Mentorship Programs

  • Interconnexion Program (Chambre de commerce du Montréal métropolitain): Matches newcomers with professionals in their field

  • CRIEC Mentoring Program: Specialized support for immigrants seeking employment in regulated professions

9. Final Advice: Stay Consistent and Stay Informed

  • Be persistent: The job search process in Montréal can take time, especially if you’re changing careers, adapting your language, or waiting on permits.

  • Stay flexible: Your first job might not be your dream job—but it could be a stepping stone.

  • Keep improving: Take a French class, refine your CV, and continue networking.

  • Don’t do it alone: Use every support network available, from employment centers to informal social groups.

Resources

Job Boards & Employment Services

Integration and Language Support

Guide

Your companion for settling in vibrant Montréal.

Tips

Life

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