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[eighteenbelow]

Two questions pertaining to the subject of an American academic/writer -- with absolutely no Canadian status whatsoever (aside from an abiding love of ice hockey and maple syrup) -- seeking a job at a university in Canada:

1.  What exactly would said American have to do to actually land such a position?  As I understand it, Canadian labor laws are much more stringent than American ones, meaning that said American would have to be not merely the best qualified candidate for said job, but, essentially, the only one.  True?  False?  Exaggerated for comic effect but mostly true?

2.  Where are Canadian academic jobs listed?  I am specifically interested in English/Creative Writing positions.

Thanks!

[locutus]

Perhaps a little exaggerated. I've heard that if they hire a non-Canadian they must specifically prove (somehow) that there is no Canadian with equivalent qualifications.

[tuxedo_cat]

1.  What exactly would said American have to do to actually land such a position?  

Marry a Canadian.  That works too.

[eighteenbelow]

Perhaps a little exaggerated. I've heard that if they hire a non-Canadian they must specifically prove (somehow) that there is no Canadian with equivalent qualifications.

I'm not sure how, exactly, that's any different (or any more promising).  After all, how could one prove such a thing?

And where are these jobs posted?  Or do you have to be Canadian (or marry one) to know that, too?

[sunny_side_up]

Since when is Canada overseas?? Did the continents drift significantly since I looked last time? For some people is might be across the lake, but overseas??

I don't know how it works but I know plenty of foeigners in Canadian universities, even in heavily oversupplied fields, so it must be possible.

[themistius]

If a Canadian university wants you, they can hire you.  There's paperwork and a preference for Canadians, but still, you've got a shot.  Here's a place to look: http://www.universityaffairs.ca/

[cranefly]

Please stop spreading rumours and just do a search. I've come across this question about many times here in the last year.

The labour law is now open and has been for a number of years.

Universities may still express preference for a Canadian, but it's not that big a factor, and whether or not the ad states a preference for Canadians is up to the individual school. Apply for a job you want. They will hire the best candidate regardless of nationality.

[helpful]

It depends on the university. Some will hire Americans no matter what; others will want to know that there are no Canadians qualified for the job.

[llanfair]

Here's another website, run by CAUT:

http://www.academicwork.ca/

[ideagirl]

1.  What exactly would said American have to do to actually land such a position?  As I understand it, Canadian labor laws are much more stringent than American ones, meaning that said American would have to be not merely the best qualified candidate for said job, but, essentially, the only one.  True?  False?  Exaggerated for comic effect but mostly true?

Irrelevant if you approach this another way--first apply for landed immigrant status, then apply for the job. Canada uses a points system, so if you have enough points, bingo, you're in--you can immigrate, even without a job. Then the university doesn't have to do anything special to hire you.

Calculate your eligibility for landed immigrant status here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLIsh/immigrate/skilled/assess/index.asp
Or here:
http://www.workpermit.com/canada/points_calculator.htm

[omaraz]

1.  What exactly would said American have to do to actually land such a position?  As I understand it, Canadian labor laws are much more stringent than American ones, meaning that said American would have to be not merely the best qualified candidate for said job, but, essentially, the only one.  True?  False?  Exaggerated for comic effect but mostly true?

Irrelevant if you approach this another way--first apply for landed immigrant status, then apply for the job. Canada uses a points system, so if you have enough points, bingo, you're in--you can immigrate, even without a job. Then the university doesn't have to do anything special to hire you.

Calculate your eligibility for landed immigrant status here:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/EnGLIsh/immigrate/skilled/assess/index.asp
Or here:
http://www.workpermit.com/canada/points_calculator.htm

Unfortunately for Americans, the process to immigrate on the point system takes 18-27 months and there is no way to speed it up.

[cranefly]

Well, no, if you have a job lined up you can emigrate to Canada. My next-door neighbours have been here for the last year working and are just now sorting out their landed immigrant status. It just limits a few things you can do (get a mortgage or loan from a Canadian bank, for instance), but it's the same anywhere. If I get a job in the USA, it still takes me about 18 months to get a green card.

[canadatourismguy]

18 months to get a green card?  I am now going on month 24 and are just filing certain papers!  I have not met anyone who has been under 2 years.  If a Canadian University wants to hire you, they can and will.  Just apply.

CTG

[merlee]

Hey folks,

Someone pointed out the overseas issue correctly. More than that "If you are American and apply for a jobs Canada...."  Canada is in America! North America, as is the US. Many people " on the street " confuse these. In academics, we should be able to distinguish county and continent!

Apart from that, I also know of many examples of foreigners being hired in Canada and second the point "if the university wants you they will manage..." you may be be careful with the "American" nomenclature in and interview though.

[helpful]

If you are from the United States and the hiring committee wants you, they will hire you. You just have to be a little bit better than the Canadian candidate....just a little bit. But since you can't know what that means, and who the Canadian candidate(s) are, you might as well just apply and let the 'chips' fall where they may.

By the way, if you have a strong research program and the university has Canada Research Chairs (Tier 1: senior faculty; Tier 2: junior and faculty with emerging research areas), then as a United Statesian you have an excellent chance, sometimes even better than a Canadian.