How to Ask for Work References in Canada (Even if You Are New Here)

The people who supervised you, collaborated with you, and saw your growth may be in another time zone. Many newcomers feel this gap in their early years. The good news is that countless immigrants have built strong careers here even when they started without a single Canadian contact.

One simple tool helps employers trust your experience: a strong set of work references. This guide walks you through what work references are, how they work in Canada, and how to navigate the process with confidence even if you just arrived.

What is a work reference in Canada

A work reference is someone who can speak about your professional abilities. This person can explain what you did, how you worked with others, and the strengths you showed in past roles. This is different from an academic reference which focuses on your studies or a character reference which speaks to your personal qualities.

Canadian employers often check references only after they have interviewed you or when they are ready to make an offer. It is a normal step in the hiring process and it helps employers understand who you are as a teammate and as a contributor.

If you want to see how employers approach the process, the Government of Canada has a helpful overview of structured reference checks.

When and how to provide work references

On your Canadian resume you can include a simple line at the end that says: “References available upon request.” This is standard in Canada. It is not necessary to list your references directly on your resume.

If an employer wants references, they will ask for them. At that point you can send a short and clean list with each reference’s name, job title, organization, and contact information. Before you share the list, reach out to your references. Let them know about the role you are applying for and ask them to expect a call or email. This small courtesy helps them prepare and often leads to stronger feedback.

How to choose the right work references

Most employers expect three references. At least one should be someone who supervised you. Choose people who know your work well and who can speak confidently about your strengths. Try to choose recent references and include someone who held a role senior to yours. This helps employers trust your experience and understand the impact of your work.

Using work references from outside Canada

Many newcomers use references from back home. Employers understand this. The most important factors to consider are communication and availability.
If your reference can speak English or French comfortably, most employers will call them without issue. If language may be a challenge, you can ask the employer if they would accept an email reference check instead. This allows your reference to respond in writing and gives them time to use translation help if they need it.

Time zones can also matter. Make sure your reference knows when to expect a message and confirm that their contact details are correct. If your reference lives in the Philippines, for example, be sure to let both the reference and your prospective employer know about the time difference so they can plan accordingly.

Building work references in Canada

If you do not yet have Canadian work experience, there are still ways to build a reference list. Someone from a volunteer role can speak to your reliability or teamwork. A person you met through a meaningful networking conversation may be willing to comment on your communication skills. If you have taken a course or micro credential, a teacher or program coordinator may be able to provide a reference, as well. However, it is important to use professional work references when possible.

Try to lead with 1-2 professional references who have seen your work directly even if they are outside Canada.

A few etiquette reminders

Keep your reference list in a separate document and share it only when asked. Do not list friends or relatives. Avoid placing your references’ contact details on public job boards.

After your job search, send a short thank you message to the people who supported you. Maintaining those relationships will help you as your career grows in Canada.

Keep your head up and apply with confidence

Asking for references can feel uncomfortable at first, especially when your professional world spans different countries. But references are simply people who believe in your work and want to see you succeed. Focus on choosing people who know your strengths, keep them informed, and present everything professionally.

Most former colleagues and supervisors are happy to provide work references. They understand that it’s a common part of the job application process and want to help you succeed!

A thoughtful and well-prepared reference list helps employers see the person behind the resume and it can open the door to your first Canadian job.