Like any other place, the time frame for getting a job depends on the job market at the time of applying, your qualifications and credentials, level of knowledge of English (speaking and writing) and persistence.
There is no easy answer to the question, 'How soon will I get a job after landing in Canada?'
My main advise is to go for English classes before landing, if your English is not very good. That could be a huge drawback if you can't converse comfortably.
Also, go through different job sites, such as monster.ca, indeed.com, roberthalf.ca, careerbuilder.ca,
eluta.ca, jobboom.com, glassdoor.ca, simplyhired.ca, workopolis.com and updating and getting a preminum LinkedIn membership. This will give you an idea of what kind of jobs are available, what potential employers are looking for and if you need to get more qualifications to start applying. Also check, newcomerjobscanada.ca.
Don't just look at jobs in Toronto or Vancouver. Look at the next level of cities like Mississauga in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), or even out further like Milton or Cambridge. Depending on what type of job you are looking for, you may find openings that suit your needs. Look at different provinces, like Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Alberta and British Columbia, instead of following the herd to Ontario. If you know French, you have an advantage as many employers look for multi-lingual employees and French being one of the two main languages in Canada, that is a huge plus! Quebec then opens up for you as well, if you are fluent in French.
Also once you are here, look at joining different organizations like the Boards of Trades that are in different cities, or if you are Indian, the ICCC (Indo Canada Chamber of Commerce) http://www.iccconline.org,/ and organizations based on different communities.
Look at places where you may make new contacts. In Canada, making contacts is key to help you in looking for a job. You may find organizations and communities related to where you are from, your language, your religion (Churches, Temples and Mosques are great places to make contacts!) and through people you meet at gatherings and events. Let them know you are new and looking for a job.
Keep your mind open. So what if you don't find that teaching or engineering job you had in your home country? When you are trying to get your feet on the ground, and get some Canadian experience....take any job you find worth your time. It may have nothing to do with your education and experience, but think of it as being temporary while you keep looking for a job that is more suited to you. Making a basic income will help you with your expenses.
Remember to have all your papers in place. You have to be legally allowed to be working in Canada!
Good luck with job hunting!
Here is the Government of Canada web link to more information:
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/newcomers/work/look.asp
Hope this is of some help to you!!
