Frequently asked questions

 

Q1. Do I have to be a Veteran to work at Veterans Affairs Canada?

No, you do not have to be a Veteran to work at Veterans Affairs Canada. We welcome anyone from any background to apply.

 

Q2. Do I need to qualify for benefits or services through Veterans Affairs Canada to apply as a Veteran on VAC JobConnex?

You don't have to qualify for benefits or services to apply for a job through VAC JobConnex. If you served in the Canadian Armed Forces or worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, you can apply as a Veteran on VAC JobConnex.

 

Q3. Who qualifies as a Veteran for the purposes of VAC JobConnex?

If you served in the Canadian Armed Forces or worked for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, you can apply as a Veteran on VAC JobConnex.

 

Q4. What can I expect when I apply to a job opportunity through GC Jobs?

Visit Applying for Government of Canada Jobs: What to expect for more info.

 

Q5. What can I expect when I apply to VAC JobConnex?

 

  • You will receive a confirmation email.
  • Your application will be added to a pool of candidates that hiring managers can draw from when they need to fill job vacancies.
  • If your skills and experience match what the hiring managers are looking for, they may contact you to schedule an interview or offer you the job.
 

Q6. What support is available for Veterans seeking a career in the public service?

VAC offers professional career counselling through Career Transition Services (CTS) for eligible CAF members, Veterans, spouses, common-law partners, or survivors. CTS coaches can help with many aspects of applying for public service jobs including support with resumes, navigating the application process, and interview preparation. You can find out if you are eligible and how to apply for CTS here: Career Transition Services - Veterans Affairs Canada.

 

Q7. What types of careers are available at Veterans Affairs Canada?

There are many different jobs available in the public service that you might enjoy. Some involve working with Veterans and their families, while others are behind the scenes. Whatever you choose, you could have a very fulfilling career. Examples of jobs include:

  • Finance
  • Human resources
  • Information technology
  • Policy
  • Client services
  • Health care
  • Communications
  • And more!
 

Q8. What qualifications do you need to work at Veterans Affairs Canada?

It depends on the job. Usually, you'll need a mix of education, experience, and skills. You can find out exactly what qualifications you need for each job by looking at the job posting.

 

Q9. Are foreign education credentials recognized?

If you completed your education outside Canada, you need to show how your education compares to Canadian Standards to qualify for jobs at Veterans Affairs Canada. Find more information about Foreign Credential Validation against Canadian Standards.

 

Q10. How do I create a profile in GC Jobs?

To create a profile in the GC Jobs, visit jobs.gc.ca and click on "Create an account." You will need to provide some basic personal information, including your name, email address, and password. Once you have created your profile, you can search and apply for job opportunities.

 

Q11. How long does it take to hear back after applying for a job at Veterans Affairs Canada?

If you applied for a job through GC Jobs, it may take a few weeks to a few months to hear back. The time it takes depends on how many people applied and which job you applied for. If you don't hear back after a while, you can contact the person in charge of hiring for an update.

If you applied through VAC JobConnex, a hiring manager will contact you if you are being considered for a job.

 

Q12. Are there any language requirements for working at Veterans Affairs Canada?

There are two official languages in Canada: English and French. You will have to work in at least one of these languages. You might need to use both English and French in some jobs. These are bilingual jobs. If a job is bilingual, you will need to show that you can read, write and speak in both English and French.

Learn more about second language evaluation in the public service.

 

Q13. Can I apply for a job at Veterans Affairs Canada if I don’t have Canadian citizenship?

If you live in Canada, you can apply for jobs on GC Jobs or on VAC JobConnex. But Canadian citizens and permanent residents may have preference.

 

Q14. What is the pay scale at Veterans Affairs Canada?

The pay scale for jobs at Veterans Affairs Canada depends on the type of job. You can find out how much a job pays by looking at the job posting on GC Jobs. You can also check the Rates of Pay for Public Service Employees.

If you get offered a job, you can also ask the hiring manager how much you will get paid.

 

Q15. What is casual employment?

Casual employment is a short-term job opportunity. Casual workers are hired for no more than ninety (90) working days in one calendar year. You might work for one or more periods, but you can’t work for more than ninety days in one department in one year. Find out more about casual employment.

 

Q16. How do I find a student position with Veterans Affairs Canada?

If you want a student job with Veterans Affairs Canada and you've never worked for the government before, there are different ways to apply:

 

Q17. I have student work experience with the Government of Canada. How do I find a new student job with Veterans Affairs Canada?

You can apply for student jobs through the VAC JobConnex. To qualify, you must be:

  • Registered as a full-time student at an accredited academic institution. This includes students with a visible or invisible disability deemed to have full-time status by their academic institution and those participating in adult education and retraining programs at the secondary level.
  • Returning to full-time studies in the next academic term; and,
  • The minimum age of employment in your province or territory of work.
 

Q18. I am a post-secondary graduate. How do I find career opportunities with Veterans Affairs Canada?

Hiring managers can use student bridging to hire graduates at Veterans Affairs Canada. To be eligible for student bridging, you must have either:

  • Worked in the federal public service through a student employment program. Or,
  • Worked in the federal public service as a casual or part-time employee during your studies.

Submit your application to VAC JobConnex.

 

Q19. What is term/specified period employment?

Term/specified period employment refers to temporary employment of a fixed duration.

 

Q20. What is indeterminate employment?

Indeterminate refers to permanent employment. There is no end date.