If you are looking for a way to move to Canada with a full visa sponsorship offer, and you are wondering if you have the right skills or experience to be able to secure such an opportunity. Well, wonder no more. Canada is one of the top 5 countries with a constant inflow of immigrants who are seeking better job opportunities, high standards of living, and a welcoming environment.
It is normal to assume that migration only favors individuals with skilled jobs or work experience but this is a wrong assumption. While many associate immigration to Canada with skilled jobs, the country also has numerous opportunities for unskilled workers.
Several industries, such as agriculture, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing, are constantly seeking foreign workers to fill the gaps in their labor force. To even make it more attractive, some of these positions offer visa sponsorship, making it easier for foreign workers to relocate and work in Canada.
Why Canada Needs Unskilled Workers
Canada has experienced a rapid rise in economy in the past few years and alongside with it, there has been a decrease in the birth rate and the aging population. Together, all these factors have contributed to affect the workforce in some sectors which are very important to the country’s economy.
This shortage extends to unskilled jobs that are critical to the economy but often don’t attract enough local workers. Sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing rely heavily on foreign workers to meet labor demands.
Many Canadian employers are willing to sponsor foreign workers for unskilled jobs, recognizing that filling these roles is vital for their operations. As a result, foreign nationals have a unique opportunity to work in Canada, earn competitive wages, and even transition to permanent residency through specific immigration pathways.
Types of Unskilled Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
There are several industries in Canada that frequently hire unskilled workers, many of which provide visa sponsorship. Some of the most common sectors offering opportunities for foreign nationals include:
1. Agriculture and Farming Jobs
Canada’s agriculture industry relies heavily on unskilled labor to handle tasks such as fruit picking, planting, harvesting, and animal care. Seasonal agricultural workers are often needed, and many employers offer visa sponsorship through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP).
Popular roles include Fruit pickers, Farm laborers, Greenhouse workers and Livestock handlers.
2. Hospitality and Food Service Jobs
The hospitality industry in Canada includes hotels, restaurants, and catering services, all of which require unskilled workers. Jobs in this sector typically involve customer service, kitchen assistance, cleaning, and general maintenance. Some positions may offer sponsorship through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
Popular roles include Hotel housekeeping staff, Dishwashers, Kitchen assistants, Servers and Bartenders
3. Construction and General Labor
The construction industry in Canada is booming, creating a high demand for workers to handle various tasks on construction sites. While some positions require specialized skills, many general labor jobs are considered unskilled and offer visa sponsorship.
Popular roles are General laborers, Construction site cleaners, Road maintenance workers and Masonry assistants.
4. Manufacturing and Factory Jobs
Manufacturing and factory jobs are another significant source of unskilled employment in Canada. Workers are needed for assembly lines, packing, machine operation, and quality control. Many companies in this sector participate in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), offering visa sponsorship for qualified workers.
Popular roles in this industry includes Packaging workers, Machine operators, Assembly line workers and Warehouse workers
5. Cleaning and Maintenance Jobs
There is a high demand for cleaners and maintenance workers across various sectors in Canada, including residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Employers often offer visa sponsorship through government programs to fill these essential roles.
Popular roles are Office cleaners, Janitors, Hotel cleaning staff and Building maintenance workers
Visa Options for Unskilled Workers in Canada
Several visa options are available for foreign nationals seeking unskilled jobs in Canada. The most common programs include:
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals for jobs that cannot be filled by local workers. This program is popular among employers in agriculture, construction, and manufacturing. Unskilled workers hired through the TFWP can be sponsored for a work visa, which is usually tied to a specific employer.
Eligibility and duration: You need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who has obtained a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving that no Canadian workers are available to fill the role. The visa is usually valid for two years, with the possibility of renewal.
Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
The Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) allows employers to hire temporary foreign workers for seasonal agricultural work, such as planting and harvesting crops. This program primarily recruits workers from countries with which Canada has a bilateral agreement, such as Mexico and Caribbean nations.
Eligibility and duration: Applicants must have a job offer in the agricultural sector, and the employer must obtain a positive LMIA. This visa is typically valid for up to eight months, depending on the season.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Some provinces in Canada have their own immigration programs that allow them to nominate workers for permanent residency. Some provinces have specific streams for unskilled or low-skilled workers, especially in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and construction.
Eligibility and duration: You must have a job offer from a Canadian employer and meet the specific requirements of the province. In some cases, you may also need to have work experience in the province. Successful applicants may transition to permanent residency through the Provincial Nominee Program.
How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Unskilled Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
The process of getting an unskilled job in Canada that will also come with visa sponsorship is pretty straightforward but it can be quite difficult because they are competitive. To increase your prospects, first begin by searching for different job opportunities. Do not limit yourself to one industry or sector while you search.
Use the right keywords when conducting your search and check Canadian job platforms like Job Bank, Indeed Cananda, LinkedIn and other industry-specific sites. Always tailor your resume to fit into the job that you are applying, making sure you highlight your strengths and ability to work as a team. Remember to apply to as much jobs as possible; it does not cost extra to apply.
To qualify for visa sponsorship, you will need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Make sure the employer is willing to sponsor your visa and has a positive LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) from the Canadian government, which allows them to hire a foreign worker; your employer will guide you through the process of applying for a work visa.
You will need to submit documents such as your employment contract, proof of the LMIA, and any other documents required by Canadian immigration authorities.
Top Employers for Unskilled Workers in Canada
Several Canadian employers and industries are known for hiring unskilled workers with visa sponsorship. Here are some of the top employers and sectors to consider:
- Agriculture and Farming Companies: Sunset Grown (Greenhouse farming), BC Tree Fruits Cooperative, Nature Fresh Farms and TSC Nursery are top employers.
- Construction Companies: PCL Construction, Ledcor, EllisDon and Aecon Group
- Hospitality Chains: Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, Marriott International, Hilton Canada and Sandman Hotel Group
- Manufacturing and Factory Work: Maple Leaf Foods, Magna International, Linamar Corporation and Canadiana Cabinets Ltd are the top employers of labor in the industry.
- Cleaning and Maintenance Services: GDI Integrated Facility Services, Bee-Clean Building Maintenance, Compass Group Canada and Ainsworth are usually taking employments.
Salary Expectations for Unskilled Jobs in Canada
The salary for unskilled jobs in Canada varies depending on the industry, location, and level of experience. Generally, unskilled workers can expect the following average wages:
- Agriculture Workers: CAD $12 – $18 per hour
- Hospitality Workers: CAD $13 – $20 per hour
- Construction Workers: CAD $15 – $25 per hour
- Manufacturing Workers: CAD $14 – $22 per hour
- Cleaning and Maintenance Workers: CAD $12 – $18 per hour