Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners

Canada remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for skilled professionals, tradespeople, and entry-level workers seeking stable employment and pathways to permanent residence. When you see “visa sponsorship jobs in Canada,” it usually refers to employers who are willing to support a foreign worker’s work permit application often by obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or hiring under an LMIA‑exempt category. Understanding how this works will help you focus your job search on legitimate, high‑probability opportunities.

The Canadian system is rules‑based and transparent. Employers must meet specific requirements before hiring a foreign national, and applicants must prove they meet admissibility, credentials, and language standards as applicable. Depending on your occupation, language skills, and location preference, you may find opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, technology, transportation, construction, agriculture, hospitality, and food services. Many of these jobs are posted publicly on reputable platforms, including the Government of Canada’s Job Bank.

This guide, prepared in a consular editorial style, explains how “sponsorship” works in Canada, the types of jobs commonly open to newcomers (including entry-level roles), core visa and documentation requirements, current salary ranges, and trusted websites to find openings. It is designed to help you conduct a safe, well‑informed job search and to avoid common pitfalls such as fraudulent offers or improper recruiter fees. Always verify details on the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website, as policies and processing times can change.

Entry Level Jobs for Immigrants

Entry-level roles are a strong entry point for newcomers who want Canadian work experience and, in some cases, an employer who can support a work permit. These positions often focus on reliability, safety awareness, and customer service more than on Canadian credentials. Sectors with consistent demand include hospitality (food counter attendants, kitchen helpers, front desk agents), retail (sales associates, cashiers), cleaning/janitorial services, and warehousing/logistics (material handlers, pickers/packers, forklift operators). While not all employers are ready to support an LMIA, many large or seasonal employers are familiar with temporary foreign worker hiring.

Agriculture and food processing offer both seasonal and year‑round opportunities. General farm workers, greenhouse labourers, and meat processing staff are regularly recruited under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) and the broader Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). These roles can be physically demanding, but they often provide predictable schedules and housing support or guidance. If you have prior experience in farming or food production even outside Canada highlight it on your resume and be explicit about your readiness for shift work and rural settings.

Construction and basic trades support roles are practical entry points for those comfortable with hands‑on work and site safety protocols. Labourers, traffic control persons, and helpers to carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and welders are in demand in many provinces due to ongoing infrastructure and housing projects. Employers may support permits where local recruitment does not meet demand. Obtaining safety tickets (e.g., WHMIS, fall protection), a valid driver’s license, and basic tool familiarity can significantly strengthen your candidacy.

Caregiving and health support roles remain steady options for newcomers with compassion and patience. Positions such as home support workers, personal support workers (PSWs), and child care providers may be LMIA‑supported or part of specific caregiver pathways. If you are pursuing regulated roles (e.g., nurse, early childhood educator), you may need provincial/territorial licensing; however, entry-level support roles often emphasize soft skills, reliability, and willingness to complete training. Always confirm whether the job is tied to a recognized program or pilot and whether the employer is authorized to hire foreign workers.

Visa Requirements for Employment

In Canada, “visa sponsorship” commonly means an employer supports your work authorization. Broadly, there are three ways foreign nationals work in Canada:

1. Employer‑specific work permits with LMIA (Temporary Foreign Worker Program)

• The employer applies to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for an LMIA, showing they could not find a Canadian or permanent resident for the role.
• If approved, the LMIA confirms the job offer is genuine and that hiring you will have a neutral or positive impact on the Canadian labour market.
• You use the positive LMIA and job offer to apply for a work permit through IRCC.
• Typical employer fees: LMIA application fee is CAD 1,000 per position (paid by employer). Employers also meet advertising and wage requirements set by ESDC.

2. Employer‑specific, LMIA‑exempt work permits (International Mobility Program)

• Certain categories waive the LMIA due to broader economic or cultural benefits. Common streams include:
  • Intra‑Company Transfers (ICT) for multinational employees.
  • International agreements (e.g., CUSMA/USMCA for U.S./Mexico, CETA for the EU, CPTPP, and other treaties).
  • Francophone Mobility (French‑speaking professionals hired outside Quebec in eligible TEER 0–3 roles).
  • Academic and research roles, and certain charitable or reciprocal employment categories.
• The employer submits an Offer of Employment through the Employer Portal and pays a CAD 230 employer compliance fee.
• You then apply for a work permit referencing the offer of employment number.

3. Open work permits (no employer needed at the time of application)

• Examples include the Post‑Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for eligible international graduates, certain spousal open work permits, and the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday category for citizens of partner countries.
• Open work permits allow you to work for most employers without a specific LMIA or job offer.

Key applicant requirements and process

• Admissibility: You must be admissible to Canada (security, medical, financial, and immigration history factors).
• Biometrics: Most applicants provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo). Biometrics are typically valid for 10 years; fee is CAD 85 for an individual.
• Medical exam: Required for certain occupations (e.g., healthcare, childcare) or if you’ve lived in certain countries; completed with a panel physician.
• Police certificates: Often required from countries where you have lived for 6+ months since age 18.
• Fees: Individual work permit processing is usually CAD 155; an additional CAD 100 applies for open work permits. Employer fees (LMIA or compliance) are paid by employers, not workers.
• Entry document: Depending on nationality, you may also need a temporary resident visa (TRV) or an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to enter Canada. The work permit itself is not an entry visa.
• Quebec: Jobs in Quebec often require a Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) for temporary work, in addition to federal requirements.

Processing times and service standards

• Times vary by country, category, and season. Certain LMIA streams like the Global Talent Stream and some International Mobility Program categories aim for expedited processing when complete applications are submitted.
• Always consult the IRCC processing times tool for up‑to‑date estimates.

Pathways to permanent residence (PR)

• Many foreign workers use Canadian work experience to qualify for PR.
  • Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades).
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) aligned with regional labour needs.
  • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) for designated employers in Atlantic provinces.
  • Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP) and Agri‑Food Pilot (program availability may change).
  • Caregiver pathways for qualifying caregiving experience.
• A job offer from an eligible employer can bolster your PR profile, and in some PNPs it’s a requirement.

Protecting yourself

• Do not pay an employer to obtain an LMIA or to hire you; this is prohibited.
• Verify the employer is legitimate and not on the Government of Canada’s ineligible employers list.
• Keep records of your job offer, contract, pay stubs, and hours worked.

Salary Scale for Immigrants

The following ranges reflect typical Canadian wages in 2024 and can vary by province, experience, unionization, and demand. Use Job Bank Canada and provincial resources for localized data.

Note: Annual figures assume full-time (approx. 2,000 hours/year) and are indicative ranges. Always confirm the prevailing wage for your occupation and region via Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca).

Application Requirements and Documents

Prepare a complete, accurate application to avoid delays. Depending on your pathway (LMIA-based, LMIA‑exempt, open work permit), documents may vary, but commonly include:

• Identity and status
  • Valid passport (ensure sufficient validity for the intended work period).
  • Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications.
  • Family information forms as required.
• Job and employer documentation
  • Signed job offer/contract detailing duties, wages, hours, and location.
  • LMIA number and copy of the positive LMIA (if applicable), or
  • Offer of Employment number from the Employer Portal for LMIA‑exempt roles.
  • For Quebec roles: Quebec Acceptance Certificate (CAQ) if required.
• Qualifications and experience
  • Canadian‑style resume and tailored cover letter.
  • Reference letters describing duties, hours, and employment dates.
  • Educational credentials and transcripts; Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if needed for immigration or employer verification.
  • Professional licenses/certifications (e.g., trade certificates, Red Seal, nursing registration). For regulated professions, check the provincial regulator’s requirements.
• Admissibility and supporting documents
  • Police certificates from required jurisdictions.
  • Upfront or requested medical exam by a panel physician for designated occupations or as instructed.
  • Proof of funds if requested (varies by category).
  • Biometrics receipt (if applicable).
  • Translations and certified copies where documents are not in English or French.
• Fee receipts and forms
  • Work permit application form(s) completed online via IRCC account.
  • Payment of applicable fees: CAD 155 (work permit), CAD 100 (open work permit holder), CAD 85 (biometrics). Employer fees (LMIA or compliance) are paid by the employer.

Tip: Keep your documents organized, name files clearly, and ensure scanned copies are legible. If you change employers, update IRCC authorization before starting a new job unless you hold an open work permit.

Employment Websites to Find Opportunities

Government and official resources

• Job Bank (jobbank.gc.ca): Canada’s official job board; filter for “Employment groups” such as “Temporary foreign workers” and use Job Match to connect with verified employers.
• Provincial/territorial boards:
  • WorkBC (workbc.ca) – British Columbia
  • Alberta jobs (alberta.ca/jobs) and sector boards
  • SaskJobs (saskjobs.ca) – Saskatchewan
  • Manitoba: Work in Manitoba Job Connections (workinmanitoba.ca)
  • Ontario: Employment Ontario service finder (ontario.ca/page/employment-ontario)
  • Québec: Emploi‑Québec/Placement en ligne and Journées Québec missions (quebec.ca)
  • Nova Scotia Works, NBJobs, Job Bank NL, etc.
• Health sector recruitment: Health Match BC (healthmatchbc.org) for healthcare professionals; some roles are LMIA‑exempt or PR‑linked.

General job boards

• Indeed.ca, LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Eluta.ca, Monster.ca, Jobillico: Large volumes of postings across sectors. Use keywords like “LMIA,” “visa sponsorship,” or “foreign worker.”
• Tech and specialized: techjobs.ca, Communitech Job Board, MaRS Discovery District jobs.
• Hospitality and tourism: Hcareers.ca, go2HR.ca (BC).
• Agriculture and food: AgCareers.com (Canada), Job Bank agriculture filter, provincial agriculture job portals.
• Transportation and logistics: Trucking HR Canada Job Board (truckinghr.com), carrier websites.

Settlement and newcomer supports

• Government‑funded settlement agencies offer job search workshops, resume clinics, and employer connections (e.g., YMCA, COSTI, ACCES Employment, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia).
• Professional bridging programs help internationally trained professionals meet Canadian licensing requirements.

Due diligence and safety

• Never pay for a job offer or LMIA. Recruiter fees charged to job seekers are illegal in many provinces.
• Verify the company website, business number, and physical address. Cross‑check the employer against the ineligible employers list maintained by the Government of Canada.
• Get all terms in writing: wage, hours, duties, overtime, vacation, deductions, and location(s).

Practical search tips

• Target employers with a track record of hiring foreign workers (look for prior LMIA postings or IMP hiring).
• Tailor your resume to Canadian standards: clear accomplishments, NOC‑aligned keywords, and quantifiable results.
• Be flexible on location and shifts; rural and smaller centres often have higher demand and can process LMIA faster.

Conclusion

Canada offers diverse, credible pathways for foreigners seeking jobs with employer support for work authorization. While “visa sponsorship” is not a formal Canadian term, employers can lawfully support you through LMIA‑based hiring or LMIA‑exempt categories, and many sectors from agriculture and hospitality to healthcare, transportation, construction, and tech hire internationally when domestic recruitment does not meet demand. Success hinges on aligning your skills with the right NOC category, presenting a strong Canadian‑style application, and targeting employers and programs that match your profile.

Use official resources like Job Bank, provincial job boards, and IRCC guidance to avoid misinformation. Remember, you should not pay for a job offer or employer fees, and you should keep your application truthful and complete. With preparation and persistence, a Canadian work permit can open doors to valuable experience and potential pathways to permanent residence. For the latest rules and processing times, always consult the IRCC website before you apply.