In recent years, Canada has become a popular destination for immigrants seeking better job opportunities and a higher standard of living. However, many potential immigrants may not have the necessary qualifications or skills to secure jobs in highly skilled industries. This is where unskilled jobs with visa sponsorship come into play.
Unskilled jobs refer to occupations that do not require specialized training or education. These are often labor-intensive roles that can be learned on-the-job. Examples of unskilled jobs in Canada include general laborers, cleaners, food service workers, farm workers, and customer service representatives.
Why Consider Unskilled Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship?
- Availability
- Visa Sponsorship
- High Demand
- Opportunity for Growth
- Work Experience
How to Find Unskilled Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
- Online Job Boards: Many Canadian companies advertise their job openings on online job boards such as Indeed, Monster, and LinkedIn. These websites allow you to filter your search based on location, industry, and job type.
- Government Programs: One example is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Recruitment Agencies
- Networking
Benefits of Working in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
- Opportunity for Growth and Development
- Competitive Wages
- Access to Social Services
- Pathway to Permanent Residency
- Cultural Diversity
Top Unskilled Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
1. Construction Laborer
The construction industry is a significant contributor to the Canadian economy, making it one of the largest employers in the country. With numerous ongoing infrastructure projects and new constructions popping up across cities, there is a high demand for skilled and unskilled workers in this field. This has made construction laborer jobs an excellent option for those seeking unskilled work opportunities with visa sponsorship in Canada.
Job Description:
Construction laborers are responsible for assisting skilled workers on construction sites, performing a wide range of physical tasks such as loading and unloading materials, digging trenches, setting up scaffolding, operating heavy machinery, and cleaning up debris. They work under the supervision of experienced contractors to ensure that all construction activities are carried out efficiently and safely.
Qualifications and Skills Required:
Unlike other job options that require specific qualifications or experience, becoming a construction laborer does not have any strict educational requirements. However, possessing some basic skills can make you stand out from other applicants. These include physical strength and stamina to handle manual tasks, ability to follow instructions carefully and complete assigned tasks within deadlines, knowledge of basic hand tools and safety protocols on construction sites.
Work Environment:
Working as a construction laborer can be physically demanding as you will be required to perform various manual tasks throughout the day. The work environment may also vary depending on the type of project you are working on; outdoor projects may expose you to harsh weather conditions such as extreme heat or cold, while indoor projects may involve working in confined spaces. The job also involves working closely with other team members, so effective communication skills are essential.
Salary and Benefits:
The average salary for a construction laborer in Canada ranges from $15 to $25 per hour, depending on experience and location. In addition to the base salary, most employers also offer benefits such as health insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for career advancement.
Visa Sponsorship:
Construction laborer jobs are eligible for visa sponsorship under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in Canada. This means that if you are hired by an employer to work as a construction laborer, they can apply for a work permit on your behalf. However, it is important to note that the availability of visa sponsorship may vary depending on the current job market conditions and regulations.
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a construction laborer in Canada, it is recommended to research specific job postings and companies that offer visa sponsorship. You can also consult with immigration consultants or recruitment agencies for assistance in finding suitable job opportunities.
2. Food Service Worker
Food service workers are essential in the hospitality industry, playing a crucial role in providing quality food and customer service to patrons. They work in a variety of settings such as restaurants, cafes, hotels, and catering companies. This job is ideal for those who enjoy interacting with people and have a passion for food.
In Canada, there is a high demand for food service workers due to the country’s thriving tourism industry and its diverse population. As per the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, there were over 38000 job openings for food service workers in 2019 alone.
The duties of a food service worker may vary depending on their place of employment but generally include tasks such as preparing and serving meals, taking orders from customers, maintaining cleanliness and hygiene standards in the dining area and kitchen, restocking supplies, handling cash transactions, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
One of the significant advantages of being a food service worker in Canada is that it does not require any specific educational qualification or prior work experience. However, having good communication skills, basic knowledge of safe food handling practices, and excellent customer service skills are necessary to excel in this field.
To be eligible to work as a food service worker in Canada through visa sponsorship programs like Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), applicants must meet certain criteria set by Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These may include meeting language proficiency requirements (English or French), having enough funds to support themselves and their family members, and a clean criminal record.
The salary for food service workers in Canada varies depending on the level of experience, location, and type of establishment. On average, they can earn between $12 to $18 per hour. Additionally, food service workers may also receive tips from customers, which can significantly increase their earnings.
Overall, being a food service worker in Canada offers great opportunities for growth and development in the hospitality industry. It is a fulfilling job that allows individuals to interact with different people while working in a fast-paced environment.
3. Housekeeper
If you are looking for a career in Canada that does not require specialized skills or education, then working as a housekeeper may be the perfect job for you. Housekeeping is a vital role in any household or establishment, and there is always high demand for skilled and reliable housekeepers in Canada.
As a housekeeper, your main responsibility will be to maintain the cleanliness and organization of a home or workplace. This includes tasks such as dusting, vacuuming, sweeping/mopping floors, doing laundry, changing linens, and taking care of dishes. However, the specific duties may vary depending on the employer’s needs.
To excel as a housekeeper in Canada, it is important to have strong attention to detail and excellent time management skills. You must also be physically fit as this job can involve heavy lifting and standing for long periods. Additionally, good communication skills are essential as you may need to interact with clients or coworkers.
One of the great things about working as a housekeeper in Canada is that there are opportunities available in various settings. You could work in private households, hotels/resorts, hospitals/long-term care facilities, schools/universities, or even on cruise ships. This allows you to choose an environment that best suits your preferences and offers growth potential.
In terms of salary prospects for housekeepers in Canada, it can vary depending on factors such as location and type of employment (full-time/part-time). On average, housekeepers earn around $15-18 per hour but can make up to $25 per hour in some areas.
To become a housekeeper in Canada, you do not need any formal education or training. However, having prior experience in cleaning and housekeeping can be beneficial. Some employers may also require you to have a valid driver’s license and access to transportation.
Overall, working as a housekeeper in Canada can provide stable employment with opportunities for growth and advancement. If you are organized, detail-oriented, and enjoy keeping spaces clean and tidy, this could be the perfect career path for you.
4. Truck Driver
Canada has a thriving transportation industry, making it an ideal destination for unskilled workers looking for job opportunities with visa sponsorship. One of the most in-demand jobs in this sector is that of a truck driver. In fact, truck driving is considered to be one of the most popular unskilled jobs in Canada, with many companies offering visa sponsorship for skilled and experienced drivers.
Requirements for Becoming a Truck Driver in Canada:
- A valid class 1 or class 3 driver’s license: This allows you to operate commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers and trucks over 11,000 kg.
- Clean driving record: Companies usually conduct background checks before hiring drivers, so having a clean driving record is crucial.
- Knowledge of road safety regulations: As a truck driver, you will be responsible for transporting goods safely and efficiently while adhering to traffic laws.
- Physical fitness: The job of a truck driver can be physically demanding as it involves sitting for long periods and loading/unloading heavy cargo.
- Good communication skills: Since you will be required to communicate with dispatchers and customers, having good communication skills is essential.
Types of Truck Driving Jobs Available:
- Long-haul truck driver: This involves driving long distances across provinces or even countries.
- Local delivery driver: This job typically involves delivering goods within a local area, such as a city or town.
- Dump truck driver: This job involves transporting loose materials such as sand, gravel, or construction debris.
Salary and Benefits:
According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the average salary for a truck driver in Canada is around $41,600 per year. However, this can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and company. Truck drivers also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Visa Sponsorship:
Many companies in Canada offer visa sponsorship for skilled and experienced truck drivers. This sponsorship allows you to work legally in Canada and may eventually lead to permanent residence if you meet certain criteria.
5. General Labourer
Another popular unskilled job in Canada with visa sponsorship is that of a general labourer. Labourers are needed across various industries for tasks such as loading/unloading materials, operating equipment/machinery, and performing manual labor.
Requirements for Becoming a General Labourer in Canada:
- Physical fitness: General laborer jobs can be physically demanding, so being physically fit is important.
- Ability to follow instructions: As a general labourer, you will be expected to follow instructions from supervisors or more experienced workers.
- Basic math and communication skills: Some jobs may require basic math skills for measuring and calculating materials, as well as good communication skills for working with others.
Types of General Labourer Jobs Available:
- Construction laborer: This involves tasks such as carrying materials, operating equipment, and assisting skilled tradespeople on construction sites.
- Manufacturing laborer: This job involves tasks such as assembling products, packaging items, and operating machinery.
- Warehouse laborer: This job involves tasks such as loading/unloading goods, organizing inventory, and operating forklifts/other equipment.
Salary and Benefits:
According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the average salary for a general labourer in Canada is around $31,200 per year. However, this can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. General labourers may also receive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.
Visa Sponsorship:
Many companies in Canada offer visa sponsorship for skilled and experienced general laborers. This sponsorship allows you to work legally in Canada and may eventually lead to permanent residence if you meet certain criteria.
6. Farm Worker
The agriculture industry is a significant part of Canada’s economy.
As a farm worker, your main responsibility is to assist farmers in various tasks related to crop cultivation and harvesting. This can include planting, watering, weeding, fertilizing, and harvesting crops such as fruits, vegetables, grains, or livestock. You may also be required to operate machinery and equipment used in farming activities.
One of the primary reasons why farms hire foreign workers is due to the shortage of local laborers who are willing to take on this physically demanding job. As a result, there are plenty of job opportunities available for international workers who are seeking employment in Canada.
Requirements for Becoming a Farm Worker in Canada:
- Physical fitness: Farm work can be physically demanding, so being physically fit is important.
- Basic knowledge of farming: Some experience or knowledge of farming practices may be required for certain jobs.
- Ability to follow instructions: As a farm worker, you will be expected to follow instructions from supervisors or more experienced workers.
- Work permit: To work as a farm worker under visa sponsorship, you must have a valid work permit issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Your employer will need to apply for a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) before you can apply for a work permit.
- Basic skills: While no formal education or experience is required for this job, having some basic skills such as good communication, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions is essential.
- Language proficiency: Having a good command of English or French is necessary to communicate with your employer and colleagues effectively.
- Flexibility: Farm work often involves irregular hours and may require you to work on weekends or holidays during peak seasons.
Types of Farm Worker Jobs Available:
- Crop farm worker: This involves tasks such as planting, harvesting, and maintaining crops.
- Livestock farm worker: This job involves tasks such as caring for animals, cleaning barns/pens, and assisting with breeding programs.
- Greenhouse worker: This job involves tasks such as planting and caring for plants in a greenhouse setting.
Salary and Benefits:
The salary for farm workers can vary widely depending on the specific job duties and location. According to the Government of Canada’s Job Bank, the average salary for a farm worker is around $25,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and type of farm. Farm workers may also receive benefits such as housing and food allowances.
Visa Sponsorship:
Many farms in Canada offer visa sponsorship for skilled and experienced farm workers. This sponsorship allows you to work legally in Canada and may eventually lead to permanent residence if you meet certain criteria.
7. Caregiver
Caregiving is a noble profession that involves providing support and assistance to individuals who are unable to care for themselves due to illness, disability or old age. In Canada, there is a high demand for caregivers as the aging population continues to grow and the need for in-home care increases.
To work as a caregiver in Canada, you will need a valid work permit and may also require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from your potential employer. However, there are certain programs that allow caregivers to come to Canada without an LMIA.
Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP)
The Live-in Caregiver Program allows Canadian families to hire foreign caregivers to provide live-in care for children, seniors or people with disabilities. To be eligible for this program, you must have a job offer from an employer in Canada and at least six months of full-time training or one year of full-time paid work experience as a caregiver within the past three years.
Under this program, caregivers can apply for permanent residence after working in Canada for two years. This provides them with the opportunity to not only gain valuable work experience but also permanently settle in Canada.
Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot
In order to streamline the process of hiring foreign caregivers, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced two new pilot programs Home Child Care Provider Pilot and Home Support Worker Pilot. These pilots aim at providing faster and more efficient pathways for caregivers to become permanent residents of Canada.
To be eligible for these pilots, you must have a job offer from a Canadian employer and meet the language and education requirements. You also need to have at least 24 months of full-time work experience as a home child care provider or home support worker in Canada within the past three years.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Provincial Nominee Programs allow provinces and territories in Canada to nominate individuals who have the skills and experience needed to contribute to their economy. Many provinces have specific streams under their PNP that target caregivers, such as the BC Provincial Nominee Program’s Healthcare Professional category.
To be eligible for this program, you must have a job offer from an employer in British Columbia and meet certain education, language, and work experience requirements. Other provinces also have similar streams for caregivers under their PNP.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis when there are no available Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill the position. This program may be an option for caregivers who do not qualify under any of the above-mentioned programs.
To be eligible for this program, you must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer and a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada. The LMIA is a document that shows there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the position.
Duties of a Caregiver
- Assisting with daily tasks such as grooming, bathing, dressing, and toileting
- Preparing meals and feeding
- Administering medication
- Providing companionship and engaging in activities with the client
- Accompanying the client to appointments or outings
- Assisting with household chores such as laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping
- Monitoring the client’s health and reporting any changes or concerns to medical professionals or family members
- Ensuring the safety of the client at all times.
Qualities of a Good Caregiver
- Empathy: Being able to understand and share the feelings of the client is essential in providing effective care.
- Compassion: Caregivers need to show genuine care and concern for their clients, as well as respect for their dignity and privacy.
- Patience: Dealing with clients who have physical or cognitive challenges can be frustrating at times, so it is important for caregivers to have patience and remain calm.
- Adaptability: Every client’s needs are different, so caregivers must be adaptable and able to adjust to changing situations.
- Communication skills: Caregivers need to have strong communication skills to effectively communicate with their clients, their families, and medical professionals.
- Physical stamina: The job of a caregiver can involve lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods, so good physical stamina is important.
- Reliability: Clients rely on their caregivers for daily support and assistance, so being reliable and punctual is crucial in this role.
Salary of a Caregiver
The salary of a caregiver in Canada varies depending on factors such as location, experience, and the type of care provided. According to PayScale, the average hourly wage for a caregiver in Canada is around $16. However, wages can range from $12-$22 per hour.
Caregivers who work in larger cities or provide specialized care may earn higher wages. Some employers may also offer benefits such as health insurance and vacation pay.
Requirements for Obtaining a Work Visa in Canada
1. Job Offer from a Canadian Employer
The first requirement for obtaining a work visa in Canada is securing a job offer from a Canadian employer. This job offer must be genuine and meet the standards set by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The employer must also provide an explanation as to why they are unable to hire a Canadian citizen or permanent resident for the position.
2. Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
In most cases, the employer will need to apply for an LMIA before offering employment to a foreign worker. An LMIA is a document issued by ESDC that confirms there is no Canadian worker available to fill the job position being offered. This assessment ensures that hiring foreign workers will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market.
3. Proof of Qualifications
To qualify for an unskilled job with visa sponsorship in Canada, you will need proof of relevant qualifications or experience in your chosen field. This can be demonstrated through education certificates, trade certifications, or previous work experience. It is important to note that different provinces may have specific requirements for certain occupations.
4. Adequate English or French Language Skills
In order to work in Canada, you must be proficient in either English or French. This proficiency can be proven through language tests such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) or TEF (Test d’évaluation de français).
5. Valid Passport and Travel Documents
You will need a valid passport and any other required travel documents to enter Canada. It is important to ensure that your passport will remain valid for the duration of your intended stay in Canada.
6. Medical Examination
Some work visa applicants may be required to undergo a medical examination to ensure they do not pose a health risk to Canadians. This requirement applies to those seeking employment in certain fields, such as healthcare.
7. Admissibility Criteria
All work visa applicants must meet admissibility criteria set by the Canadian government. This includes having no criminal record and being in good health.
Applying for a Work Visa
1. Determine Your Eligibility: Before starting your application, it is important to determine which type of work visa you are eligible for based on your job offer and qualifications.
2. Gather Required Documents: You will need to gather all required documents, including a valid job offer, LMIA, proof of qualifications, language test results, and travel documents. It is important to ensure that all documents are complete and up-to-date before submitting your application.
3. Apply for the Work Visa: You can apply for a work visa online or by paper application. The application process may vary depending on your country of citizenship.
4. Pay Application Fees: There is a non-refundable fee for applying for a work visa in Canada. This fee must be paid at the time of application submission.
5. Wait for Processing: The processing time for a work visa application can vary depending on the type of visa and the volume of applications being processed. You can check the current processing times on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
6. Attend Biometrics Appointment (if applicable): Depending on your nationality, you may be required to provide biometric information (fingerprints and photo) as part of your work visa application. If so, you will need to attend an appointment at a designated location.
7. Receive Decision: Once your application has been processed, you will receive a decision on whether your work visa has been approved or denied. If approved, you will receive a letter of introduction that you must present to an immigration officer when you arrive in Canada.
Other Considerations
1. Work Permit Duration: The duration of your work permit will depend on the length of your job offer and the LMIA issued by ESDC. Most work permits are valid for up to two years, but some may be issued for longer periods.
2. Work Visa Extensions: If you wish to extend your stay and continue working in Canada, you can apply for a work visa extension before your current permit expires. This application should be submitted at least 30 days before the expiry date.
3. Work Visa Conditions: Your work visa may have specific conditions attached, such as restrictions on the type of employment or employer. It is important to adhere to these conditions to maintain legal status in Canada.
4. Permanent Residency Options: Working in Canada can also provide opportunities for permanent residency through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Programs.