Canada has long been a top destination for immigrants seeking better job opportunities, higher living standards, and long-term residency. While skilled professionals often dominate discussions about immigration, there is also significant demand for unskilled workers across various industries. For 2025, the Canadian government and employers are continuing to offer visa sponsorship opportunities for unskilled workers, particularly in sectors facing labor shortages.
This guide explores 16 high-demand unskilled worker roles in Canada with visa sponsorship, providing insights into job responsibilities, expected salaries, required qualifications, and tips for successfully securing employment. Whether you are seeking work in hospitality, agriculture, manufacturing, or service industries, this guide will help you navigate your path to Canada efficiently and affordably.
Why Canada Is Ideal for Unskilled Workers
Canada offers numerous advantages for unskilled workers seeking employment and relocation:
- High Labor Demand – Certain sectors, such as agriculture, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing, consistently experience labor shortages, creating opportunities for foreign workers.
- Visa Sponsorship – Many Canadian employers sponsor foreign workers through programs such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
- Competitive Wages – Even unskilled positions in Canada provide higher wages compared to many other countries, often with additional benefits like housing or transportation.
- Pathways to Permanent Residency – Employment in Canada can serve as a stepping stone toward permanent residency and long-term settlement.
- Multicultural Environment – Canada is welcoming to immigrants and offers support networks for newcomers, making the transition smoother.
Visa sponsorship ensures that you can legally work in Canada while receiving financial and logistical support from employers.
16 High-Demand Unskilled Worker Roles in Canada (2025)
Below is a list of unskilled worker positions in high demand, along with expected responsibilities and salary ranges:
1. Agricultural Farm Worker
Farm workers assist in planting, harvesting, and maintaining crops. Seasonal work is common, and some positions provide accommodation.
- Salary: CAD $15 – $18 per hour
- Qualifications: Physical fitness, willingness to work outdoors, no formal education required
- Visa Sponsorship: Provided by farm operators through the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)
2. General Laborer in Construction
General laborers support construction projects by carrying materials, cleaning sites, and assisting skilled workers.
- Salary: CAD $16 – $22 per hour
- Qualifications: Physical fitness, teamwork skills
- Visa Sponsorship: Offered by construction companies facing labor shortages
3. Warehouse Worker / Package Handler
Warehouse workers handle inventory management, packaging, and logistics tasks in warehouses or fulfillment centers.
- Salary: CAD $15 – $20 per hour
- Qualifications: Basic organizational skills, ability to lift moderate weights
- Visa Sponsorship: Often provided by logistics and retail companies
4. Cleaner / Janitorial Staff
Cleaners maintain hygiene in offices, schools, hospitals, and other facilities.
- Salary: CAD $14 – $18 per hour
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, reliability
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through private cleaning companies and institutions
5. Hospitality Staff (Hotel Housekeepers)
Hotel housekeepers clean rooms, maintain guest facilities, and assist with customer service.
- Salary: CAD $15 – $19 per hour
- Qualifications: Punctuality, basic communication skills
- Visa Sponsorship: Offered by hotels and resorts, especially in tourist regions
6. Food Processing Worker
Workers in food processing plants handle packaging, quality checks, and assembly line tasks.
- Salary: CAD $15 – $18 per hour
- Qualifications: Ability to follow safety protocols
- Visa Sponsorship: Provided by food manufacturing companies facing labor shortages
7. Retail Sales Associate
Retail associates assist customers, restock shelves, and manage transactions in stores or supermarkets.
- Salary: CAD $14 – $18 per hour
- Qualifications: Basic communication skills, friendly demeanor
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through large retail chains with labor gaps
8. Delivery Driver / Courier
Delivery drivers transport goods and packages locally or regionally, often for logistics or e-commerce companies.
- Salary: CAD $16 – $22 per hour
- Qualifications: Valid driver’s license, clean driving record
- Visa Sponsorship: Provided by courier and delivery companies
9. Dishwasher / Kitchen Assistant
Dishwashers and kitchen assistants support restaurant operations by cleaning dishes, preparing ingredients, and assisting chefs.
- Salary: CAD $14 – $16 per hour
- Qualifications: Basic kitchen hygiene knowledge
- Visa Sponsorship: Offered by restaurants and catering companies
10. Construction Site Helper / Laborer
These workers assist skilled tradespeople with manual labor tasks, including site preparation and equipment handling.
- Salary: CAD $15 – $20 per hour
- Qualifications: Physical fitness, willingness to learn
- Visa Sponsorship: Available in regions with high construction activity
11. Landscaping and Groundskeeping Worker
Landscapers maintain lawns, gardens, and public green spaces. Work includes planting, mowing, and pruning.
- Salary: CAD $15 – $19 per hour
- Qualifications: Physical stamina, outdoor work experience is an advantage
- Visa Sponsorship: Offered by landscaping companies and municipalities
12. Packaging and Assembly Line Worker
Assembly line workers operate machinery, package products, and ensure quality control in factories.
- Salary: CAD $15 – $18 per hour
- Qualifications: Manual dexterity, attention to detail
- Visa Sponsorship: Provided by manufacturing companies
13. Caretaker / Residential Support Staff
Caretakers provide basic assistance in residential care homes, helping with cleaning, meals, and companionship for residents.
- Salary: CAD $14 – $18 per hour
- Qualifications: Empathy, patience, basic caregiving skills
- Visa Sponsorship: Available in care homes and private facilities
14. Hospital Porter / Support Staff
Hospital porters transport patients, equipment, and supplies within hospitals, supporting medical staff.
- Salary: CAD $15 – $20 per hour
- Qualifications: Physical stamina, reliability
- Visa Sponsorship: Offered by hospitals, especially in regions with labor shortages
15. Farmhand / Livestock Worker
Farmhands assist with livestock care, feeding, and farm maintenance. This role is common in rural Canada.
- Salary: CAD $14 – $18 per hour
- Qualifications: Willingness to work outdoors and handle animals
- Visa Sponsorship: Available through agricultural employers
16. Cleaner / Janitor in Industrial Settings
Industrial cleaners work in factories, warehouses, and production facilities to maintain hygiene and safety standards.
- Salary: CAD $14 – $18 per hour
- Qualifications: Knowledge of cleaning chemicals and safety protocols
- Visa Sponsorship: Offered by manufacturing and industrial companies
Steps to Secure a Visa-Sponsored Unskilled Worker Job
Securing a sponsored position in Canada requires following proper steps:
1. Identify Eligible Employers
- Look for employers approved by the Canadian government to sponsor foreign workers.
- Government portals such as Job Bank Canada often list TFWP opportunities.
2. Prepare Application Documents
- Resume or CV highlighting work experience, even if unskilled
- Passport and identification documents
- References or recommendation letters
3. Submit Online Applications
- Apply directly to employer websites or via Canadian job boards
- Specify interest in positions with visa sponsorship
4. Attend Interviews
- Interviews may be conducted online or in person
- Be prepared to demonstrate reliability, willingness to work, and adaptability
5. Employer Applies for Sponsorship
- The employer submits a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to the Canadian government
- Once approved, the worker can apply for a work permit
6. Apply for Temporary Work Visa
- Complete required government forms, submit documents, and pay visa fees
- Attend biometrics and interviews if requested
7. Travel and Start Work in Canada
- Once approved, travel to Canada and start your employment under the sponsored work permit
Benefits of Visa-Sponsored Unskilled Jobs
- Legal work authorization in Canada
- Competitive wages and sometimes additional benefits
- Opportunity to gain Canadian work experience
- Potential pathway to permanent residency and long-term settlement
Tips for Success
- Target High-Demand Regions – Rural and underserved areas often provide easier sponsorship opportunities.
- Prepare a Strong Resume – Highlight reliability, experience, and willingness to work hard.
- Leverage Government Resources – Use Job Bank Canada and provincial programs to identify sponsorship opportunities.
- Stay Flexible – Being open to different roles, shifts, and locations improves your chances of selection.
- Network – Join online groups or forums for immigrant workers to learn about new opportunities.