Restaurant Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

Urgent restaurant job opportunities in Canada with visa sponsorship are available across various provinces, including British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec. Employers are actively seeking skilled professionals to fill positions such as servers, cooks, kitchen staff, and restaurant managers. These roles often come with competitive hourly wages ranging from CAD $15 to $30, depending on experience and location.

Full-time positions are common, and many employers offer benefits like health insurance, paid time off, and opportunities for career advancement. Visa sponsorship is provided through programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP), facilitating the work permit process for international candidates. Applicants with relevant experience and qualifications are encouraged to apply promptly to take advantage of these immediate openings.

Read Also: Restaurant Manager Jobs in Canada 2026

Types of Restaurant Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship:

The Canadian restaurant industry is diverse, offering a wide range of roles, from entry-level positions to skilled culinary careers. Many of these roles are available for foreign workers with visa sponsorship, especially in regions facing labor shortages. Here’s a breakdown of common restaurant jobs that may offer visa sponsorship:

Entry-Level Positions:

These roles are ideal for newcomers to Canada who may not have prior experience or those looking for an entry point into the hospitality sector.

• Dishwasher: An essential role in any kitchen, dishwashers help maintain cleanliness and hygiene in the restaurant. No prior experience is typically required, though the ability to work quickly and efficiently is important.
• Waiter/Waitress: Servers take orders and serve food and beverages to customers. Some positions may require basic customer service experience, but many employers offer on-the-job training.
• Bartender: Bartenders prepare and serve drinks to customers. Experience with mixing drinks or working in customer service is often beneficial, but not always required.
• Kitchen Helper: Kitchen helpers assist chefs and cooks in preparing ingredients, maintaining cleanliness, and organizing kitchen spaces.

Skilled Positions:

These roles require a higher level of expertise and experience, often including specialized certifications or degrees.

• Line Cook: Line cooks are responsible for preparing and cooking meals according to the restaurant’s menu. Many employers prefer candidates with culinary training and experience.
• Sous Chef: The sous chef works closely with the head chef, managing kitchen operations, ordering ingredients, and ensuring quality control. A culinary degree or relevant experience is typically required.
• Chef: Executive chefs oversee the entire kitchen, from menu creation to staff management. A professional culinary degree and several years of experience are generally needed for this role.
• Restaurant Manager: Managers handle day-to-day operations, including staff management, inventory control, and customer service. Experience in the food industry and strong leadership skills are essential.

Visa Requirements for Restaurant Jobs in Canada:

Canada offers several visa pathways for foreign workers in the hospitality industry. The most common visa categories for restaurant jobs include:

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):

The TFWP allows employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary positions in Canada when there is a shortage of local labor. Employers must first obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which verifies that no qualified Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position.

• Eligibility: To be eligible for a TFWP visa, the applicant must have a job offer from a Canadian employer with an approved LMIA.
• Application Process: The employer applies for the LMIA. Once approved, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit. In some cases, the LMIA can lead to a pathway for permanent residency.

2. International Mobility Program (IMP):

The IMP allows foreign workers to work in Canada without requiring an LMIA. This program covers workers who are eligible under specific exemptions, such as intra-company transfers or international agreements like NAFTA.

• Eligibility: The worker must meet certain conditions set by the Canadian government, such as having a job offer that qualifies under the IMP.
• Application Process: The foreign worker can apply directly for a work permit without the need for an LMIA, depending on the program’s criteria.

3. Express Entry System:

For skilled workers in the restaurant industry with significant experience and qualifications, the Express Entry system provides an expedited process to gain Permanent Residency. Through the Express Entry system, workers can apply for Canadian PR if they meet the required criteria under one of Canada’s economic immigration programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program or Canadian Experience Class.

• Eligibility: Applicants must have at least one year of skilled work experience, meet language proficiency requirements, and be able to support themselves financially.
• Application Process: Interested applicants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), and those with the highest scores in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Qualifications and Experience:

The qualifications needed to work in Canada’s restaurant industry vary by role. Some positions, like dishwashers and kitchen helpers, may require little to no formal education or experience, while skilled roles like chefs or managers may require formal training and years of experience.

Education & Training:

• Entry-Level Jobs: A high school diploma is often sufficient for positions like servers, dishwashers, and kitchen assistants. However, any previous experience in customer service or the food industry can improve your chances of landing a job.
• Skilled Jobs (Chefs, Sous Chefs, Managers): A diploma or degree from a recognized culinary school is usually required for skilled kitchen positions, such as chefs and line cooks. For managerial positions, a degree in hospitality management or several years of experience in a supervisory role may be necessary.

Language Proficiency:

Proficiency in English is essential, especially for customer-facing roles. Many employers also require French proficiency for positions in French-speaking provinces like Quebec. Language tests like IELTS are commonly used to assess English skills, while TEF Canada is used for French language assessment.

• Minimum IELTS Score: An IELTS score of 5-7 bands is typically required for most roles that involve direct interaction with customers.
• French Language Requirement: In Quebec, many positions may require a minimum level of French proficiency, particularly in restaurants located in predominantly French-speaking areas.

Salary and Benefits of Restaurant Jobs in Canada 

The salary for restaurant workers in Canada varies depending on experience, location, and job type. Below are the estimated average earnings for various roles:

• Entry-Level Roles:
  • Dishwashers and kitchen assistants: $15–$18 CAD per hour
  • Waiters/Waitresses and Bartenders: $18–$22 CAD per hour (including tips)
• Skilled Roles:
  • Line Cooks: $18–$24 CAD per hour
  • Sous Chefs: $24–$30 CAD per hour
  • Restaurant Managers: $45,000–$55,000 CAD per year

In addition to competitive salaries, employees in Canada’s restaurant sector often receive additional benefits such as:

• Health and Dental Benefits (depending on the employer)
• Paid Time Off and Vacation Days
• Employee Discounts or Free Meals during shifts
• Opportunities for Career Advancement

How to Apply For Restaurant Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

1. Research Job Openings: Start by looking for restaurant job listings on Canadian job boards such as Job Bank Canada, Indeed, or specialized hospitality websites. You can also check individual restaurant websites for job postings.
2. Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experience. If you don’t have Canadian work experience, emphasize transferable skills, such as customer service, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities.
3. Apply for Jobs: Submit your application to Canadian employers who offer visa sponsorship. Be clear about your work visa needs in your cover letter, so employers are aware you require sponsorship.
4. Interview Process: If selected, you will be invited to an interview. Many Canadian employers conduct remote interviews for international applicants. Be prepared to discuss your experience, why you want to work in Canada, and your language proficiency.
5. Visa Application: If offered a job, your employer will initiate the LMIA application process (if required) or guide you through the appropriate visa process.

Conclusion:

Securing a restaurant job in Canada with visa sponsorship is a great opportunity for foreign workers, whether you’re an experienced culinary professional or just starting your career. The process requires careful research, preparation, and an understanding of visa options, but the benefits such as competitive salaries, career advancement, and the possibility of permanent residency make it a rewarding path to a new life in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions: