Canada’s economy continues to grow and demands a wide range of unskilled jobs – from retail and hospitality to manufacturing and agriculture. In 2025, many Canadian employers will sponsor international workers through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and LMIA-based visas.
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This guide highlights the top 10 Canadian companies likely to offer visa sponsorship in Canada 2025 for unskilled roles. For each, we provide a company overview, sample job titles, the immigration process (LMIA/TWP), and application tips. Use this information to target LMIA jobs in Canada and kick-start your Canadian job search.
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- Visa Sponsorship Process: Before exploring companies, remember that most visa-sponsored roles require a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Employers must prove that no qualified Canadians are available for the job abroad legally. Once an employer obtains a positive LMIA, you apply for a work permit by submitting the job offer and abroad legal documents. Approval leads to a temporary work visa.
- Job Qualifications: Unskilled jobs usually need only a high school diploma or less, and on-the-job training. However, good English/French communication and a clean record are important. Many positions are physically demanding. Make sure you meet any basic requirements (e.g., medical check, age).
Let’s explore 10 major employers and the opportunities they offer for unskilled foreign workers:
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Maple Leaf Foods – Food Processing & Manufacturing
Maple Leaf Foods is one of Canada’s largest food companies, known for packaged meats and plant-based products. It operates multiple food processing plants (e.g., in Ontario, Manitoba) and is committed to hiring internationally under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
Unskilled Job Types: Common roles include meat packer/packer, sanitation laborer, machine operator, forklift operator, warehouse stocker, and janitorial staff. These jobs involve food production lines, cleaning equipment, packaging products, and material handling.
Immigration Process: Maple Leaf Foods sponsors through the TFWP. The employer must obtain a positive LMIA for the position. Once Maple Leaf has a positive LMIA for a role, you can apply for a Canadian work permit with that LMIA and job offer. For example, Maple Leaf’s career page notes that it may offer LMIA-based positions for certain occupations.
Application Tips: Search Maple Leaf positions on Canadian Job Bank and official career portals. Maple Leaf recommends using Job Bank’s advanced search (enter ‘Maple Leaf Foods’ as employer) to find jobs open to international applicants. When applying, highlight any factory, food-handling, or warehouse experience. Also, be cautious of scams: Maple Leaf warns against any agency charging fees and encourages reporting fraudulent offers. Always verify vacancies on official Maple Leaf sites.
Loblaw Companies Limited – Retail Groceries & Pharmacies
Loblaw Companies Ltd. is Canada’s largest food retailer (brands include Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore) and also owns Shoppers Drug Mart. With thousands of stores nationwide, Loblaw frequently hires shelf stockers, cashiers, and warehouse workers. According to Canada’s LMIA employers list, Loblaw Inc. (Brampton, ON) secured an LMIA for positions like “store shelf stockers, clerks, and order fillers” – a clear indication they sponsor foreign workers for retail roles.
Unskilled Job Types: Typical roles are grocery clerk, shelf stocker, backroom inventory assistant, store cashier, order picker/packer, and delivery helper. These jobs involve stocking shelves, assisting customers, packing orders, and basic store upkeep.
Immigration Process: Positions at Loblaw stores fall under the TFWP low-wage stream. The employer must prove a Labour Market Impact Assessment. For example, Loblaw’s Brampton distribution center listed an LMIA recruitment for shelf stockers. Once Loblaw obtains a positive LMIA for a role, you can apply for a work permit and visa.
Application Tips: Apply through the Loblaw Careers site or Job Bank. Use keywords like “Loblaw Companies” or specific store names. Emphasize any retail or customer service experience. Networking can help – mention if you have Canadian work references. Keep your resume clear and concise. Always respond promptly to interview requests.
Sobeys Inc. (Empire Co.) – Retail Groceries & Food Retail
Sobeys is the main supermarket chain of Empire Company Ltd., the second-largest Canadian food retailer (includes Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo). With distribution centers and hundreds of stores coast-to-coast, Sobeys regularly needs store clerks and warehouse staff. Like other supermarket chains, Sobeys has access to TFWP to hire international workers when local labor is short.
Unskilled Job Types: Possible jobs are grocery clerk, merchandiser, shelf stocker, cashier, deli counter helper, store cleaner, and warehouse loader. These involve stocking produce, bagging groceries, assisting customers, and performing behind-the-scenes tasks at depots.
Immigration Process: Sobeys uses LMIA to sponsor TFWs for unskilled retail jobs. While we don’t have a direct citation, Empire’s size and nationwide presence imply that they apply under the TFWP low-wage stream. If Sobeys has a positive LMIA for a position, the foreign applicant follows the standard procedure: apply for a work permit with the LMIA and job offer in hand.
Application Tips: Check the Sobeys Careers page (empireco.ca) and Job Bank. Sobeys may advertise “LMIA available” on some postings. In applications, highlight reliability, teamwork, and any grocery/retail experience. Be prepared to work flexible hours. Good customer service skills and basic English (or French in Quebec/Atlantic provinces) are important.
Compass Group Canada – Food Service & Institutional Catering
Compass Group Canada is part of Compass Group, the largest food service company in North America. It provides cafeteria and catering services to hospitals, schools, offices, and events across Canada. Compass routinely hires cooks, kitchen helpers, dishwashers, and cleaning staff – roles that can be filled by foreign workers under LMIA. Historical records show Compass applied for TFW positions: a 2007 labor announcement noted that HRSDC was expected to approve Compass’s application to hire temporary workers for hospital food services.
Unskilled Job Types: Key roles include kitchen helper, food services attendant, dishwasher, buffet attendant, and cafeteria cashier. These involve food prep assistance, serving meals, washing dishes, and cleaning dining areas.
Immigration Process: Compass Group applies for LMIA under the TFWP whenever it needs foreign staff. Once a positive LMIA is secured for a position (e.g. “Kitchen helper”), Compass can offer a work contract to the candidate, who then applies for a Canadian work permit. The 2007 timeline indicates Compass follows the standard TFWP route.
Application Tips: Look on the Compass Group Canada careers site or major job boards. Positions may be advertised as LMIA-supported (“LMIA available”). Emphasize any kitchen or custodial experience. Since many Compass jobs involve hospitals or offices, background checks may be required. Good hygiene and the ability to work early/late shifts are often needed.
McDonald’s Canada – Fast Food Restaurants
McDonald’s Canada operates over 1,400 fast-food restaurants nationwide. Many franchise locations and corporate outlets sometimes fill entry-level roles with temporary foreign workers under the LMIA. In fact, media investigations have noted that McDonald’s Canada has used foreign labor through the TFWP for unskilled positions. (This led to a temporary suspension of the food-services sector from the program in 2014, though it has since resumed.)
Unskilled Job Types: Common openings are crew member, cashier, grill/line attendant, kitchen prep worker, janitor, and maintenance staff. These jobs include taking orders, assembling burgers, cleaning, and maintaining restaurant equipment.
Immigration Process: Franchise owners or regional McDonald’s subsidiaries apply for an LMIA for roles like restaurant crew. Once approved, a work offer is given to the international candidate. Then the candidate submits the LMIA and job offer to IRCC for a work permit. McDonald’s Canada explicitly came under scrutiny for “temporary foreign unskilled labour” in its restaurants, confirming that some locations do sponsor visas.
Application Tips: Apply to McDonald’s locations (especially in markets with labor shortages). Use the McDonald’s Canada careers portal or Contact Managers directly. Highlight any restaurant or customer service experience. Demonstrate willingness to work shifts and follow food safety rules. If applying through LMIA, ensure your paperwork matches the specific restaurant address.
Sysco Canada (GFS Foodservice) – Food Distribution & Wholesale
Sysco Canada (formerly GFS Canada) is one of Canada’s largest foodservice distributors, supplying groceries and restaurant supplies to eateries, hotels, and institutions. With distribution centers across Canada, Sysco often needs warehouse workers and drivers. They frequently advertise “LMIA available” for these positions, indicating sponsorship.
Unskilled Job Types: Roles include warehouse associate, order selector, forklift operator, stocker, and delivery driver helper. These jobs involve loading/unloading trucks, sorting orders, packing pallets, and performing routine maintenance.
Immigration Process: Sysco Canada obtains LMIA for warehouse or driver roles when recruiting foreign labor. After a positive LMIA, the selected worker applies for a Canadian work permit under the TFWP. For example, various Sysco job postings on Indeed are labeled “LMIA available – foreign worker” for logistics positions. While we lack a direct reference here, Sysco’s pattern of job ads suggests it sponsors TFWs.
Application Tips: Check Sysco Canada jobs page and job boards with filters like “visa sponsorship” or “LMIA”. Emphasize any warehousing, shipping, or construction experience. Since trucking/driving positions may require a Canadian license or training, focus on warehouse roles if you lack Canadian credentials. Good physical fitness and attention to safety protocols will boost your application.
GFL Environmental Inc. – Waste Management & Recycling
GFL Environmental is a major Canadian waste management and recycling company. It operates many local collection and transfer stations. Like other large service companies, GFL occasionally sponsors foreign workers under an LMIA for field labor and equipment operations.
Unskilled Job Types: Potential jobs include garbage truck driver/laborer, equipment operator, groundskeeper, and yard laborer. These involve collecting waste, running garbage compactors, sorting recyclables, and general outdoor labor.
Immigration Process: When labor is scarce locally, GFL may apply for an LMIA to hire landfill or recycling center workers. After approval, GFL offers contracts (with details of duties/hours) under the TFWP. Workers then use the LMIA to get a Canadian work visa. (Specific public references are scarce, but waste services is a known sector to use TFWP.)
Application Tips: Look up GFL Environmental on job portals for “LMIA” roles (sometimes listed on job sites). Highlight your experience with heavy physical work or operating equipment. Since many positions are outdoors, stress your health and adaptability. Be ready for background checks and safety training (e.g., PPE, heights).
Restaurant Chains (Tim Hortons and Others) – Food Service Franchises
Besides McDonald’s, other fast-food and casual chains like Tim Hortons (owned by Restaurant Brands International) also operate in Canada. While not always obvious, some franchise restaurants sponsor visas for cooks, baristas, and cleaners. These roles fall under LMIA if the local workforce is insufficient.
Unskilled Job Types: Examples are barista, crew member, sandwich maker, dishwasher, and restaurant cleaner. These entry-level jobs involve preparing food/beverages, serving customers, and keeping the restaurant clean.
Immigration Process: Individual franchise owners or parent companies can apply for an LMIA for these positions. For instance, several Tim Hortons locations have been known to apply for an LMIA to hire foreign workers when needed. After obtaining an LMIA, the process is the same: candidates apply for a work permit with that LMIA and job offer.
Application Tips: Apply directly at store locations or through corporate job sites. Emphasize any café, cooking, or customer experience. Flexibility (early mornings for Tim Hortons) and team spirit are valued. If possible, approach multiple locations of the same chain to increase your chances.
Agriculture & Seasonal Farms (Agri-Food Sector)
Canada’s agriculture sector often needs seasonal unskilled labor. While not a single company, farm associations and major growers (fruit orchards, vegetable farms, greenhouses) regularly sponsor workers under the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) or LMIA. Examples include apple and berry farms in BC and ON, greenhouse vegetable producers in Leamington (ON), and grain farms in the Prairies.
Unskilled Job Types: Jobs include farm laborer, fruit/vegetable picker, nursery worker, greenhouse assistant, livestock care, and food processing assistant. These roles involve planting, weeding, harvesting crops, packing produce, and basic farm chores.
Immigration Process: Agriculture has special streams (SAWP and Agri-Food Pilot) plus TFWP. Many farms use SAWP agreements (which have separate rules and quotas). Other farms apply for LMIA low-wage positions for general farm labor. Once the farm secures a positive LMIA, workers apply for a work permit just like other sectors. Seasonal visas can be up to 8 months (SAWP) or longer under Agri-Food Pilot.
Application Tips: Apply through government-approved agencies or job portals for farm work (e.g., Job Bank listings under “farm worker”). Highlight any physical labor experience. Be prepared for long hours outdoors and sometimes remote locations. Check provincial worker programs (like Alberta’s Farm Stream). If you qualify, mention SAWP or Agri-Food Pilot experience. Many farms advertise “visa sponsorship” explicitly for the harvest season.
Hospitality & Service (Hotels, Cleaning, etc.)
In tourism-heavy areas, hotels, resorts, and cleaning companies sometimes sponsor unskilled workers. Companies like large hotel chains (Marriott, Hilton, etc.) or building service firms (responsible for housekeeping) have used the LMIA. Though these roles may require some experience, many entry-level positions are considered unskilled (e.g., Housekeeper).
Unskilled Job Types: Typical positions are hotel housekeeper, cleaning attendant, laundry staff, bellman/helper, and kitchen steward. These involve making beds, cleaning rooms, basic kitchen cleanup, and assisting guests or staff.
Immigration Process: Hospitality businesses apply for an LMIA under the low-wage stream. Some resorts hire through LMIA, especially in remote or tourist regions (e.g., ski resorts needing seasonal staff). Once a positive LMIA is obtained, a work offer is extended to the candidate, who then applies for a work permit.
Application Tips: Look on hotel and cleaning service career pages or Job Bank for “LMIA” or “work permit eligible” listings. Stress reliability, attention to detail, and the ability to work nights/weekends. Language skills are a plus. For housekeeping, mention any cleaning or hospitality work you’ve done.
Next Steps for Applicants & Call to Action
Taking action is key. Step 1: Identify companies that sponsor visas (like those above). Visit their official career websites and Job Bank with keywords “visa sponsorship” or “LMIA” to find current vacancies. Prepare your resume in Canadian style and tailor it to each role (mention relevant physical tasks or customer service experience). Step 2: Understand the immigration steps. If you secure a job offer, your employer will need to obtain a positive LMIA on your behalf from abroad legal.
Meanwhile, gather your documents (passport, education, any certifications, police clearance) so you can swiftly apply for the work permit when needed. Consider additional programs like the Atlantic Immigration Pilot or Agri-Food Pilot if you qualify. Improving your English or French skills and getting foreign credential assessments (if any) can strengthen your profile.
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Good luck with your Canadian job search!
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