Introduction
Canada remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for foreign workers seeking better job opportunities, quality of life, and a multicultural work environment. With its robust economy, supportive immigration policies, and an aging population driving labour shortages in many sectors, Canada actively welcomes skilled and unskilled foreign workers through various immigration and work permit programs. Whether you’re arriving through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or a temporary foreign worker route, there is strong demand across industries—from healthcare and construction to hospitality and technology.
In 2025, Canada’s job market continues to recover and expand post-pandemic, with notable increases in both skilled and entry-level job opportunities. Many employers are seeking foreign talent to fill persistent labour gaps, especially in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec. Foreign nationals with in-demand skills or those willing to start with entry-level positions are finding greater access to Canadian employment markets than ever before. Additionally, Canada has streamlined pathways for internationally trained professionals and blue-collar workers to transition into long-term residency and eventually citizenship.
However, landing a job in Canada requires more than just meeting demand—it involves understanding the local hiring processes, preparing the right documentation, and using appropriate job search platforms. This guide provides a practical overview of the most common entry-level jobs available for immigrants, the salaries offered in 2025, application requirements, and trusted employment websites. Whether you’re planning your move or already on Canadian soil, this resource is tailored to help foreign workers navigate the job market with confidence and clarity.
Entry Level Jobs for Immigrants
Entry-level jobs are often the first stepping stone for new immigrants. These roles require minimal Canadian experience and serve as a gateway to stable income, networking opportunities, and exposure to the local workplace culture.
Here is a table of popular entry-level jobs for immigrants in 2025, along with their average hourly wages and key skills required:
| Job Title | Average Hourly Wage (CAD) | Key Skills/Requirements | Common Hiring Provinces |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Labourer | $18 – $24 | Physical strength, punctuality | Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia |
| Food Service Worker | $16 – $20 | Customer service, food safety awareness | Quebec, Nova Scotia, Manitoba |
| Warehouse Associate | $18 – $23 | Inventory handling, teamwork | Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan |
| Housekeeping Attendant | $17 – $21 | Attention to detail, stamina | British Columbia, Quebec, Ontario |
| Retail Sales Associate | $16 – $22 | Communication, salesmanship | British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba |
| Cashier | $15 – $19 | Basic math, friendliness | Nova Scotia, Ontario, New Brunswick |
| Delivery Driver | $20 – $28 | Valid license, time management | Alberta, Ontario, British Columbia |
| Caregiver/Personal Support Worker | $18 – $25 | Compassion, basic healthcare training | Ontario, PEI, Nova Scotia |
| Cleaner/Janitor | $16 – $21 | Reliability, independence | Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec |
| Customer Service Representative | $17 – $23 | Communication, basic tech skills | Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta |
These roles provide a starting point for immigrants to gain Canadian work experience, with many offering opportunities for advancement and permanent employment status over time.
Application Requirements and Documents
Securing a job in Canada as a foreigner involves more than just sending a resume. Depending on whether you’re applying from outside or within Canada, and whether you hold an open work permit, closed work permit, or are applying through a permanent immigration stream, the documentation process varies slightly. However, the following are the core requirements for foreign job seekers in 2025:
1. Valid Work Authorization
- Work Permit: You must have a valid Canadian work permit (open or employer-specific).
- Permanent Residents: If you hold PR status, you can work without restrictions.
- International Students: Eligible to work part-time (up to 20 hours/week) during studies and full-time during breaks.
2. Resume in Canadian Format
- Avoid photos and personal information like age, marital status, or religion.
- Include a clear objective, tailored experience, and relevant achievements.
- Keep the resume ideally within 1–2 pages.
3. Cover Letter (Optional but Recommended)
- Should be specific to each job application.
- Highlight how your experience aligns with the company’s needs.
4. Credential Assessment (for Skilled Jobs)
- For regulated professions (e.g., nursing, engineering), credentials must be assessed by a designated organization such as:
- WES (World Education Services)
- ICAS
- IQAS
5. Language Proficiency
- Not mandatory for all jobs, but many employers prefer candidates with CLB 5 or higher in English or French.
- IELTS or CELPIP scores are useful, especially for skilled immigration routes.
6. Police Clearance & Medical Examination
- Required during immigration application processes.
- May also be requested by employers for roles involving vulnerable populations (e.g., children, elderly).
Being well-prepared with these documents can significantly increase your chances of employment in Canada and reduce processing delays with employers and immigration authorities.
Employment Websites to Find Opportunities
Canada offers a wealth of digital platforms that cater specifically to job seekers, including newcomers. These websites not only feature thousands of job listings but also provide tools for resume building, career planning, and employer reviews.
Below are the top employment websites for foreigners in Canada in 2025:
1. Job Bank Canada (jobbank.gc.ca)
- Official government portal for Canadian jobs
- Includes tools like wage comparisons, job market trends, and skill matching
- Trusted by employers across Canada
2. Indeed Canada (ca.indeed.com)
- Aggregates job listings from thousands of sources
- Allows users to filter by salary, location, company, and job type
- Supports resume uploads and custom job alerts
3. LinkedIn (linkedin.com)
- Ideal for professional and skilled jobs
- Allows job applications, networking, and company research
- Employers actively scout candidates via LinkedIn profiles
4. Workopolis (workopolis.com)
- One of Canada’s oldest job portals
- Features resume writing tips and interview preparation guides
- Strong presence in mid-sized and large Canadian cities
5. Monster Canada (monster.ca)
- Offers job listings, company reviews, and career advice
- Includes resume database employers search for passive candidates
6. Glassdoor (glassdoor.ca)
- Combines job listings with employee reviews, salary reports, and interview experiences
- Useful for evaluating company culture before applying
7. Settlement Agency Job Boards
Many immigrant-serving organizations maintain exclusive job boards, including:
- ACCES Employment (accesemployment.ca)
- YMCA Newcomer Employment Services
- SUCCESS (for newcomers in British Columbia)
These agencies also offer free career counselling, job fairs, resume clinics, and networking events, which are extremely beneficial for new immigrants.
Conclusion
Canada’s welcoming stance toward immigration and its growing labour demands make it one of the best countries in the world for foreign job seekers in 2025. From entry-level opportunities to skilled positions, there is a wide array of jobs available across the country. Whether you are a newcomer already in Canada or applying from abroad, securing employment begins with preparation: having the right documents, understanding employer expectations, and using reliable job search platforms.
Entry-level positions offer a practical way for newcomers to establish themselves, gain Canadian work experience, and build a pathway to higher-paying roles. With average hourly wages continuing to rise in many sectors, even initial jobs can provide financial stability while you work toward permanent residence or citizenship.
Navigating the Canadian job market as a foreigner doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With proper documentation, a targeted job search strategy, and use of trusted resources, you can find meaningful work and begin building a secure future in Canada. If you’re ready to take the next step, start preparing your application today and explore the many opportunities that await you in one of the most immigrant-friendly countries on earth.
