The Top Low-skilled Jobs For Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada

Canada presents many opportunities for temporary foreign workers (TFWs) in Canada seeking low-skilled employment across various sectors. These roles are vital in hospitality, agriculture, retail, construction, and healthcare. They offer entry-level positions that do not require extensive formal education or specialized training. If you’re a TFW looking for valuable Canadian work experience, these jobs serve as a stepping stone toward potential pathways to permanent residency.

Are you ready to learn about Canada's top low-skilled jobs for TFWs? Then, join us in exploring the abundant opportunities in Canada's hospitality, agriculture, retail, construction, and more sectors, which offer pathways for TFWs seeking employment in diverse sectors.

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What Are The Top Sectors for Low-skilled Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada?

The top sectors for low-skilled temporary foreign workers in Canada include industries requiring minimal formal education or specialized training. These sectors typically include the following.

Agriculture

This sector consistently ranks high in TFW utilization. According to Statistics Canada, temporary foreign workers comprised over 50% of agricultural workers in Canada during peak seasons. The National Farmers Union emphasizes the reliance on TFWs for planting, harvesting, and animal care, citing challenges in attracting and retaining agricultural workers in Canada for these physically demanding, seasonal positions.

Learn about the easiest provinces to immigrate to Canada as a farmworker.

Retail

Retail stores across Canada experience ongoing recruitment challenges for cashiers, stockers, and customer service representatives. These positions, often classified as "limited-skill" within the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) system, can be suitable for TFWs seeking temporary employment.

Learn how to start a food truck business in Canada.

Construction

The construction industry can face labor shortages for specific skilled trades or during periods of high demand. TFWs can contribute by filling gaps in general labor, landscaping, and certain trades requiring on-the-job training alongside skilled Canadian workers.

Learn how to immigrate to Ontario, Canada as a Construction worker.

Hospitality

Hotels, restaurants, and other establishments in Canada’s retail sector often face labor shortages, particularly in entry-level roles. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce highlights the contribution of TFWs in filling these gaps, including food preparation and serving, housekeeping, and guest services.

Learn how to find a job in Canada in the food service industry.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing in Canada has facilities that may use TFWs for production line jobs, packaging, or cleaning. These positions, while not requiring extensive formal education, often involve specific skills and contribute to the overall production process.

Learn more about Canada’s manufacturing industries.

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Top Low-Skilled Jobs in Each Major Sector in Canada

Here are the tables listing the top 5 low-skilled jobs in each major sector in Canada, along with their National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and annual average salaries sourced from Canada's Job Bank.

Agriculture

The top low-skilled jobs in Canada’s agricultural sector include the following.

Agricultural Sector Low-skilled Jobs	NOC Codes	Annual Average Salaries (CAD)
Farm Worker	85100	49,451.06
Crop Farm Worker	84120	49,450.70
Dairy Farm Worker	85100	49,445.26
Greenhouse Worker	85103	47,853.41
Fruit Picker	85101	43,867.88

Retail

Canada’s retail sector has the following top low-skilled jobs.

Retail Sector Low-skilled Jobs	NOC Codes	Annual Average Salaries (CAD)
Sales Associate	64100	42,539.17
Retail Salesperson	64100	42,532.46
Stock Clerk	65102	40,012.97
Shelf Stocker	65102	40,010.91
Cashier	65100	39,880.47

Construction

The construction industry in Canada has the following top low-skilled jobs.

Construction Sector Low-skilled Jobs	NOC Codes	Annual Average Salaries (CAD)
Concrete Finisher Helper	73100	84,529.24
Construction Laborer	75110	61,146.25
Helper, Construction Trades	75110	61,146.25
Insulation Worker Helper	72321	61,139.74
Landscape Laborer	85121	50,502.67

Hospitality

Canada’s hospitality industry has the following top low-skilled jobs.

Hospitality Sector Low-skilled Jobs	NOC Codes	Annual Average Salaries (CAD)
Housekeeping Aide	65310	47,855.87
Server	65200	45,197.54
Barista	65201	39,882.23
Dishwasher	65201	39,880.18
Kitchen Helper	65201	39,879.01

Manufacturing

Manufacturing in Canada has the following top low-skilled jobs.

Manufacturing Sector	NOC Codes	Annual Average Salaries (CAD)
General Laborer	75110	61,165.76
Machine Operator, Packaging	94140	53,199.32
Laborer, Food and Beverage Processing	95106	48,534.41
Assembler, Manufacturing	94202	47,874.82
Production Worker	95109	47,869.56

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How Can I Find Low-Skilled Job Opportunities in Canada?

Here are some steps to find low-skilled job opportunities in Canada.

Step 1: Identify Your Skills and Interests

Reflect on your transferable skills, such as communication, teamwork, or manual dexterity, gained from previous work or volunteer experience. Research low-skilled occupations within sectors experiencing labor shortages, e.g., agriculture and hospitality, using resources like the NOC codes system. Consider roles that align with your interests and physical capabilities.

Step 2: Explore Job Boards and Government Resources

Use reputable job boards like Canada’s Job Bank and sites of provincial governments. These platforms often filter by location, NOC skill levels, and keywords related to low-skilled jobs. Explore resources from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for career planning and job search guidance.

Step 3: Network and Consider Employment Agencies

Connect with individuals already working in your target sectors. Their insights can be invaluable. Consider registering with reputable employment agencies specializing in temporary or low-skilled placements. These agencies can match your skills with employer needs.

Step 4: Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter

Write your resume and cover letter in a way that highlights relevant skills and experiences for each job you apply for. Research the company and demonstrate your understanding of its role and contribution to the sector.

Step 5: Understand and Apply for a Canada Work Permit for Visa Requirements

If you're not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, research visa requirements for temporary foreign work opportunities. You must apply for a Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) as a TFW. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) administers the TFWP and allows Canadian employers to hire you as a foreign worker to fill temporary labor and skill shortages via a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are unavailable.

Learn more about the TFWP and the benefits of working in Canada as a Temporary Worker.

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FAQs

Are There Opportunities for Temporary Foreign Workers to Transition to Permanent Residency?

Yes, some low-skilled jobs in Canada can lead to pathways for Canadian permanent residency. Workers typically need to gain Canadian work experience, meet language requirements, and fulfill other immigration criteria to qualify for programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Learn about the top 5 Canadian immigration programs for low-skilled temporary workers.

How Can I Comply With Canadian Labor Laws as a Temporary Foreign Worker?

TFWs in Canada should familiarize themselves with federal and provincial labor laws regarding wages, working hours, health, and safety standards. Canadian employers are responsible for ensuring compliance with these regulations, but workers should also educate themselves to protect their rights and well-being.

Learn more about employment rights in Canada.

What Support is Available For Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada?

TFWs in Canada can access various support services such as language training, settlement assistance, and resources provided by government agencies, community organizations, and migrant worker advocacy groups. These services aim to assist with integration, health care access, and understanding legal rights and responsibilities in the Canadian workforce.