10 Restaurant Jobs in Canada With Visa Sponsorship 2024

Are you a food enthusiast passionate about transforming your culinary skills into a successful career? Canada’s vibrant restaurant industry offers numerous opportunities for talented international professionals, especially in 2024, as demand for skilled workers continues to grow.

With multicultural influences shaping its cuisine, Canada has become a hub for culinary innovation, welcoming professionals with diverse backgrounds and talents.

In this guide, you’ll discover various in-demand restaurant roles, get an overview of visa sponsorship options, and find practical advice on optimizing your job application for the Canadian market.

Why Choose a Career in Canada’s Restaurant Industry?

Canada’s restaurant industry is well-known for its high standards, diverse offerings, and commitment to quality service. The food sector in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Calgary is dynamic and evolving, making it an excellent environment for growth. Working in Canada not only offers professional advancement but also a high quality of life, exposure to diverse cultures, and a supportive work environment.

Top restaurants in Canada range from upscale dining establishments to family-friendly eateries, and many of them sponsor skilled international professionals to enhance their services. This demand spans roles from executive chefs to sommeliers, offering a broad spectrum of opportunities for career growth and development.

Restaurant Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

Here’s an updated list of high-demand restaurant jobs in Canada for 2024, each with unique responsibilities, requirements, and approximate salary ranges.

1. Chef de Cuisine – Toronto, Ontario

• Salary: CAD 70,000 – CAD 90,000 annually
• Role: Leading kitchen operations, designing innovative menus, and supervising kitchen staff.
• Requirements: Extensive experience in high-end dining, strong leadership skills, and creativity.
• Visa Sponsorship: Available for candidates with a proven track record in high-level cuisine and management.

2. Sous Chef – Vancouver, British Columbia

• Salary: CAD 55,000 – CAD 70,000 annually
• Role: Assisting the head chef, managing food preparation, and maintaining kitchen efficiency.
• Requirements: Fine dining experience, ability to work under pressure, and excellent communication skills.
• Visa Sponsorship: Often provided for sous chefs with unique culinary expertise.

3. Restaurant Manager – Montreal, Quebec

• Salary: CAD 60,000 – CAD 80,000 annually
• Role: Overseeing daily restaurant operations, managing staff, and ensuring excellent customer service.
• Requirements: Experience in management, organizational skills, and a customer-centric mindset.
• Visa Sponsorship: Available for managers with a background in improving restaurant performance.

4. Bartender – Calgary, Alberta

• Salary: CAD 30,000 – CAD 45,000 annually (plus tips)
• Role: Crafting specialty cocktails, managing bar cleanliness, and providing a welcoming environment.
• Requirements: Knowledge of mixology, customer service skills, and creativity.
• Visa Sponsorship: Often provided for bartenders with notable experience in high-end bars.

5. Server – Halifax, Nova Scotia

• Salary: CAD 25,000 – CAD 35,000 annually (plus tips)
• Role: Taking orders, delivering food, and ensuring a pleasant dining experience.
• Requirements: Strong communication skills, a customer-first approach, and a professional demeanor.
• Visa Sponsorship: Available for experienced servers with strong guest engagement skills.

6. Pastry Chef – Ottawa, Ontario

• Salary: CAD 50,000 – CAD 70,000 annually
• Role: Creating artistic and high-quality desserts, managing pastry operations, and innovating in dessert presentation.
• Requirements: Culinary training in pastry, creative skills, and experience in upscale dining.
• Visa Sponsorship: Often offered to talented pastry chefs with an impressive portfolio.

7. Line Cook – Edmonton, Alberta

• Salary: CAD 30,000 – CAD 45,000 annually
• Role: Preparing dishes as per restaurant standards, ensuring meal timeliness, and supporting kitchen operations.
• Requirements: Ability to work in high-volume settings, teamwork skills, and reliability.
• Visa Sponsorship: Frequently provided for experienced line cooks with a strong work ethic.

8. Sommelier – Victoria, British Columbia

• Salary: CAD 50,000 – CAD 75,000 annually
• Role: Curating wine lists, providing wine recommendations, and elevating the dining experience through wine pairing.
• Requirements: Wine certification, customer service skills, and extensive knowledge of wines.
• Visa Sponsorship: Available for sommeliers with proven expertise in wine and a strong customer service record.

9. Host/Hostess – Winnipeg, Manitoba

• Salary: CAD 25,000 – CAD 35,000 annually
• Role: Welcoming guests, managing reservations, and coordinating seating arrangements.
• Requirements: Friendly demeanor, strong organizational skills, and customer-focused attitude.
• Visa Sponsorship: Often provided for experienced hosts/hostesses who excel in guest relations.

10. Dishwasher – Quebec City, Quebec

• Salary: CAD 25,000 – CAD 30,000 annually
• Role: Ensuring kitchen cleanliness, maintaining dishware, and supporting kitchen staff.
• Requirements: Physical stamina, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure.
• Visa Sponsorship: Offered for individuals who demonstrate reliability and a strong work ethic.

Visa Sponsorship Types Available For Restaurant Jobs in Canada

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is one of the most common options for international workers in the Canadian restaurant industry. This program allows employers to hire foreign nationals on a temporary basis to fill roles when qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are not available.

Key Features:

• Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Employers must first obtain a positive LMIA, which confirms that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market. For many restaurant roles, particularly skilled positions, LMIAs are often required.
• Work Permits: After receiving a positive LMIA, the employer can offer a job to a foreign worker who can then apply for a work permit.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer with an LMIA.
• Certain positions, like cooks, chefs, and restaurant managers, are more likely to receive approval.

Duration:

• Work permits under the TFWP are typically issued for one to two years, with the possibility of extension.

2. International Mobility Program (IMP)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is another visa sponsorship option that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers without the need for an LMIA. The IMP primarily focuses on bringing talent that offers a broader benefit to Canada’s economy and culture.

Key Features:

• LMIA Exemption: The IMP is LMIA-exempt, making it a faster and simpler process than the TFWP.
• Work Permit Options: Some work permits under this program are employer-specific, while others allow for open work permits, giving workers more flexibility in changing employers or positions.

Visa Streams Under IMP Relevant to Restaurant Jobs:

• Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Graduates from Canadian institutions can work for any employer, making this a flexible option for those who’ve studied in culinary or hospitality programs in Canada.
• Intra-Company Transfers: For international restaurant chains with locations in Canada, this stream allows transfers of specialized staff without an LMIA.
• Working Holiday Visa: Some countries have agreements with Canada to provide temporary work permits for young adults through the Working Holiday Visa. This visa is popular for short-term restaurant roles, especially in larger cities and tourist destinations.

Duration:

• IMP permits can vary widely, ranging from six months to three years, depending on the specific visa stream.

3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an immigration pathway designed for skilled workers to become permanent residents. Each province in Canada has its own PNP with criteria based on the needs of its local economy. Some provinces actively seek workers in the hospitality and restaurant sectors, making the PNP an attractive option for those interested in long-term employment.

Key Features:

• Provincial Sponsorship: Provinces nominate skilled workers based on local labor shortages, making it easier for professionals with in-demand skills to settle permanently.
• Employer Support: Many provinces prioritize applications with a job offer from a local employer, which can expedite the nomination process.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must meet the specific requirements of the provincial program and typically need a job offer in that province.
• Professions like chefs, cooks, and restaurant managers often qualify, particularly in provinces where tourism and hospitality are vital to the economy, such as British Columbia and Alberta.

Duration:

• If nominated, applicants can apply for permanent residency, making this a viable option for those looking to settle in Canada long-term.

4. Agri-Food Pilot Program

The Agri-Food Pilot Program is a specialized immigration pathway targeting workers in the agriculture and food production sectors. Certain restaurant positions in rural or remote areas may qualify under this program, particularly those focused on food preparation and processing.

Key Features:

• Path to Permanent Residency: This program provides a direct route to permanent residency for eligible applicants.
• Industry-Specific Focus: While more relevant for roles directly involved in food production, certain restaurants or food services in rural areas may qualify for this program.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The role must be within the food industry, and the employer must be in a designated area.
• Positions like food processors or cooks in specialized food establishments can qualify.

Duration:

• This program offers a pathway to permanent residency, allowing workers to live and work in Canada indefinitely.

5. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is a permanent residency pathway designed to address labor shortages in Canada’s Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island). The AIP is particularly valuable for the hospitality industry, as these provinces have a strong need for skilled restaurant professionals.

Key Features:

• Employer-Driven: Candidates must have a job offer from an approved employer in one of the Atlantic provinces.
• Permanent Residency: Successful applicants receive permanent residency, allowing for a long-term career in the region.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must have a job offer from an employer in the Atlantic region.
• The program is ideal for roles such as cooks, chefs, and food service managers.

Duration:

• This program leads to permanent residency, offering long-term stability for applicants.

Navigating the Visa Sponsorship Process

The process of obtaining visa sponsorship usually involves the following steps:

1. Research and Target Job Openings: Start with Canadian job boards and focus on roles that mention visa sponsorship. Job portals like Indeed and LinkedIn are valuable resources.
2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight relevant skills, emphasizing those that set you apart. A tailored resume increases your chances of getting noticed.
3. Online Job Portals and Networking: LinkedIn is especially useful for connecting with Canadian professionals and staying informed about job openings.
4. Understand Canada’s Immigration Policies: Stay updated on Canada’s visa and work permit requirements to ensure you understand the necessary documentation.
5. Communicate Your Value: Highlight your experience and expertise, especially in skills that are in high demand within the Canadian restaurant industry.

Tips for a Standout Job Application

• Highlight Soft Skills: Canadian employers value teamwork, adaptability, and communication skills as much as technical skills. Demonstrating these qualities can give you an edge.
• Add Certifications: Additional certifications, such as food safety or specialized culinary training, can boost your application.
• Showcase Language Proficiency: Fluency in English or French (depending on the province) is a significant advantage. Bilingualism can be beneficial, especially in regions like Quebec.
• Emphasize Customer-Centric Experience: Highlight your experience in enhancing customer satisfaction and meeting service standards in previous roles.

Conclusion

The Canadian restaurant industry is a gateway for culinary professionals seeking to advance their careers. Opportunities abound for talented chefs, bartenders, servers, and restaurant managers who wish to contribute to Canada’s vibrant dining culture.

By carefully crafting your application, showcasing your skills, and targeting job openings with visa sponsorship, you can embark on a rewarding career path in Canada.

Whether you’re a skilled chef ready to introduce your unique cuisine or a customer-focused server passionate about delivering exceptional service, Canada’s restaurant sector is waiting for you. Take the first step, research thoroughly, and prepare diligently to start a fulfilling journey in Canada’s restaurant industry.