Canada is a top destination for immigrants seeking stable, well-paying jobs and a better quality of life. One of the most in-demand sectors for foreign workers is manufacturing and factory work, offering annual salaries ranging from $42,000 to $62,000 CAD. For many immigrants, this field offers a realistic path to permanent residency—especially when employers provide visa sponsorship.
If you’re looking to start a new life in Canada, here’s everything you need to know about factory worker jobs for immigrants with visa sponsorship.
Why Canada Needs Immigrant Factory Workers
Canada is currently experiencing a shortage of labor across many provinces, especially in the manufacturing and industrial sectors. As older workers retire and younger Canadians shift towards tech and service jobs, factories are turning to foreign labor to fill essential roles. Immigrants with good work ethics and adaptability are particularly valued in this environment.
Key Reasons for the High Demand:
•Aging population and declining birth rate
•Growing manufacturing hubs in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and British Columbia
•Government-backed economic immigration programs
•Increased demand for local and international goods
Overview of Factory Worker Jobs in Canada
Common Factory Roles:
•Assembly Line Workers
•Machine Operators
•Production Assistants
•Food Processing Workers
•Quality Control Inspectors
•Maintenance Technicians
•Packaging and Sorting Staff
These roles are often in industries such as:
•Automotive manufacturing
•Food and beverage processing
•Electronics and appliances
•Furniture and woodwork
•Plastics and metal fabrication
Key Responsibilities:
•Operating machinery or tools
•Assembling products or parts
•Sorting and packaging goods
•Monitoring quality standards
•Cleaning and maintaining work areas
•Following safety and health protocol
Salary Expectations: $42,000–$62,000 CAD Annually
Factory jobs offer competitive pay depending on your skill level, experience, location, and employer.
|
Job Role |
Average Annual Salary (CAD) |
|---|---|
|
Entry-Level Assembler |
$42,000 – $48,000 |
|
Machine Operator |
$45,000 – $55,000 |
|
Packaging/Sorting Staff |
$42,000 – $50,000 |
|
Maintenance Technician |
$50,000 – $62,000 |
|
Supervisor/Team Lead |
$55,000 – $65,000 |
Overtime pay, shift bonuses, and union benefits can push total earnings even higher. Most factories also offer health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement savings plans.
Visa Sponsorship for Immigrants
Canada offers several pathways for immigrants to legally work in the country. Employers who can’t find Canadian citizens or permanent residents to fill roles may sponsor foreign workers through various programs.
Common Visa Options:
1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
•Employers apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire foreigners.
•Most factory jobs are eligible under the “low-wage” or “high-wage” streams.
•Visa valid for up to 2 years, renewable.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
•Provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia nominate foreign workers based on local demand.
•Fast-track to permanent residency.
•Requires job offer and employer support.
3. Agri-Food Pilot Program
•For food processing factory workers.
•Offers a direct pathway to permanent residency for meat processors, butchers, and food manufacturing workers.
4. Atlantic Immigration Program
•Covers provinces like Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and PEI.
•For employers hiring foreign workers in designated communities.
•Includes support for settling and bringing family.
Who Can Apply?
Factory worker jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship are open to candidates who:
•Are between 18–50 years old
• Have at least a high school education
• Can communicate in basic English or French
•Are physically fit and can work long shifts
• Have no criminal record
• Are willing to relocate and follow safety guidelines
Prior experience is a bonus, but not always required—many employers provide on-the-job training.
Provinces with High Demand for Factory Workers
While factory jobs exist across Canada, some provinces have higher demand and better opportunities for visa sponsorship:
1. Ontario
•Major manufacturing hubs in Toronto, Mississauga, and Windsor
•Strong automotive and electronics industries
2. Quebec
•High demand in Montreal for food, metal, and furniture processing
•French language skills may be required
3. Alberta
•Industrial factories and oil-related manufacturing
•Employers often recruit foreign labor to fill shortages
4. British Columbia
•Vancouver and Surrey have high activity in food processing and packaging
•Friendly immigration policies
5. Manitoba and Saskatchewan
•Less competition, easier PNP nomination process
•High need for food and meat processing staff
Top Canadian Companies Hiring Factory Workers with Sponsorship
Here are a few well-known companies and industries actively recruiting immigrants:
•Maple Leaf Foods – Food production and meat processing
•Magna International – Auto parts manufacturer
• Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada – Auto assembly lines
•Cargill – Meat and poultry processing
•Kruger Products – Paper goods manufacturing
•Weston Foods – Baked goods and food processing
Pro tip: Apply directly on their websites or use Canadian job boards with “visa sponsorship” filters.
Where to Find Factory Jobs in Canada
Use these platforms to search and apply:
Look for keywords like:
•“LMIA available”
•“Visa sponsorship provided”
•“Foreign workers welcome”
•“PNP eligible employer”
Step-by-Step Application Process
1. Prepare Your Resume (CV) in Canadian Format
•Use clean formatting, bullet points, and simple language
2. Write a Tailored Cover Letter
•Highlight your willingness to relocate and past experience
3. Apply to Jobs Online or Through a Recruiter
4. Complete Interviews (Phone or Video Call)
5. Secure a Job Offer
6. Wait for LMIA and Submit Visa Application
7. Travel to Canada and Begin Work
Life in Canada as a Factory Worker
Factory jobs often offer stable schedules, predictable hours, and good benefits. As an immigrant, you’ll enjoy:
•Public healthcare (after eligibility)
•Free education for your children
•A multicultural, safe society
• A pathway to permanent residency and citizenship
•The ability to sponsor your family members
Note: Many factory workers go on to upgrade their skills and switch to higher-paying jobs in the trades or skilled sectors.