How to Apply for Restaurant Jobs in Canada

Looking to work in Canada’s booming restaurant industry? You’re not alone. Every year, thousands of foreign workers land exciting food service jobs in Canada thanks to the country’s labor shortage and immigration-friendly policies. If you’re dreaming of starting fresh in a new country with a steady paycheck and room to grow, restaurant jobs in Canada might be your golden ticket.

Canada is actively hiring foreign workers for restaurant roles in 2025, especially in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia. With the right skills, work ethic, and attitude, you can secure a position that comes with competitive pay and in many cases, visa sponsorship.

Best Restaurant Jobs in Canada Hiring Foreign Workers 2025

Here are some of the top restaurant jobs in Canada hiring foreign workers in 2025:

1. Restaurant Manager

• Average Salary: CAD $45,000 – $65,000/year

• Why it’s in demand: Canada’s hospitality industry needs experienced managers to oversee daily operations, lead teams, and ensure customer satisfaction.

• Bonus: Some employers offer relocation support and visa sponsorship.

2. Chef / Cook

• Average Salary: CAD $35,000 – $55,000/year

• Why it’s in demand: Whether it’s a fine-dining kitchen or a busy fast-food chain, skilled cooks and chefs are constantly needed. Employers often seek workers from countries with rich culinary cultures.

• Tip: Holding a food safety certification gives you a serious edge.

3. Kitchen Helper / Dishwasher

• Average Salary: CAD $28,000 – $35,000/year

• Why it’s in demand: Entry-level roles like this are perfect if you’re just starting out and want to gain Canadian work experience. Many positions are open to candidates with little or no previous experience.

4. Food Counter Attendant / Fast Food Worker

• Average Salary: CAD $30,000 – $38,000/year

• Why it’s in demand: With the fast-paced growth of food chains like Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, and local restaurants, these roles are widely available and offer flexibility in working hours.

• Bonus: Some employers under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) sponsor international workers.

5. Waiter / Waitress / Server

• Average Salary: CAD $29,000 – $42,000/year (plus tips)

• Why it’s in demand: Customer-facing roles are key to Canada’s vibrant dining culture. If you’re friendly, quick on your feet, and fluent in English or French, this job can be a great fit.

Whether you’re highly experienced or just starting your career, there’s a place for you in Canada’s restaurant industry. With plenty of employers willing to sponsor visas and support relocation, now is the perfect time to explore these opportunities and start preparing your application.

Eligibility Requirements for Restaurant Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship

Before you pack your bags and chase your Canadian restaurant job dream, it’s important to understand the eligibility requirements. Many employers in Canada are open to hiring foreign workers, but you must meet certain criteria, both for the job and for immigration purposes.

In 2025, the Canadian government, through programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP), continues to allow employers to bring in talent from abroad to fill roles in the food and hospitality sector.

Here’s what you need to qualify for a restaurant job in Canada with visa sponsorship:

1. A Valid Job Offer from a Canadian Employer

To get visa sponsorship, you must first secure a job offer from an approved Canadian employer. Most employers will need a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove that no Canadian is available to fill the role.

Pro Tip: Job listings that mention “LMIA available” or “visa sponsorship provided” are what you should be looking for.

2. Relevant Work Experience or Skills

While not all restaurant jobs require formal education, having some experience in food service or hospitality boosts your chances. Roles like server, kitchen helper, cook, or cleaner may require 1–2 years of experience.

If you’re applying for a managerial or chef position, proven experience in a similar role is essential.

3. Basic Language Skills

English or French proficiency is key. While fluency may not be mandatory for entry-level positions, you should be able to understand and communicate in basic English to handle instructions, interact with customers, and follow safety guidelines.

Bonus Tip: Including an IELTS General Training score in your resume can add credibility.

4. Educational Requirements (If Any)

Most restaurant jobs in Canada only require a high school diploma or equivalent, especially for entry-level roles. However, culinary training certificates or food handling certifications can give you a strong advantage.

5. Ability to Meet Immigration and Health Requirements

Applicants must pass basic medical checks and a background check. You’ll also need a valid passport and to meet visa or work permit application requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

If you’re passionate about working in a dynamic, multicultural environment, and you’re willing to learn, restaurant jobs in Canada can offer a fresh start and solid career path. Meet the basic eligibility requirements, tailor your resume, and start applying to positions that offer visa support. Your Canadian journey could be just one application away.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for Restaurant Jobs in Canada from Abroad

Landing a restaurant job in Canada from abroad might seem overwhelming, but with the right steps and strategy, you can get closer to your dream. Many Canadian restaurants are actively hiring foreign workers, especially for roles like cooks, servers, cleaners, and kitchen assistants. The key is knowing how to apply for Canadian restaurant jobs with visa sponsorship the smart way.

Let’s walk you through the exact steps you need to follow:

1. Prepare Your Canadian-Style Resume and Cover Letter

Before anything else, make sure your resume follows the Canadian format, clean, professional, and focused on relevant skills and experience. Your cover letter should be tailored for each role and clearly express your interest in working in Canada.

Pro Tip: Highlight your hospitality skills, adaptability, and willingness to relocate. Mention if you already have experience working in fast-paced environments or international kitchens.

2. Search for Legitimate Job Listings Offering Visa Sponsorship

Not every restaurant job will sponsor a visa, so you need to focus your search on the right platforms. Use keywords like:

• “restaurant jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship”

• “LMIA-approved restaurant jobs”

• “foreign workers needed Canada restaurant 2025”

Check for Top Job Boards Like:

• Job Bank Canada

• Canada Job Bank (official government site)

3. Apply Directly to Employers or Agencies

Once you find a job that matches your skills, apply directly through the employer’s site or via a verified recruitment agency. Attach your resume and a customized cover letter. Be professional and clearly mention that you are seeking a position with visa sponsorship.

4. Attend Virtual Interviews and Showcase Your Skills

If shortlisted, you may be invited for a virtual interview via Zoom or Skype. This is your time to shine! Talk about your past experience, customer service skills, and ability to adapt to different work cultures.

Bonus Tip: Show enthusiasm about moving to Canada and working in a team-based restaurant environment.

5. Secure LMIA and Work Permit

If the employer decides to hire you, they will begin the process of obtaining an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) on your behalf. Once approved, you’ll use this to apply for a Canadian work permit.

Documents You May Need:

• Job offer letter

• LMIA approval document

• Passport

• Proof of experience or education

• Medical exam (if required)

6. Relocate and Start Your Job in Canada

After receiving your work permit, you’re all set to travel! Your employer may guide you through relocation logistics, and some may even cover a portion of your travel expenses or offer settlement support.

Applying for a restaurant job in Canada from abroad is not only possible, it’s happening for thousands of workers every year. Follow the right steps, stay patient, and remain persistent. Your Canadian hospitality career awaits.

Top Cities in Canada with High Demand for Restaurant Workers

Canada’s booming food and hospitality industry means there’s a growing demand for restaurant workers, especially in major cities where dining out is a daily culture. If you’re searching for restaurant jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship, knowing the best cities to target can make all the difference in your job search.

Below are the top Canadian cities where restaurants are frequently hiring foreign workers:

1. Toronto, Ontario

As Canada’s largest city and a multicultural hub, Toronto is packed with thousands of restaurants, cafés, and food chains. From high-end fine dining to fast food, the demand for cooks, servers, and kitchen staff is always high.

• Hot Roles: Line cooks, kitchen helpers, baristas

• Why it’s great: High job availability, competitive wages, and international cuisine experience

2. Vancouver, British Columbia

With a vibrant food scene influenced by Asian, European, and Indigenous cultures, Vancouver is a favorite destination for skilled hospitality workers. The tourism industry also drives the demand for restaurant staff all year round.

• Hot Roles: Sushi chefs, waitstaff, dishwashers

• Visa Tip: Many restaurants here are LMIA-approved employers looking for foreign talent

3. Calgary, Alberta

Calgary’s growing economy and population make it a hotspot for restaurant job seekers. The city is known for its steakhouses, pubs, and expanding food court industry—all in need of experienced staff.

• Hot Roles: Chefs, kitchen supervisors, servers

• What’s unique: Employers here often offer relocation support and visa sponsorships

4. Montreal, Quebec

Montreal’s French-influenced culinary scene makes it one of the most exciting food cities in North America. It’s a great place for workers who speak English and French or are willing to learn.

• Hot Roles: Pastry chefs, servers, restaurant assistants

• Bonus: Many seasonal roles with sponsorship available for international applicants

5. Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton is quietly becoming a hospitality powerhouse, with family-run restaurants and chain brands expanding across the city. There’s steady demand for foreign workers in food service, especially in suburban areas.

• Hot Roles: Kitchen crew, fast-food attendants, cleaners

• Why consider it: Lower competition and affordable cost of living

When planning to work in Canada’s restaurant industry, it pays to focus your job hunt on cities where demand is booming. These cities not only offer better chances of employment but are also more likely to sponsor international workers through programs like LMIA.

Tips to Boost Your Chances of Getting a Restaurant Job in Canada Fast

Landing a restaurant job in Canada, especially with visa sponsorship, can be highly competitive. But with the right approach and preparation, you can speed up the process and stand out to Canadian employers. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or someone looking to start fresh in the food industry, these practical tips will help you get hired faster.

1. Tailor Your Resume for Canadian Employers

Your resume is your first impression; make it count! Ensure it follows Canadian standards:

• Use clear formatting and concise bullet points

• Highlight a relevant restaurant or hospitality experience

• Include customer service skills, certifications (like food handling), and language abilities

• Add a short but powerful objective focused on restaurant jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship

2. Apply to Jobs with LMIA-Approved Employers

One of the fastest ways to get hired is by applying directly to Canadian employers who are approved to hire foreign workers under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

• Use job portals like Job Bank Canada, indeed, and Workopolis

• Search keywords like “LMIA restaurant jobs Canada” or “visa sponsorship restaurant jobs Canada”

3. Get Certifications Ahead of Time

Even if you’re applying from abroad, having the right certifications can impress employers:

• Food Handler Certificate

• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

• First Aid and CPR (especially for supervisors or kitchen leads)

You can often take these courses online through accredited Canadian training platforms.

4. Be Available for Interviews—Even Remotely

Employers love candidates who are proactive and ready for interviews. Make sure:

• You have access to Zoom, Google Meet, or Skype

• Your internet connection is reliable

• You can confidently answer questions about your experience, availability, and willingness to relocate

5. Write a Strong Cover Letter Focused on Relocation

A great cover letter can help you rise above the competition. In just a few paragraphs, explain:

• Why do you want to work in Canada

• Your passion for hospitality and customer service

• Your willingness to relocate and adapt to Canadian work culture

• That you’re looking for visa sponsorship opportunities

6. Network on LinkedIn and Facebook Job Groups

Join Facebook groups and LinkedIn communities related to restaurant jobs in Canada for foreigners. Many job openings are shared here first, and you might even get referrals from other international workers.

Final Thought

Speeding up your chances of getting a restaurant job in Canada isn’t about luck, it’s about strategy. Stay consistent, be job-ready, and apply smartly to employers open to sponsoring international talent. With determination and the right resources, your Canadian work dream can become a reality sooner than you think.