Top Provinces for Unskilled Workers in Canada
October 30, 2023
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Canada has a huge labor market gap for foreign nationals with limited or no work skills and experience. Recognizing that a large part of their unfulfilled labor market gap is due to a need for unskilled skilled workers, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), in partnership with specific provinces or territories, has various unskilled worker-focused immigration streams.
On the verge of deciding to move to Canada as an unskilled worker? Start by learning about 5 of the top provinces for unskilled workers in Canada!
Top Provinces in Canada for Unskilled Workers?
All figures are from Canada’s Job Bank.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan has a booming labor market, making it an ideal destination for unskilled workers. The province's economy is primarily driven by:
- Agriculture and Agri-Value,
- Mineral Exploration and Mining,
- Oil and gas industries,
- Manufacturing, and
- Energy.
The province industries produce lucrative unskilled work opportunities as outlined below.
| Unskilled Job in Saskatchewan | Annual Average Salary in Saskatchewan (CAD) |
|---|---|
| General Farm Worker | 62,077.23 |
| Mining Laborer | 80,683.49 |
| Oil Field Laborer | 74,502.89 |
| Dairy Herdperson | 67,244.78 |
| Chicken Catcher | 62,084.88 |
Alberta
Alberta has a strong economy, driven primarily by the oil, gas, retail, and service industries. An unskilled workforce largely fills Alberta’s service market. With a high demand for workers in these economic sectors, plenty of entry-level positions are available for individuals with limited work skills or experience. The most in-demand unskilled worker jobs in Alberta are as follows:
| In-demand Unskilled Job in Alberta | Annual Average Salary in Alberta (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Shelf Stocker | 43,046.64 |
| Waiter | 45,736.72 |
| HouseKeeper | 46,004.60 |
| Call Center Agent | 57,835.54 |
| Fruit Picker | 48,423.26 |
Prince Edward Island
While Prince Edward Island may be one of the smallest provinces in Canada, it has a growing economy offering unskilled workers great prospects. The province's main industries include agriculture, tourism, and fishing, each providing ample employment opportunities for unskilled workers. Among the leading unskilled jobs provided by these industries include:
| In-demand Unskilled Job in Prince Edward Island | Annual Average Salary in Prince Edward Island (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Light Duty Cleaner | 41,996.33 |
| Manufacturing Laborer | 43,025.24 |
| Meat Cutter | 46,716.93 |
| Food Service Worker | 40,394.84 |
| Fish Plant Worker | 40,394.84 |
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia’s diverse economy also offers excellent opportunities for unskilled workers primarily in:
- Tourism,
- Fisheries,
- Manufacturing,and
- Agriculture
From these industries, you can find the following unskilled jobs:
| In-demand Unskilled Job in Nova Scotia | Annual Average Salary in Nova Scotia (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Food Counter Attendants | 40,405.80 |
| Kitchen Helpers | 40,405.95 |
| Cashier | 40,405.95 |
| Silviculture Worker | 55,216.27 |
| Packaging Line Worker | 43,099.99 |
Ontario
As the most populous province in Canada, Ontario is home to over a third of the country's residents and citizens. As a result, it has the largest and most diverse provincial economy in Canada, giving it the highest demand for unskilled labor. The majority of these unskilled jobs are in the following industries:
- Manufacturing,
- Services industry,
- Mining,
- Agriculture, and
- Forestry.
Ontario’s most in-demand unskilled jobs include:
| In-demand Unskilled Job in Ontario | Annual Average Salary in Ontario (CAD) |
|---|---|
| General Laborer | 45,792.58 |
| Frozen Food Packer | 47,574.45 |
| Custodian | 53,898.20 |
| Painter | 59,265.71 |
| Bricklayer | 94,270.65 |
How to Work in the Top Provinces in Canada for Unskilled Workers
Here’s how you can work in Canada as an unskilled worker:
Work Permits
Before you can work in Canada as an unskilled worker, you will need a work permit. A work permit allows you to work legally in Canada for a specific employer, over a specified period.
Learn more about how to get a Canadian work permit.
Can I Permanently Immigrate to Canada as An Unskilled Worker?
Here are a few immigration pathways that unskilled workers can use to gain Canadian PR.
Provincial Nominee Programs for Unskilled Workers
You can get nominated for Canadian permanent residency (PR) by several provinces or territories with their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) based on their specific labor market needs. Some PNPs have streams specifically designed for unskilled workers, making obtaining permanent residency in Canada possible. These streams include the:
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) for workers in the Food, Hospitality, Tourism, or Food Processing industries,
- Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) Rural Renewal Stream,
- Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) For Agriculture and Hospitality Workers, Truck Drivers, and Trade Workers,
- Prince Edward Island (PEI) PNP Critical Worker Stream.
Find out more about Canada’s PNPs.
Home and Childcare Provider Pilot (HCCPP)
The Home and Childcare Provider Pilot (0HCCPP) program allows foreign workers to come to Canada and work as caregivers. This pilot program provides a pathway to permanent residency for eligible unskilled caregiving workers, including:
- Babysitters,
- Housekeepers,
- Doulas,
- Personal Care Attendant, and
- Nannies.
Learn more about how to immigrate to Canada as a Caregiver.
Family Sponsorship
If you have a family member who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and over 18 years old, you can request for them to sponsor you for permanent residency in Canada using the Family Sponsorship Visa program.
Learn more about the three ways to move to Canada with your family.
FAQs
Are There Opportunities for Skills Development and Career Advancement for Unskilled Workers in Canada?
Yes, Canada offers numerous opportunities for skills development and career advancement, even for unskilled workers. Unskilled workers can take advantage of:
- Apprenticeship programs,
- On-the-job training,
- Further tertiary education, and
- Occupational retreats.
Can I Bring My Family to Canada as an Unskilled Worker?
Yes, it is possible to bring your family to Canada as an unskilled worker. If you are granted a work permit or permanent residency in Canada, you can often include your spouse or common-law partner, as well as any dependent children, in your application as long they are eligible for admission into Canada.