Top Provinces for Unskilled Workers in Canada

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 for Unskilled Workers in Canada

Canada is a land of opportunity, offering promising career prospects for unskilled workers in various provinces. With thriving industries, competitive salaries, and a demand for labor, each province has unique opportunities that cater to individuals with limited experience or specialized skills. We explore the top provinces in Canada for unskilled workers and their most in-demand jobs.

Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan is rapidly emerging as one of Canada’s top destinations for unskilled workers, offering unmatched opportunities and a vibrant labor market. Known for its welcoming communities and breathtaking landscapes, this province also boasts a strong and diverse economy. Key industries like agriculture, mining, oil and gas, manufacturing, and energy are the backbone of Saskatchewan’s growth. These sectors consistently create high demand for workers, making it an ideal choice for those looking to start or advance their careers. Whether you’re drawn to the rolling fields, innovative industries, or the promise of a stable future, Saskatchewan has something to offer everyone.

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 is home to one of Canada’s strongest and most resilient economies, fueled primarily by its thriving oil, gas, retail, and service industries. These sectors form the backbone of the province’s growth and prosperity, consistently creating opportunities for workers of all skill levels. In particular, Alberta’s service market relies heavily on unskilled workers, offering a wide array of entry-level positions for individuals with limited work skills or experience.

The high demand for labor in these industries ensures that there is no shortage of opportunities for those willing to work hard and contribute to the province's ongoing success. Whether you're seeking a fresh start or looking to gain valuable work experience, Alberta provides a supportive environment for unskilled workers.

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

Prince Edward Island (PEI), though one of the smallest provinces in Canada, is rapidly becoming a thriving hub for employment opportunities, especially for unskilled workers. Despite its small size, PEI offers a variety of industries that are continuously growing and evolving. These industries provide a steady stream of jobs that don't require advanced skills or formal education. With its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and a promising job market, Prince Edward Island is an attractive destination for individuals seeking work in an environment with lots of potential.

PEI's economy is built on three main industries: agriculture, tourism, and fishing. Each of these sectors plays a significant role in creating job opportunities for unskilled workers, making the province a highly favorable location for employment. Unskilled jobs available in 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 provides excellent opportunities for unskilled workers, particularly in industries such as tourism, fisheries, manufacturing, and agriculture. These sectors offer a wide range of unskilled job options, including roles in hospitality, seafood processing, factory labor, and farm work. With the province’s focus on growing these industries, unskilled workers can find steady employment while contributing to Nova Scotia's thriving economy. Whether you're interested in working in the bustling tourism sector, the resourceful fisheries, or the productive agriculture and manufacturing industries, Nova Scotia presents ample job prospects for those seeking work without specialized skills.

You can find the following unskilled jobs in these industries:

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, which contributes to its status as the largest and most diverse provincial economy. This booming economy generates the highest demand for unskilled labor across various sectors, including manufacturing, services, mining, agriculture, and forestry. These industries provide a wealth of unskilled job opportunities, from factory work and customer service roles to positions in agriculture and natural resource management. Ontario’s thriving economy ensures that unskilled workers can find steady employment in a wide range of fields, making it an ideal destination for those seeking work with minimal skill requirements.

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

If you are looking to work in Canada as an unskilled worker, understanding the process and available programs is crucial. One of the most common pathways for foreign workers is through the Canadian work permit system, which allows individuals to legally work in Canada for a specified period.

Additionally, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) provides multiple streams for foreign workers to fill labor shortages in different sectors. Whether you’re aiming to work in the bustling cities of Ontario or the picturesque landscapes of Prince Edward Island, Canada has a variety of opportunities for unskilled workers.

Canadian Work Permits

Before you can work in Canada as an unskilled worker, obtaining a Canadian work permit is essential. A Canadian work permit is an official authorization that allows you to work legally in Canada for a specific employer and for a defined period.

To apply for a Canadian work permit, you need to secure a job offer from a Canadian employer, and the employer may need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively affect the local labor market. There are also open work permits available for some applicants, such as spouses of skilled workers or international students.

Once you have your work permit, you will be able to start your job and contribute to Canada's diverse and thriving economy as an unskilled worker. Be sure to follow the application process carefully and ensure that all necessary documentation is provided to avoid delays.

Learn how to get a Canadian work permit.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is a key initiative that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when there is a shortage of available local labor. For unskilled workers, the TFWP offers several streams, each designed to address specific labor needs in various industries such as agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing. These streams help ensure that employers can meet their staffing requirements while also providing foreign workers with valuable job opportunities in Canada.

Depending on the type of job, location, and wage, workers may qualify for different streams within the TFWP, making it easier to find the right employment opportunity suited to their skills and experience. The various TFWP streams include:

• High-Wage Workers: This stream is for employers who need to hire workers for positions that pay above the median wage in the province. It ensures that foreign workers fill critical roles while maintaining fair wages for local workers.
• Low-Wage Workers: This stream is for jobs that offer wages below the median wage, typically in sectors like hospitality, agriculture, and retail. Employers hiring low-wage foreign workers must demonstrate that no local workers are available to fill these positions.
• Global Talent Stream: Although typically aimed at highly skilled workers, this stream allows certain unskilled workers to apply if the employer is part of a fast-track program for tech or specialized sectors. It facilitates a faster work permit processing time for certain critical jobs.
• Agricultural Stream: Designed specifically for workers in agriculture, this stream helps employers hire foreign workers to fill positions like farm laborers and seasonal agricultural workers.
• Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP): A substream of the Agricultural Stream, the SAWP allows agricultural workers from specific countries to come to Canada for seasonal farm work, providing consistent labor for harvests and planting seasons.

By using these different streams, unskilled workers can find temporary employment opportunities in a variety of industries across Canada, benefiting both the workers and employers while meeting labor market needs.

Can I Permanently Immigrate to Canada as An Unskilled Worker?

Yes, it is possible to immigrate to Canada as an unskilled worker, though the process may be more complex compared to highly skilled workers. Canada has several immigration pathways for workers at all skill levels, including unskilled workers, who can contribute to the country's economy. The most common options for permanent immigration for unskilled workers include the following:

Express Entry Program

Although Express Entry is primarily designed for skilled workers, there is still a chance for unskilled workers to apply under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), part of the Express Entry system. While this program typically favors skilled tradespeople, individuals with relevant experience in specific sectors (such as construction, manufacturing, or agriculture) may still qualify if they meet the required criteria. However, applicants must have work experience in a skilled trade or occupation, which may not always apply to purely unskilled roles.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Canada's Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is another viable route for unskilled workers seeking permanent residence. Through the PNP, provinces and territories can nominate individuals for permanent residence based on their specific labor market needs. Some provinces may prioritize unskilled workers in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, or construction, where labor shortages exist. If a province or territory nominates you, you can apply for permanent residence, even if your job does not require specific skill certifications.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) is another opportunity for unskilled workers, specifically for those looking to work in one of Canada's Atlantic provinces: Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, or Prince Edward Island. This program allows employers in these regions to hire foreign workers for jobs that may not require advanced skills. After securing a job offer from a designated employer, workers can apply for permanent residency.

Agri-Food Pilot Program

For unskilled workers in the agricultural sector, Canada offers the Agri-Food Pilot Program to help meet the demand for labor in industries like farming, food processing, and mushroom production. The program provides a pathway to permanent residency for workers with a job offer in qualifying agricultural roles. To be eligible, candidates must have at least one year of full-time, non-seasonal work experience in an eligible occupation, along with a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

.Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) as a Stepping Stone

While the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is primarily designed for temporary work, it can lead to permanent residency for unskilled workers in certain circumstances. If an individual is working in Canada under the TFWP and their employer is willing to offer a permanent position, they may be able to transition to permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class under the Express Entry system. Having Canadian work experience can improve your chances of qualifying for permanent residency in the future.

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 Canadian work permit or Canadian 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 as they are eligible for admission into Canada.