Unskilled Jobs: Cleaners & Kitchen Staff | Canada Visa-Sponsored

Canada offers many opportunities for unskilled workers, particularly in the cleaning and hospitality industries. With growing demand in sectors like housekeeping and kitchen work, many employers offer visa sponsorship to foreign workers. This job post provides an overview of career opportunities for cleaners and kitchen staff in Canada, including job requirements, salary expectations, and the application process.

Overview of Unskilled Cleaners and Kitchen Staff Jobs in Canada

What Are Unskilled Cleaner and Kitchen Staff Jobs?

Unskilled jobs in cleaning and kitchen work involve tasks that don’t require specialized skills, advanced education, or significant experience. These roles are vital for maintaining cleanliness and ensuring efficient operations in places like hotels, restaurants, hospitals, schools, and office buildings.

• Cleaner Jobs: Cleaners are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of buildings, offices, hotels, and public spaces. Tasks include sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, sanitizing bathrooms, and taking out the trash.
• Kitchen Staff Jobs: Kitchen staff, often referred to as kitchen helpers or assistants, work in restaurants, hotels, and food service establishments. Their responsibilities include food preparation, washing dishes, cleaning the kitchen, and assisting chefs in preparing meals.

Both cleaner and kitchen staff roles are crucial to the hospitality and service industries in Canada, which are experiencing ongoing demand for workers.

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Requirements for Unskilled Cleaners and Kitchen Staff Jobs in Canada

To work as a cleaner or kitchen staff member in Canada, foreign workers must meet several requirements, including visa eligibility, physical fitness, and general work qualifications.

Visa Eligibility

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): Foreigners can apply for unskilled jobs in Canada through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). This program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers when there are no qualified Canadians available to fill the positions.
• Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): Most employers hiring foreign workers must obtain an LMIA, which shows that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact the Canadian labor market. The employer must receive a positive LMIA before offering the job to a foreigner.
• Work Permit: Once you have a job offer and an LMIA, you can apply for a work permit, which allows you to work legally in Canada.

Age Requirement

• Minimum Age: You must be at least 18 years old to work in unskilled roles. There is no upper age limit, but physical fitness is important since these jobs often require standing for long periods and performing physically demanding tasks.

Health Requirements

• Medical Examination: Some employers may require a medical examination, especially if the job involves working in environments like hospitals or schools, where health and hygiene are critical. In food service, this is particularly important to ensure compliance with health standards.

Language Proficiency

• Basic English or French Skills: While advanced language skills are not mandatory for most cleaner or kitchen staff jobs, basic proficiency in English or French is often necessary to understand instructions and communicate with supervisors and coworkers. Some employers may require proof of basic language ability.

Educational Requirements

• No Formal Education Needed: These jobs do not typically require formal education. However, having basic literacy and numeracy skills can be helpful, especially in following safety guidelines or measuring cleaning supplies.

Work Experience

• No Prior Experience Required: Unskilled cleaner and kitchen staff roles usually do not require prior work experience. However, if you have experience in similar roles, it may increase your chances of being hired.

Salaries for Unskilled Cleaners and Kitchen Staff Jobs in Canada

Salaries for cleaners and kitchen staff in Canada vary depending on the location, type of employer, and level of experience. The pay is generally hourly, and additional benefits such as meals, uniforms, and overtime opportunities may be available.

• Cleaners: $14 to $18 per hour (approximately $29,000 to $37,000 annually)
• Kitchen Staff (e.g., dishwashers, kitchen helpers): $14 to $17 per hour (approximately $28,000 to $35,000 annually)

In large cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary, wages may be higher due to the higher cost of living. Additionally, working overtime or night shifts may lead to higher earnings.

How to Apply for Unskilled Cleaner and Kitchen Staff Jobs in Canada

Step 1: Research Job Opportunities:

Look for Canadian companies hiring cleaners and kitchen staff on job boards like Job Bank, Indeed, Workopolis, and Monster.ca. Recruitment agencies specializing in hospitality and cleaning services can also help you find jobs with visa sponsorship.

Step 2: Apply for Jobs with Visa Sponsorship:

Submit your application, including a resume highlighting relevant experience, a cover letter explaining your interest and ability to relocate, and references from previous employers.

Step 3: Secure an LMIA and Job Offer:

Once you’ve applied, the employer must obtain an LMIA to hire a foreign worker. After approval, the employer will send you a formal job offer, which is required for your work permit application.

Step 4: Apply for a Work Permit:

With a job offer and LMIA, apply for a work permit. You will need documents like a valid passport, job offer letter, LMIA, medical exam results (if required), proof of sufficient funds, and biometrics.

Step 5: Submit Your Work Permit Application:

Submit your work permit application through the IRCC website. The application fee is around $155 CAD, with additional fees for biometrics. Apply early to account for processing times.

Step 6: Relocate to Canada and Begin Work:

Once approved, travel to Canada and present your work permit to immigration officials. Begin your job, ensuring you understand the work requirements, hours, and any employer-provided accommodations.

Final Thoughts & Mode of Application   

Unskilled jobs in Canada as cleaners or kitchen staff provide an excellent opportunity for foreigners to gain employment in a growing sector. Visa sponsorship through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) allows foreign workers to legally live and work in Canada. By understanding job requirements, salary expectations, and the application process, you can successfully apply for and secure a cleaner or kitchen staff position in Canada, opening doors to potential long-term opportunities.