Applying for permanent residency in Canada or hunting for a job? While job hunting can be stressful, there are jobs for immigrants in Canada for those without experience. In this post, our Ottawa and Orleans immigration physicians list the top 10 best jobs for individuals without experience looking for work in Canada.
What are jobs for immigrants in Canada?
If you are entering Canada and are looking for work without previous experience, you may face some challenges. That said, you'll find many job opportunities in Canada for immigrants that do not require any work experience - even if they do require qualifications such as apprenticeship certificates for trades or university degrees.
From the hospitality and transportation industries to caretaking and retail, newcomers have a number of routes to employment, no matter their skill level.
This diversity is one factor that contributes to the health of Canada's economy and our competitiveness on the world market. To help give you a start on searching, we've compiled this list of the top 10 best jobs for immigrants in Canada without experience.
Note: While this list of examples was compiled to offer a good overview of various job opportunities, salary ranges and requirements for people without work experience, you won't be able to apply for these positions here.
Instead, we recommend searching for similar positions on job search sites such as Jobbank, Indeed or LinkedIn, where plenty of these types of jobs await.
1. Production Worker
Salary: $23.41 - $25.28 an hour
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada builds industry-leading vehicles, and teamwork, safety and success for their people. The company accepts all applicants from all types of backgrounds for this role, and no experience is required.
In this position, you'll play an important role in building a variety of SUV class vehicles.
You must be 18+ years of age and legally eligible to work in Canada. You must also be able to bend, reach, lift and perform the other physical requirements of the job.
This role may be for you if you've worked as a Server or in hospitality or retail, Housekeeper, Maintenance Worker, General Labourer, Picker/Packer, Machine Operator, Shipping/Receiving, Factory Worker and/or Warehouse Worker.
2. Janitor
Salary: $20.00 hourly for 40 hours per week
Based in Kelowna, British Columbia, Kliny Cleaning Service LTD provides high-quality professional commercial janitorial cleaning services. No experience is required for this position and you'll receive training. However, you'll need a secondary school graduation certificate.
Only apply if you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada, or if you have a valid Canadian work permit.
In this and other similar positions, you'll need to:
- Sweep, mop, scrub and wax hallways, floors and stairs
- Operate industrial vacuum cleaners to remove scraps, dirt, heavy debris and other refuse
- Empty trash cans and other waste containers
- Wash windows, interior walls and ceilings
- Perform safety and security checks
- Supervise other workers
- Move heavy furniture, equipment and supplies
- Water and tend to plants, lawns and/or gardens
- Clean and disinfect bathrooms and fixtures
- Clean snow and ice from walkways and parking areas
2. Housekeeping Room Attendant
Estimated Salary (Indeed): $28,700 - $36,300
Sandman Hotel Group is an international hotel chain with 57 destinations across Canada.
Housekeeping Room Attendants have an eagle-eye for detail, a commitment to friendly customer service and a passion for cleanliness.
No education or experience is required, and you'll receive one-on-one training.
In this and similar positions, you may need to:
- Clean rooms according to Sandman Hotels standards
- Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of all chemicals and cleaning products, and correct handling procedures
- Respond to guests and staff inquiries, requests and complaints in a prompt and courteous manner
- Ensures all lost property items left in guest rooms are recorded on the worksheet and handed in to the Supervisor/Manager at the end of the shift
- Ensures all maintenance and safety hazards are promptly reported to the Supervisor/Manager to minimize hazard risk
- Takes personal responsibility for equipment, ensuring it is operated correctly and secure at all times
- Reports any unusual or suspicious persons/activities happening in the area of security to the manager
- Reports any maintenance issues including burned out light bulbs
- Check under bed, drawers, and closet for left behind articles and or trash
- Cleans sink and fixtures and restock all terry, soap, glasses, comment cards, coffee and other amenities
- Clean coffee pots when needed, - ensures pots are plugged in
- Arrange furniture following use by guests
- Ensure security of guest rooms and privacy of guests
- Perform Laundry tasks when necessary including collect, sort, transport laundry at the beginning of each shift
- Remove laundry from dryers and fold immediately to prevent wrinkling
- Stock linen supply room with clean linens for use for next day
- Laundry to include: bed linens, blankets, Duvets/Comforters, towels & face cloths, and restaurant table linens. At end of day all cleaning cloths will also be washed, dried and folded for housekeeping needs
- Small mending repairs required as needed
- Perform Houseperson duties if required
3. Painter Helper - Construction
Annual Salary:
Johal Painting & Coating Ltd is based in Vancouver, British Columbia and specializes in residential and commercial painting projects. This position is in Delta, BC.
While experience is an asset, it is not required and no degree, certificate or diploma is required.
In this and similar positions, you'll need to:
- Load, unload and transport construction materials
- Mix, pour and spread materials
- Clean and pile salvaged materials
- Clean up chemical spills and other contaminants
- Remove rubble and other debris at construction sites
- Tend or feed machines or equipment used in construction
4. Food Packer
Salary: $21.40 - $25.40 per hour
Packers and General Labourers can start immediately at Kelly Services, which works in partnership with Ferro Canada Ltd. An ability to obtain a clear background check will be required.
No experience is required.
In this and similar positions, you'll need to:
- Work in a busy environment doing packaging and quality control during 8-hour shifts (standing the entire time
- Be capable of lifting up to 25 lbs.
- Have a positive attitude and willingness to work
5. Resident Care Attendant
Estimated Salary (Indeed): $26,700 - $33,900 per year
Fox Hollow Retirement Residence in London, Ontario is committed to providing a work environment that promotes both job satisfaction and personal growth for its employees throughout Canada.
No previous experience is needed and the company will provide professional training. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a certificate and will be guaranteed a job at Fox Hollow Retirement Residences.
In this and similar positions, you'll need to:
- Work effectively independently and as part of a team
- Display good interpersonal and communication skills to work with coworkers, residents and families
- Demonstrate empathy, concern and interest in providing quality care and service to residents
- Demonstrate organizational skills and ability to complete assignments in a timely fashion
6. Office Administrator
Salary: $26.50 per hour
Hamid Hakimi Real Estate Inc. is a Burlington, Ontario-based real estate firm that is hiring an Office Administrator.
Youth, veterans of the Canadian Armed Forces, visible minorities, Indigenous people and newcomers to Canada are welcome to apply.
In this and similar positions, you'll need to:
- Review, evaluate and implement new administrative procedures
- Establish work priorities and ensure procedures are followed and deadlines are met
- Carry out administrative activities of establishment
- Assemble data and prepare periodic and special reports, manuals and correspondence
- Oversee and co-ordinate office administrative procedures
7. Full-Time Sales Associate
Canadian-owned furniture store Leon's has a rich 110-year history and locations from coast to coast. The business is expanding their sales teams in every location.
Previous sales experience is not required and you'll receive extensive training on all products. In this and other positions, you'll need to:
- Interact with and educate customers about offerings
- Continuously improve your skills and knowledge
8. Collection Specialist
Salary: $3,000 per month
MetCredit, a pioneer in the debt recovery industry, is seeking full-time collection specialists for their Mississauga, Ontario office. While applicants should be results-driven, motivated and have a strong worth ethic, experience is not required and you'll be paid for on-the-job training.
In this and similar positions, you'll need to:
- Call account holders to discuss delinquency and negotiate repayment
- Gather relevant financial information
- Solve problems, be observant and have excellent detective skills
- Know how to negotiate, listen carefully and look for solutions
9. General Labour Cabinet Maker
Salary: $17 - $24 per hour
Established in 2012, Wooddoer provides world-class cabinet components and manufacturing services using CNC technology.
While no experience is necessary, a keen attitude, willingness to learn and ability to work well in a team are expected.
In this and similar positions, you'll need to:
- Lift wood panels onto machines using a vacuum lifter
- Assemble cabinets using hand tools and cabinet clamp
- Wrap pallets using a robot pallet wrapper
10. Barista/Customer Service
Salary: $16 - $20 per hour
Starbucks not only celebrates coffee, they set our to bring a feeling of connection with their customers. Baristas handcraft beverages and create a human connection while representing a world-class brand.
No experience is required for this position and it can serve as a good jump-start to a career in retail.
In this and similar positions, you'll need to have:
- An ability to create a genuine moment of connection with customers and responding to customer needs through clear and pleasant communication
- A willingness to learn - Learn how to prepare food and beverages using a mix of online learning, classroom training and hands-on mentorship; Prepare food and beverages to standard recipes or customize them for customers
- An availability to work flexible hours that may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, nights and/or holidays
Arriving in a new country, navigating your way through the immigration system and finding jobs in Canada can feel like a challenging, even daunting, endeavour at times. Cultural and language barriers can sometimes play a role for people who have challenges finding work. The above list might help give you a head start in terms of which types of jobs to consider applying for.
Soon after arrival, you'll also need to complete an immigration medical exam. We can guide you through the exam process and address any questions or concerns you may have.
