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Sectors in Canada That Need the Most Temporary Foreign Workers


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Sectors in Canada That Need the Most Temporary Foreign Workers

As Canada’s labor shortages persist, several sectors are turning to temporary foreign workers to cover key staffing gaps. Canada’s economy is heavily reliant on temporary foreign workers, particularly in the agriculture, hospitality, healthcare, and construction industries. With an increased demand for workers in a variety of sectors, recognizing where these job opportunities exist can help both Canadian employers and international temporary workers.

Want to know more about which industries in Canada require temporary foreign workers the most? Then, work with us to identify the sectors that need the most temporary foreign labour.

Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada.

According to Statistics Canada, the number of TFWs in Canada has grown dramatically, with over 450,000 people working there by 2022. In agriculture, for example, TFWs make up a sizable fraction of the workforce, especially during peak planting and harvesting seasons. According to the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC), 50% of farm operators rely on temporary foreign workers to meet labour demands, emphasizing their importance in sustaining food production.

The hospitality industry is likewise largely reliant on TFWs, particularly in tourist destinations. As domestic labour markets tighten, many hotels and restaurants hire foreign workers to cover crucial positions, assuring smooth operations during peak seasons. TFWs help to address nursing and support staff shortages, which have grown increasingly essential as Canada’s population ages.

Despite their achievements, TFWs encounter hurdles such as language barriers, cultural adaptations, and navigating complex immigration processes. Advocacy groups underline the significance of strengthening support networks for these workers to improve their experience and assimilation into Canadian society. Furthermore, there is ongoing debate regarding the need for regulatory changes to simplify the recruiting process and enhance working conditions for temporary foreign workers.

Which sectors require the most temporary foreign workers in Canada?

Canada’s reliance on temporary foreign labour has grown in recent years. This is obvious in the necessity for TFWs in each of Canada’s key economic sectors, as listed below.

Agriculture

Agriculture is Canada’s most reliant economic sector on temporary foreign workers. The industry is experiencing a prolonged labour shortage due to a variety of variables, including the seasonal nature of work, low earnings, and difficult working conditions. Many Canadians are reluctant or unable to fill these posts, leaving a gap that TFWs help to close.

TFWs are in high demand in specialized agricultural subsectors such as fruit and vegetable production, which requires a lot of manual labour. These labourers frequently come from agriculturally oriented countries and are willing to perform physically tough activities.

Accommodation and Food Service

TFWs are also heavily employed in the accommodation and food services industry. Restaurants, hotels, and other hospitality organizations commonly hire foreign labour to fill positions like chefs, waitresses, and housekeepers. This sector has a high turnover rate and needs assistance attracting and keeping domestic workers, particularly for lower-wage professions.

The tourism industry, which is a major component of the lodging and food services sector, relies heavily on TFWs, particularly during high seasons. This demand for seasonal workers exacerbates the labour shortfall and drives the need for international labour.

Retail trade

While not as reliant on TFWs as agricultural, lodging, and food services, the retail trade industry nonetheless employs many foreign workers. Retail, like the hotel industry, frequently struggles to attract domestic workers for low-wage jobs like cashiers and sales associates.

The demand for TFWs in retail varies according to the store type and location. For example, rural or distant places with low labor availability may rely more heavily on immigrant laborers.

Healthcare

While considerable, the healthcare sector’s reliance on TFWs is limited when compared to other industries. While there are shortages in specific healthcare occupations, such as nurses and physicians, TFWs are not often used in this industry.

Canada has a robust domestic healthcare workforce. The country has developed many methods to solve workforce shortages, including education and immigration programs. However, it is important to highlight that the healthcare sector’s reliance on TFWs may expand as the population ages and the need for healthcare services rises.

Construction

The construction industry’s need for TFWs varies according to economic situations. During periods of economic growth and expansion, the demand for construction labour frequently exceeds the availability of domestic workers, resulting in an increased reliance on foreign labourers.

However, the building industry has attempted to train and engage domestic workers, especially in skilled crafts. Apprenticeship programs and other initiatives have helped to lessen the need for temporary foreign workers in certain parts of the construction industry.

Manufacturing

In general, the manufacturing sector uses fewer TFWs than other sectors. While certain jobs or industries within manufacturing may face labour shortages, their reliance on foreign workers is generally low when compared to other key economic sectors in Canada.

Canada has a strong manufacturing base and a competent workforce. Many Canadian firms continue to prioritize employing temporary foreign labour. However, as in other industries, demand for TFWs in manufacturing might fluctuate depending on economic conditions and labour market needs.

Top jobs in each sector where temporary foreign workers are in demand?

Here are the top positions in each industry where TFWs are in demand in Canada, along with their National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes and annual average pay, as reported by Canada’s Job Bank.

Agriculture

The agriculture sector offers the following top occupations for TFWs in Canada.

Job Title NOC Code Annual Average Salary (CAD)
Farm Supervisor 82030 58,546.17
Agricultural Equipment Operator 84120 54,038.20
General Farm Worker 85100 50,255.53
Greenhouse Worker 85103 48,636.49
Crop Farm Laborer 85101 44,576.85

Accommodation and Food Services

TFWs in Canada are in high demand for the following jobs in the lodging and food services sector.

Job Title NOC Code Annual Average Salary (CAD)
Restaurant Manager 60030 64,177.78
Housekeeping Room Attendant 65310 48,640.70
Food and Beverage Server 65200 45,934.13
Hotel Front Desk Clerk 64314 45,937.78
Cook 63200 43,232.28

Retail Trade

The top retail trade jobs for TFWs in Canada are outlined below.

Job Title NOC Code Annual Average Salary (CAD)
Store Manager 60020 101,973.04
Merchandiser 64100 75,667.41
Customer Service Representative 64409 55,422.18
Retail Salesperson 64100 43,231.81
Cashier 65100 40,533.04

Healthcare

The following are the top healthcare jobs for temporary foreign workers in Canada.

Job Title NOC Code Annual Average Salary (CAD)
Physiotherapist 31202 112,487.02
Registered Nurse 31301 109,141.97
Medical Laboratory Technologist 32120 97,927.12
Medical Administrative Assistant 13112 60,965.21
Personal Support Worker 44101 51,393.30

Construction

The following are the top Construction jobs for TFWs in Canada.

Job Title NOC Code Annual Average Salary (CAD)
Electrician 72200 91,881.86
Heavy Equipment Operator 73400 81,077.78
Plumber 72300 81,077.78
Carpenter 72310 81,072.52
Construction Laborer 75110 62,160.08

Manufacturing

The following are the top manufacturing jobs for TFWs in Canada.

Job Title NOC Code Annual Average Salary (CAD)
Production Supervisor 92024 81,066.38
Assembler 94204 60,804.61
Machine Operator 94107 56,745.64
Quality Control Inspector 94212 51,342.04
General Laborer 95109 48,649.30

 

How Do I Work as a Temporary Foreign Worker in Canada?

Which sectors require the most temporary foreign workers in Canada?

To work in Canada as a temporary foreign worker, you must have a job offer from a Canadian business and a Canadian work permit. You can obtain a Canadian work permit as a TFW by applying through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).

Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP)

Working as a TFW in Canada requires multiple stages under the TFWP, which allows firms to hire foreign nationals when local candidates are not available. The first step is to get a job offer from a Canadian firm. The Canadian company must then apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate the need for a foreign worker and ensure that hiring one would not have a detrimental impact on the local labour market.

Once the LMIA is accepted, the worker may apply for a temporary work permit. Documentation is often required during the application process, including proof of employment offer, identification verification, and evidence of necessary qualifications or work experience. Furthermore, some vocations may require special licensure or certification.

Now that you have a better idea of the sectors in which TFWs are most needed in Canada, you can start the application process with the help of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant.

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