Canada LMIA Jobs for Restaurants (2024 Guide)
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers need to hire foreign workers when no Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available for the job. The restaurant industry in Canada frequently hires foreign workers through LMIA to fill various positions due to labor shortages.
1. Restaurant Jobs Eligible for LMIA
Many restaurants in Canada seek LMIA approvals for the following positions:
a) High-Demand Positions
- Chefs (Specialized cuisines, fine dining)
- Cooks (Fast food, casual dining, specialized cuisine)
- Food Service Supervisors
- Restaurant Managers (with relevant experience)
b) Entry-Level Positions (Limited LMIA Availability)
- Servers (Waiters/Waitresses)
- Kitchen Helpers
- Dishwashers
- Bartenders
Note: Entry-level positions are less likely to get LMIA approval unless there is a proven labor shortage.
2. LMIA Process for Restaurant Jobs
Step 1: Employer Applies for LMIA
The employer must:
- Advertise the job position in Canada for at least 4 weeks.
- Provide proof that no qualified Canadian or permanent resident is available.
- Submit an LMIA application to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Step 2: LMIA Approval
- If the application is approved, the employer receives a positive LMIA.
- A positive LMIA allows the foreign worker to apply for a work permit.
Step 3: Worker Applies for Work Permit
- The worker submits a work permit application with:
- Job offer letter
- LMIA approval
- Proof of qualifications
- Proof of funds and other required documents
- Processing times vary by country (typically 2–6 months).
3. Requirements for Foreign Workers
To qualify for an LMIA-supported restaurant job, a worker must:
- Have relevant work experience (usually 1+ years)
- Meet language requirements (basic English or French, depending on the job)
- Have educational qualifications (for higher-level jobs)
- Be able to provide proof of financial stability for the visa application
4. LMIA-Approved Restaurant Jobs in Canada
Many well-known restaurant chains and independent restaurants apply for LMIA to hire foreign workers. Some employers that often recruit under LMIA include:
- McDonald’s
- Tim Hortons
- KFC
- Subway
- Pizza Hut
- Boston Pizza
- Independent fine-dining restaurants
5. How to Find LMIA Restaurant Jobs in Canada
Here are some resources to find LMIA-approved restaurant jobs:
- Government Job Portals
- Recruitment Agencies
- Global Hire
- Canadian Staffing Consultants
- Company Websites
- Many restaurants post job openings directly on their career pages.
- Job Portals
- Indeed (Indeed Canada)
- Workopolis
6. Average Salaries for LMIA Restaurant Jobs
| Job Role | Average Salary (CAD/year) |
|---|---|
| Chef | $40,000 – $70,000 |
| Cook | $30,000 – $45,000 |
| Food Service Supervisor | $35,000 – $50,000 |
| Restaurant Manager | $45,000 – $80,000 |
(Salaries vary by location and experience.)
7. LMIA Processing Fees
- Employers must pay a $1,000 LMIA application fee per position.
- Workers must pay for their work permit application fees.
8. Alternative Immigration Pathways
If you don’t qualify for an LMIA job, consider:
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) (e.g., Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
- Express Entry (for skilled workers)
Conclusion
Canada’s restaurant industry offers many LMIA job opportunities for foreign workers. However, securing an LMIA job requires a willing employer, proper qualifications, and patience during the application process. Checking government job portals, company websites, and recruitment agencies can increase your chances of success.
