Canada’s hospitality and food service industry continues to expand in 2026, creating steady demand for restaurant staff across major cities and smaller communities. From fine-dining restaurants in Toronto and Vancouver to fast-growing cafés and hotels in Alberta and Atlantic Canada, employers are actively hiring workers to fill labor shortages.
For international applicants, restaurant jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship may offer a pathway to legal employment — particularly in regions facing workforce gaps. This guide explains available job roles, updated salary expectations, visa requirements, eligibility criteria, and how to apply.
Why Restaurant Jobs Are in Demand in Canada (2026)
Several factors contribute to ongoing labor demand:
- Growth in tourism and food culture
- Staff shortages in hospitality
- Expanding urban populations
- High turnover in entry-level roles
Certain provinces and rural communities may be more open to sponsoring foreign workers when local hiring efforts are unsuccessful.
Job Overview – Restaurant Jobs in Canada (2026)
- Country: Canada
- Industry: Hospitality / Food Service
- Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
- Visa Sponsorship: Possible through LMIA-approved employers
- Experience Required: Entry-level to 2+ years depending on role
- Education Required: High school (entry-level) / Culinary diploma (skilled roles)
- Average Monthly Salary: CAD 2,600 – 5,500
- Hourly Wage: CAD 16 – 25
Wages vary based on province, position, and experience.
Available Restaurant Job Roles in 2026
Restaurants in Canada may hire for the following roles:
Entry-Level Positions
- Waiter / Waitress
- Food and Beverage Server
- Dishwasher
- Kitchen Helper
- Busser
- Food Runner
- Restaurant Cashier
Skilled & Supervisory Roles
- Line Cook
- Sous Chef
- Pastry Chef
- Bakery Chef
- Kitchen Manager
- Catering Coordinator
- Hospitality Manager
Skilled roles are more likely to qualify for visa sponsorship due to higher wage levels and skill requirements.
Salary Expectations in 2026
Average annual salaries:
- Entry-level positions: CAD 33,000 – 42,000 per year
- Skilled cooks and chefs: CAD 45,000 – 65,000 per year
- Management roles: CAD 60,000 – 80,000 per year
Tips may increase income for servers and bartenders.
Some employers also provide:
- Staff meals
- Uniforms
- Health benefits (full-time roles)
- Paid vacation
- Overtime pay
Visa Options for Restaurant Jobs
International applicants typically require a work permit.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Used for both high-wage and low-wage positions
- Work permit tied to specific employer
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
- Some provinces nominate hospitality workers in high-demand occupations
Atlantic Immigration Program
- Available for employers in Atlantic Canada
Employer sponsorship is required before applying for a work permit.
General Requirements for Restaurant Jobs (2026)
Education
- High school diploma for entry-level roles
- Culinary diploma or certificate for chef positions
Experience
- No experience required for entry-level roles
- 1–3 years required for skilled kitchen positions
Language Skills
- Basic English proficiency
- IELTS may be required for immigration pathways
Physical Ability
- Ability to stand for long hours
- Ability to lift 10–15 kg
Technical Skills
- POS system knowledge
- Electronic billing systems familiarity
- Food safety certification (preferred)
Who Can Apply?
Restaurant jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship may be open to applicants from:
- Pakistan
- India
- Bangladesh
- Philippines
- Sri Lanka
- African countries
- Latin American countries
- Other eligible nations
Eligibility depends on securing a valid job offer and meeting immigration requirements.
Benefits of Restaurant Jobs in Canada
- Stable employment opportunities
- Competitive wages compared to many countries
- Opportunity to gain Canadian work experience
- Potential pathway to permanent residency
- Multicultural work environment
Skilled restaurant roles may increase chances of long-term immigration options.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare a Canadian-Style Resume
Highlight:
- Hospitality experience
- Food safety certifications
- Language skills
- Customer service experience
Step 2: Search for LMIA-Approved Employers
Focus on:
- Restaurants in smaller communities
- Employers advertising “visa sponsorship”
- Licensed recruitment agencies
Step 3: Apply Online
Submit applications directly through official company websites.
Step 4: Interview Process
Interviews are often conducted online for overseas candidates.
Step 5: LMIA & Work Permit
If selected:
- Employer applies for LMIA
- You apply for a Canadian work permit
Important Advice for Applicants
- Visa sponsorship is not guaranteed for all restaurant roles.
- Skilled kitchen roles have higher sponsorship chances than entry-level serving jobs.
- Avoid recruiters demanding large upfront fees.
- Carefully review job contracts before signing.
Final Thoughts
Restaurant jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship in 2026 remain an accessible opportunity for hospitality professionals, especially skilled cooks and experienced kitchen staff. While entry-level roles may be more competitive for sponsorship, labor shortages in certain provinces continue to create openings for qualified foreign workers.
If you are passionate about food service and ready to work in a multicultural environment, start by targeting verified employers and preparing a strong application. Your opportunity to build a career in Canada’s hospitality industry could begin today.