Canada’s booming construction sector is one of the country’s largest employers, with projects ranging from skyscrapers in Toronto, housing developments in Vancouver, oil and gas infrastructure in Alberta, to public works in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Due to a shortage of workers, Canadian employers are increasingly hiring foreign workers for construction jobs with sponsorship under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and other immigration pathways.
This guide provides everything you need to know about construction jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship in 2025, covering both skilled and unskilled positions, salaries, requirements, and visa application processes.
Why Choose Canada for Construction Jobs?
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High Demand: Thousands of vacancies every year for both skilled and general labor workers.
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Sponsorship Available: Employers provide LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) to hire foreign talent.
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Competitive Salaries: Hourly wages are among the highest globally.
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Path to PR (Permanent Residency): Many sponsorship programs lead to permanent settlement.
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Variety of Roles: Opportunities for unskilled laborers as well as skilled trades like electricians, welders, and carpenters.
Types of Construction Jobs in Canada with Sponsorship
🔹 Skilled Construction Jobs
These roles usually require certification, training, or prior experience.
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Carpenters & Woodworkers – Build housing structures and frameworks.
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Electricians & Plumbers – Install and maintain building systems.
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Welders & Steel Fixers – Work with metal fabrication.
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Heavy Equipment Operators – Operate excavators, bulldozers, and cranes.
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Project Managers & Engineers – Oversee construction sites and budgets.
🔹 Unskilled Construction Jobs
Unskilled or entry-level roles are ideal for foreigners with little experience but willingness to work.
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General Laborers – Assist with moving materials, cleaning sites, and basic tasks.
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Helper Positions – Work alongside carpenters, welders, or electricians.
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Construction Site Cleaners – Maintain safety and cleanliness of work sites.
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Material Handlers – Load and unload construction supplies.
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Road Construction Workers – Help with road paving and maintenance projects.
Salary Expectations for Construction Workers in Canada
| Role | Average Hourly Wage (CAD) | Annual Salary (CAD) | Sponsorship Likelihood |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Laborers (Unskilled) | 16 – 22 | 35,000 – 45,000 | Very High |
| Carpenters | 25 – 35 | 50,000 – 65,000 | High |
| Electricians & Plumbers | 30 – 40 | 55,000 – 75,000 | High |
| Heavy Equipment Operators | 25 – 38 | 50,000 – 70,000 | Medium-High |
| Welders & Steel Fixers | 24 – 36 | 45,000 – 65,000 | High |
| Project Managers/Engineers | — | 70,000 – 120,000 | Medium |
Visa & Sponsorship Pathways
1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
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Employers hire foreigners with an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
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Common for general labor, welders, and carpenters.
2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
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Provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia nominate workers.
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Includes both skilled trades and some unskilled construction jobs.
3. Express Entry (Federal Skilled Trades Program – FSTP)
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Points-based system for skilled trades.
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Works best for electricians, welders, carpenters.
4. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
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Covers Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, and Newfoundland.
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Includes certain construction and labor roles.
Requirements for Construction Jobs with Sponsorship
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Unskilled Jobs:
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No formal education needed.
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Basic English/French skills.
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Physically fit and willing to work outdoors.
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Skilled Jobs:
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Trade certifications or diploma.
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Prior work experience (2+ years preferred).
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IELTS test for immigration programs.
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General Requirements:
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Valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
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LMIA approval for sponsorship.
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Clean background check and medical exam.
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Provinces with High Demand for Construction Workers
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Ontario – Housing and commercial development.
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Alberta – Oil, gas, and energy-related infrastructure.
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British Columbia – Real estate boom in Vancouver.
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Saskatchewan & Manitoba – Agricultural and industrial projects.
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Quebec – Public infrastructure and housing.
Top Employers Hiring Foreign Construction Workers
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PCL Construction
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EllisDon Corporation
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Aecon Group Inc.
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Ledcor Construction
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Graham Construction
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Recruitment Agencies – Global Hire, WorkVantage, Hays Canada.
Where to Apply for Construction Jobs in Canada
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Job Bank Canada (jobbank.gc.ca) – Official government listings.
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Indeed Canada (indeed.ca) – Thousands of construction vacancies.
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WorkBC – British Columbia’s job portal.
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SaskJobs – Saskatchewan construction vacancies.
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Agencies: Global Hire, Canada Connect, Hays Construction.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply
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Search job openings via Job Bank or agencies.
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Prepare a Canadian-style resume highlighting construction skills.
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Secure a job offer and LMIA sponsorship from employer.
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Apply for Work Permit (TFWP) or PR (PNP/Express Entry).
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Relocate to Canada and start work.
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Apply for Permanent Residency after gaining work experience.
Challenges for Foreign Construction Workers
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Harsh winter conditions in some provinces.
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Physically demanding roles.
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Certification process for skilled trades.
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Adapting to Canadian safety regulations.
Benefits of Working in Canada’s Construction Sector
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Strong job security due to labor shortages.
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Good salaries with overtime and union protections.
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Sponsorship leads to permanent residency.
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Opportunities to upgrade from unskilled to skilled positions.
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Pathway to citizenship for long-term workers.
Conclusion
Construction jobs in Canada with sponsorship provide one of the best opportunities for foreign workers in 2025. Whether you are an experienced tradesperson or an entry-level worker, Canada offers thousands of vacancies across provinces with the potential for visa sponsorship and permanent residency.
For those seeking unskilled construction jobs, Canada is especially welcoming, with many employers hiring general laborers and helpers under the TFWP and PNP programs. Skilled workers, meanwhile, benefit from higher salaries and long-term career growth opportunities.
If you want to start a stable career abroad, Canada’s construction industry is the perfect gateway to both employment and permanent residency.
