Canada’s skilled trades sector is experiencing a major labor shortage, and many employers are now actively hiring foreign workers with visa sponsorship. This is especially true in industries like construction, transportation, food processing, and manufacturing. For international job seekers, this is an excellent opportunity to secure stable employment and even transition to Permanent Residency (PR) through government programs.
Why Skilled Trades Employers in Canada Hire Foreign Workers?
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Severe Labor Shortages – Many provinces face a shortage of tradespeople, especially in construction and trucking.
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Aging Workforce – Older Canadian workers are retiring, creating demand for younger skilled labor.
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Employer Sponsorship Programs – Employers can use the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to sponsor foreign workers.
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Pathway to PR – Many sponsored workers are later nominated under Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Top Canadian Employers Hiring Skilled Trades Workers with Sponsorship (2025)
Here are some examples of companies and industries that regularly hire international workers in Canada’s trades sector:
1. Transportation & Trucking Companies
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Bison Transport – One of Canada’s largest trucking firms, often sponsoring long-haul drivers.
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Challenger Motor Freight – Known for hiring international drivers under LMIA.
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Arnold Bros Transport – Actively recruits truck drivers from overseas.
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TransX Group of Companies – Provides work permits and sponsorship for truckers.
2. Construction & Infrastructure Companies
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PCL Constructors Canada Inc. – A leading construction company hiring carpenters, electricians, welders, and operators.
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EllisDon Corporation – Works on major infrastructure projects and recruits skilled trades workers.
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Aecon Group Inc. – Hires foreign tradespeople in civil, electrical, and mechanical fields.
3. Manufacturing & Industrial Firms
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Maple Leaf Foods – Regularly sponsors butchers and meat cutters under LMIA.
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Cargill Ltd. – One of Canada’s largest food processors, hiring international workers in meat processing.
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Magna International – A leading auto parts manufacturer employing machinists, welders, and technicians.
4. Energy & Natural Resources Companies
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Suncor Energy – Hires tradespeople in the oil & gas sector.
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Teck Resources Limited – Mining company employing heavy equipment operators and mechanics.
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Hydro One – Sponsors electricians and powerline technicians for utility projects.
Salary Range for Sponsored Trades Jobs in Canada
| Job Role | Average Salary (CAD/year) |
|---|---|
| Truck Driver | $50,000 – $85,000 |
| Welder | $45,000 – $70,000 |
| Electrician | $55,000 – $80,000 |
| Carpenter | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $55,000 – $85,000 |
| Meat Cutter/Butcher | $35,000 – $55,000 |
How to Apply for Sponsorship Jobs in Skilled Trades
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Visit official job portals like Job Bank Canada, Indeed, and LinkedIn.
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Search with keywords: “LMIA sponsorship trades” or “visa sponsorship skilled trades Canada”.
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Apply directly on company websites listed above.
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Prepare a Canadian-format resume and highlight your trade certifications.
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Once selected, your employer will apply for LMIA and support your work permit application.
Conclusion
In 2025, Canadian employers are actively hiring foreign workers in skilled trades with visa sponsorship. Whether you’re a truck driver, welder, carpenter, electrician, or butcher, opportunities are abundant across Canada’s provinces.
With LMIA-backed sponsorship and pathways to Permanent Residency, working in Canada’s skilled trades sector is not just a job—it’s a chance for a secure future.