Are you looking for construction jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship? Then you have come to the right place where you will get detailed and first-hand information.
Canada’s booming construction industry offers lots of opportunities for skilled foreign workers. As the country continues to grow and urbanize, there has been a high demand for construction workers in recent years to help contribute to infrastructure, housing, and commercial development projects.
In this blog post, we will discuss different job opportunities available for foreigners in the Canadian construction industry, listing top companies offering visa sponsorship, entry-level positions, required certificates, and visa requirements. We will also provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to apply for these jobs online
Construction Companies In Canada With Jobs And Visa Sponsorhsip Opportunities
Here are some of the leading Canadian construction companies known for hiring foreign workers and providing visa sponsorship for foreign workers:
1. PCL Constructors Inc.
- Sectors: Residential, Commercial, Industrial
- Overview: PCL Constructors Inc. is one of Canada’s largest construction companies, known for handling large-scale projects in urban areas. They are known for hiring skilled immigrants and often sponsor work visas for qualified candidates.
- Opportunities: Various roles across project management, trades, and engineering.
2. EllisDon Corporation
- Sectors: Commercial, Institutional, Infrastructure
- Overview: EllisDon is a leading innovator in the Canadian construction industry, with a commitment to sustainability. They provide visa sponsorship for positions such as project managers, site supervisors, and skilled tradespeople.
- Notable Projects: EllisDon has delivered some of Canada’s most iconic buildings.
3. Aecon Group Inc.
- Sectors: Infrastructure (Transportation, Energy, Environmental)
- Overview: Aecon Group specializes in infrastructure projects and is known for supporting the professional development of its employees, including immigrants. They provide visa sponsorship for project management and skilled trades roles.
- Work Culture: Inclusive and immigrant-friendly.
4. Bird Construction
- Sectors: Industrial, Commercial, Institutional
- Overview: With over a century in the Canadian construction industry, Bird Construction is known for its focus on safety and quality. They frequently hire foreign workers for specialized roles and assist with visa processes.
- Key Focus: Commitment to employee safety and smooth onboarding for foreign workers.
5. Ledcor Group
- Sectors: Residential, Infrastructure, Engineering
- Overview: Operating across North America, Ledcor offers visa sponsorship for skilled immigrants in various roles, such as construction management, trades, and engineering.
- Diversity Focus: Ledcor is committed to maintaining a diverse workforce.
6. Graham Construction
- Sectors: Civil, Commercial, Industrial
- Overview: Graham Construction is known for its collaborative environment and focus on employee development. They offer visa sponsorship, particularly for civil engineers and project managers.
- Work Culture: Supportive and growth-oriented for foreign employees.
7. Kiewit Canada
- Sectors: Infrastructure (Highways, Bridges, Power Plants)
- Overview: As part of Kiewit Corporation, Kiewit Canada works on significant infrastructure projects in Canada. The company is known for rigorous safety standards and hires foreign workers, offering visa sponsorship for various roles.
- Notable Projects: Highways and power facilities.
8. Clark Builders
- Sectors: Commercial, Residential, Infrastructure
- Overview: Clark Builders is known for its work in northern Canada, where construction is challenging due to weather conditions. They offer visa sponsorship for skilled workers in roles such as construction management and engineering.
- Work Environment: Focus on delivering high-quality projects in tough conditions.
9. Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc.
- Sectors: Heavy Construction (Tunnels, Highways, Power Facilities)
- Overview: A division of Kiewit Corporation, Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc. specializes in heavy construction and is a major employer of foreign workers. They provide visa sponsorship for various technical and managerial roles.
- Safety Focus: Strong safety culture and employee well-being.
10. Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd.
- Sectors: Civil Infrastructure, Environmental
- Overview: Maple Reinders specializes in environmental construction, with projects like water and wastewater treatment facilities. They have a history of hiring foreign workers and sponsoring visas.
- Notable Projects: Water and environmental projects across Canada.
Entry-Level Construction Jobs In Canada With Visa Opportunities
Here are some common entry-level positions in Canadian construction companies and duties:
- Laborer: Laborers are the backbone of any construction project. Their duties include site preparation, material handling, and assisting skilled tradespeople. They also ensure the site is clean and safe, making this role crucial for the smooth operation of a construction project.
- Apprentice Carpenter: Apprentice carpenters work under the supervision of experienced carpenters to learn the trade. Their duties include measuring and cutting materials, assembling frameworks, and assisting in the installation of structures. This role is ideal for those looking to develop specialized skills in carpentry.
- Apprentice Electrician: Apprentice electricians assist licensed electricians in installing and maintaining electrical systems. Their duties include wiring buildings, troubleshooting electrical issues, and ensuring all installations meet safety standards. This position is a stepping stone to becoming a licensed electrician.
- Apprentice Plumber: Apprentice plumbers work alongside licensed plumbers to install and repair plumbing systems. Their duties include cutting and fitting pipes, installing fixtures, and diagnosing plumbing issues. This role provides hands-on experience in a trade that is always in demand.
- Site Assistant: Site assistants support site managers and supervisors in overseeing the day-to-day operations of a construction site. Their duties include coordinating with subcontractors, ensuring materials are delivered on time, and maintaining site records. This role offers valuable experience in construction management.
- Junior Project Coordinator: Junior project coordinators assist project managers in planning and executing construction projects. Their duties include scheduling, budgeting, and coordinating between different teams. This role is ideal for those interested in the administrative side of construction.
- Safety Officer Assistant: Safety officer assistants support safety officers in ensuring that all safety protocols are followed on the construction site. Their duties include conducting safety inspections, reporting hazards, and assisting in safety training. This role is crucial for maintaining a safe work environment.
- Construction Estimator Assistant: Construction estimator assistants help estimators in calculating the costs of materials, labor, and equipment for construction projects. Their duties include gathering data, analyzing costs, and preparing estimates. This role is essential for those interested in the financial aspects of construction.
- Surveyor Assistant: Surveyor assistants work with surveyors to measure and map out construction sites. Their duties include setting up equipment, recording measurements, and assisting in the creation of site plans. This role provides hands-on experience in site surveying.
- Equipment Operator Trainee: Equipment operator trainees learn to operate heavy machinery used in construction, such as bulldozers, excavators, and cranes. Their duties include performing routine maintenance on equipment, following safety protocols, and assisting in the operation of machinery. This role is perfect for those interested in operating construction equipment.
Certifications Needed For Construction Jobs In Canada With Visa Sponsorship Opportunities
Certifications are important to make sure workers meet safety, quality, and regulatory standards in the construction industry. Here are some of the most common certificates required or highly recommended for various construction jobs in Canada:
- WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) Certification
WHMIS certificate is required for all workers who may handle or be exposed to hazardous materials. This certificate certifies that employees understand how to safely work with and store hazardous substances. - Fall Protection Certification
Workers who are required to work at heights must have fall protection certification. This training covers how to properly use harnesses, guardrails, and other equipment to prevent falls and injuries. - First Aid and CPR Certification
Many employers require workers to have first aid and CPR certification. This certification prepares workers to respond to medical emergencies on site, which is important in a physically demanding field like construction. - Construction Safety Training System (CSTS) Certification
The CSTS certification is required by many construction companies. It covers essential safety protocols, procedures, and the basics of on-site safety management. - Red Seal Certification (Skilled Trades)
For skilled trades like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, Red Seal Certification is the national standard in Canada. It indicates that a tradesperson has met high levels of competence and can work across different provinces. - Forklift Operator Certification
Workers who operate forklifts or other material-handling machinery are required to have this certification, which ensures that they understand the safe operation of the equipment. - Heavy Equipment Operator Certification
This certification is necessary for workers who operate heavy machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, or cranes. It ensures that operators have the skills and knowledge to use these machines safely. - Confined Spaces Certification
Workers who are required to work in confined spaces must have this certification, which covers the risks associated with such environments and the necessary safety precautions. - Scaffolding Certification
For workers who build, maintain, or work on scaffolding, this certification ensures they understand the safety standards and procedures to prevent accidents and falls. - Construction Project Management Certification
While not always required, a certification in construction project management is valuable for workers in roles like junior project coordinators or site assistants. It provides a foundation in managing timelines, budgets, and teams in construction projects.
Required Visa For Construction Jobs In Canada
To work in Canada’s construction industry, foreign workers a required to get a valid work permit. Below are the main visa categories that apply to construction jobs:
1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
- Overview: The TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers to fill temporary labor shortages.
- Requirements: The employer must have a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), showing that no qualified Canadian workers are available for the job.
- Visa Duration: Typically tied to the job contract, often lasting up to two years, with the possibility of extension.
2. Express Entry Program
- Overview: Skilled construction workers are allowed to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
- Requirements: Applicants must meet the minimum criteria for skilled trades, including language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.
- Visa Duration: Permanent residency visa granted to successful applicants, leading to the ability to live and work in Canada indefinitely.
3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Overview: Many provinces have streams within their PNPs that focus on skilled trades, including construction. Provinces like Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario have high demand for construction workers.
- Requirements: Applicants must be nominated by a specific province based on their work experience and skills in the construction sector.
- Visa Duration: Leads to permanent residency once nominated and accepted by the federal government.
4. Intra-Company Transfer
- Overview: If you are employed by a multinational construction company with branches in Canada, you may be eligible to transfer to a Canadian office under the Intra-Company Transfer Program.
- Requirements: Must be employed at the company for at least one year in a skilled position and have a job offer from the Canadian branch.
- Visa Duration: Typically valid for one to three years, with the possibility of renewal.
5. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Overview: The AIP allows employers in Canada’s Atlantic provinces (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island) to hire foreign workers for jobs that cannot be filled locally, including construction jobs.
- Requirements: Applicants must have a valid job offer from an employer in one of the Atlantic provinces and meet other immigration criteria, such as language proficiency and work experience.
- Visa Duration: Leads to permanent residency.
6. Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP)
- Overview: International students who have completed a program of study at a Canadian designated learning institution (DLI) related to construction can apply for a PGWP.
- Requirements: Must have graduated from a Canadian DLI, and the permit is often valid for the same length as the study program.
- Visa Duration: Up to three years, offering valuable work experience that can lead to permanent residency.
7. Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
- Overview: This program allows smaller communities across Canada to attract foreign workers to address labor shortages in sectors like construction.
- Requirements: Applicants must secure a job offer from an employer in one of the participating communities and meet specific immigration criteria.
- Visa Duration: Leads to permanent residency.
Salary Scale for Immigrants At Entry-Level Positions In Each Company
Here is a table showing the salary scale for immigrants at entry-level positions in some of Canada’s top construction companies:
| Company | Entry-Level Position | Average Salary (CAD/year) | Visa Sponsorship |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCL Constructors Inc. | Laborer | $38,000 – $45,000 | Yes |
| Apprentice Carpenter | $42,000 – $50,000 | Yes | |
| Apprentice Electrician | $45,000 – $52,000 | Yes | |
| EllisDon Corporation | Laborer | $40,000 – $46,000 | Yes |
| Junior Project Coordinator | $48,000 – $55,000 | Yes | |
| Apprentice Plumber | $44,000 – $51,000 | Yes | |
| Aecon Group Inc. | Site Assistant | $43,000 – $50,000 | Yes |
| Apprentice Carpenter | $42,000 – $48,000 | Yes | |
| Apprentice Electrician | $45,000 – $53,000 | Yes | |
| Bird Construction | Laborer | $37,000 – $44,000 | Yes |
| Safety Officer Assistant | $48,000 – $52,000 | Yes | |
| Construction Estimator Asst. | $46,000 – $55,000 | Yes | |
| Ledcor Group | Equipment Operator Trainee | $40,000 – $48,000 | Yes |
| Apprentice Plumber | $43,000 – $50,000 | Yes | |
| Laborer | $36,000 – $44,000 | Yes | |
| Graham Construction | Junior Project Coordinator | $50,000 – $58,000 | Yes |
| Apprentice Carpenter | $41,000 – $48,000 | Yes | |
| Apprentice Electrician | $44,000 – $52,000 | Yes | |
| Kiewit Canada | Laborer | $39,000 – $46,000 | Yes |
| Site Assistant | $43,000 – $50,000 | Yes | |
| Apprentice Plumber | $42,000 – $50,000 | Yes | |
| Clark Builders | Safety Officer Assistant | $45,000 – $53,000 | Yes |
| Apprentice Electrician | $44,000 – $52,000 | Yes | |
| Laborer | $38,000 – $45,000 | Yes | |
| Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc. | Junior Project Coordinator | $48,000 – $55,000 | Yes |
| Laborer | $40,000 – $46,000 | Yes | |
| Apprentice Carpenter | $42,000 – $50,000 | Yes | |
| Maple Reinders | Site Assistant | $44,000 – $52,000 | Yes |
| Laborer | $38,000 – $45,000 | Yes | |
| Apprentice Electrician | $45,000 – $53,000 | Yes |
This table outlines the average salary range for various entry-level positions in top Canadian construction companies that offer visa sponsorship opportunities for foreign workers.
How To Apply Online For Construction Jobs In Canada With Visa Sponsorship Opportunities
1. Identify Suitable Job Openings
Start by visiting the career pages of the top Canadian construction companies. Here is a list of some of the companies.
- PCL Constructors Inc. Careers
- EllisDon Corporation Careers
- Aecon Group Inc. Careers
- Bird Construction Careers
- Ledcor Group Careers
- Graham Construction Careers
- Kiewit Canada Careers
- Clark Builders Careers
- Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc. Careers
- Maple Reinders Constructors Ltd. Careers
2. Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant construction experience, certifications, and how you can contribute to the company’s projects.
3. Submit Your Application
Apply through the online application portals found on the companies’ career pages. Make sure to provide all necessary documents such as:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Certifications or licenses
- Portfolio of completed projects (if applicable)
4. Follow Up
If you don’t get a response from the companies within a few weeks, follow up to express your continued interest.
5. Prepare for Interviews
If selected for an interview, research the company’s recent projects, and practice answering common interview questions related to construction and teamwork. Be prepared to explain how you can contribute to the company’s goals and projects.
6. Obtain a Job Offer
If the interview is successful, carefully review the job offer, including salary, benefits, and visa sponsorship details.
7. Apply for a Work Visa
Once you have the job offer, you can apply for a Canadian work visa under programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or the International Mobility Program (IMP).
8. Submit Your Visa Application
Complete the visa application by providing:
- A copy of the job offer
- Relevant personal documentation
- Biometrics and medical examination (if required)
9. Wait for Visa Approval
Visa processing times vary, but once approved, you can finalize your travel plans to Canada.
And that’s it, if you read the post carefully and follow the guidelines, it will help ensure a smooth process toward landing a construction job in Canada with visa sponsorship.