Do You Want to Work as a Cook in Canada? Here’s How to Get a Visa-Sponsored Job
Are you a cook who dreams of working in a new country? Do you want to work in Canada’s restaurants, cafes, or kitchens? The best news is – Canada needs more skilled cooks, and some duties offer visa sponsorship.
This points guide will help you understand how to apply for a cook job in other countries. We’ll explain what documents you required, how to search a job, and how the visa process works.
Why Canada Needs Cooks Like You
Canada’s food industry is growing very fast. Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and provinces like Alberta need more cooks and chefs.
As of July 2025, there are over 4,000 cook duties in Canada (NOC code 63200). Experts say this number will grow to over 50,000 duties in the next few years.
Canada has many restaurants that serve different types of food – Indian, Asian, Italian, Mexican, and more. That means cooks from different countries are welcome.
What is Visa Sponsorship and LMIA?
To duty in Canada as a foreign cook or cook helper, you usually need a work permit. Most duties need something called LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment).
What is LMIA?
An LMIA is a paper that a Canadian employer needs before offering a worker from out of country. It proves no Canadian can do the duty.
Steps:
- The employer applies for an LMIA.
- The duty must be posted online for 4 weeks top.
- If approved, the employer can give you a duty offer.
- With the LMIA and duty offer, you apply for a work permit.
Be careful of fake duties that promise visa sponsorship but don’t mention LMIA. Real duties usually need LMIA.
Who Can Apply? Basic Requirements for Cooks in Canada
Work Experience:
- You should have 1 to 3 years of cooking work experience.
- You must know how to make full meals, not just quickly food.
Language Skills:
- You must speak basic basic English language.
- Take a interview like IELTS or TEF.
- You need a score of at least CLB 4 or 5.
Education:
- You should have finished Matric Class.
- A culinary diploma or training is helpful but not always needed.
- A Red Seal certificate is a plus (not required but very useful).
Job Offer:
- You must have a full-time, non-seasonal duty offer with a positive LMIA.
Other Documents:
- A good resume/CV
- Proof of funds (to support yourself)
- Police certificate
- Medical exam
How to Apply for Cook Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Prepare Your Documents
- Update your CV/resume (follow Canadian style)
- Get experience letters from past jobs
- Take your language test (IELTS/TEF)
- Get Food Safety Certification if possible
- Prepare your Red Seal certificate if you have it
Find a Job Online
Look for jobs that say “visa sponsorship” or “LMIA available.” Use these websites:
- Job Bank Canada
- Indeed Canada
- ZipRecruiter
- Jooble
- Workopolis
You can also contact restaurants and hotels directly or use trusted recruitment agencies (like AMK Global).
Send Your Application
- Customize your resume for each job
- Write a short cover letter
- Say you need visa sponsorship
- Highlight your cooking skills (menu planning, cooking full meals, managing inventory, etc.)
Interview
The employer may interview you on a video call
Be ready to speak in English or French
Talk clearly about your past cooking jobs
Ask good questions about the job and the team
Apply for Your Work Permit
After you get the job and LMIA, apply for your work permit. You need:
- Work permit form
- Job offer + LMIA
- Passport photos
- Payment receipt
- School and language certificates
- Police and medical certificates
Processing time is usually 1–2 months.
Cook Salary in Canada
Your pay depends on where you work and your experience. On average, cooks in Canada earn around $17/hour. Here are examples by province:
| Province | Median Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| Alberta | $17.00 |
| British Columbia | $19.00 |
| Ontario | $17.20 |
| Quebec | $18.00 |
| Yukon Territory | $25.75 |
Entry-level cooks make $30,000–$40,000/year. Experienced cooks and chefs can make up to $100,000/year.
Career Growth and PR Options
After working in Canada, you can move up to Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Executive Chef.
You may also apply for Permanent Residency (PR) through:
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
FAQs
-
Do I need a Red Seal certificate?
No, but it helps a lot.
-
Can I apply if I worked only in fast food?
Only if you made full meals. Fast food may count under a different job code.
-
How long does a work permit take?
1–2 months usually.
-
Can my family come with me?
Yes. Your partner can work, and your kids can go to school.
-
What types of cooking are in demand?
Indian, Asian, Italian, Mexican, vegetarian, healthy food, and diet-based meals.
Ready to Start Your Canadian Cooking Journey?
Canada has many chances for talented cooks. If you have experience and want to grow your career, start applying now!
Go to Job Bank Canada or other trusted websites. Look for visa-sponsored cook jobs and begin your application. Your dream life in Canada is just a few steps away!
