Chef Jobs In Canada $40k-$70k + With Visa Sponsorship

I know why you clicked this ad. You’re tired of working 12-hour shifts in a hot kitchen for barely enough money to support your family. You’ve got skills—real skills, but you’re stuck in a country where chefs are underpaid and undervalued.

You’ve heard the rumors: Canada needs chefs. They pay well. They offer permanent residence. But here’s the question that keeps you up at night: “Will they actually sponsor someone like me?”

Let me answer that right now: Yes. Absolutely yes.

Canada has a massive shortage of chefs. Restaurants, hotels, resorts, and catering companies are desperate for skilled cooks. And unlike other countries, Canada’s immigration system is designed to bring in workers like you.

I’m not talking about temporary work that leaves you stranded after two years. I’m talking about jobs that lead to permanent residence. Jobs where you can bring your family. Jobs that pay $40,000 to $70,000+ per year—sometimes more if you’re experienced.

In this guide, I’m going to show you:

• Which chef positions actually get visa sponsorship
• The exact salary ranges you can expect
• Step-by-step process to land a sponsored job
• Real companies and provinces hiring right now
• How to avoid the scams that target desperate chefs

This isn’t theory. I’ve helped chefs from the Philippines, India, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Sri Lanka make this move. Some are now Canadian citizens earning double what they made back home.

Your new life starts here. Let’s cook.

The Reality: Chef Salaries in Canada (What You’ll Actually Earn)

Let’s talk money first. Because that’s what matters, right?

Here’s what different chef positions actually pay in Canada:

Important note: These are BASE salaries. Most chefs work overtime, which means you’ll earn more. In busy restaurants or hotels, your actual take-home can be 20-30% higher.

Which Cities Pay Chefs the Most?

1. Toronto, Ontario – $38k to $65k average, high cost of living but tons of jobs

2. Vancouver, British Columbia – $36k to $62k average, expensive city but beautiful

3. Calgary, Alberta – $35k to $60k average, lower cost of living, oil worker clientele

4. Montreal, Quebec – $32k to $55k average, French required for many positions

5. Ottawa, Ontario – $34k to $58k average, government workers, stable demand

Understanding Your Visa Options (Made Simple)

Here’s where most chefs get confused. Let me break it down in plain English.

1. LMIA Work Permit (Employer Sponsorship)

This is the main route for chefs. Here’s how it works:

What is LMIA? Labour Market Impact Assessment. It’s a document your employer gets that proves they need to hire a foreign worker because no Canadian can do the job.

How long does it take? 2-6 months typically.

What happens? You get a closed work permit (tied to that specific employer). You can work immediately and apply for permanent residence while working.

The catch? The employer has to prove they advertised the job and couldn’t find locals. But here’s the good news: the chef shortage is SO bad that this is usually not a problem.

2. Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker)

This is the permanent residence route. You can apply with or without a job offer.

How it works:

• You create a profile and get scored on points
• Age, education, work experience, and English skills all matter
• If your score is high enough, you get invited to apply for PR

Typical score needed: 450-480 points

Why chefs qualify: If you have 3+ years of cooking experience, a high school diploma, and decent English, you can get a competitive score.

Timeline: 6-12 months for processing

3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each province has its own immigration stream. Some specifically target food service workers.

Best PNPs for chefs:

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

• Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, PEI
• Faster processing (6-8 months)
• Lower requirements than Express Entry
• Many restaurants participate

British Columbia PNP

• Has streams for food service workers
• Requires job offer from BC employer

Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot

• Small towns desperate for chefs
• Easier requirements
• Faster PR pathway

4. International Experience Canada (IEC)

If you’re under 35 and from an eligible country, you can get a 1-2 year open work permit.

Eligible countries: UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, France, and about 30 others.

Why it matters: You can come to Canada, work for any employer, prove yourself, then get sponsored for permanent residence.

Step-by-Step: How to Land a Chef Job With Sponsorship

Let me walk you through the exact process.

Step 1: Assess Your Qualifications

Before applying, make sure you have:

✓ Work experience: At least 2 years of professional cooking experience (restaurants, hotels, catering)

✓ Education: High school diploma minimum. Culinary school certificate helps but isn’t required.

✓ English skills: Basic to intermediate English. Take IELTS (aim for 5.0-6.0 overall).

✓ References: Letters from previous employers proving your experience.

Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready

1. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

If you went to culinary school, get your credentials evaluated by WES (World Education Services). Cost: $200-300. Takes 4-6 weeks.

2. English Test

Take IELTS General Training. You don’t need perfect scores. A 5.5-6.0 is usually enough for chef positions.

3. Resume (Canadian Format)

• No photo
• List your specialties (Italian cuisine, pastry, Asian fusion, etc.)
• Include specific dishes you’ve mastered
• Mention any food safety certifications
• Keep it to 1-2 pages

4. Reference Letters

Get letters from previous employers that include:

• Your job title
• Dates of employment
• Your duties and responsibilities
• Company letterhead and signature

Step 3: Find Employers Who Sponsor

Not every restaurant sponsors foreign chefs. Focus on these types:

Hotel Chains (Best Option for Sponsorship):

• Marriott
• Hilton
• Fairmont (Canadian company, sponsors regularly)
• Four Seasons
• Hyatt

Restaurant Groups:

• Oliver & Bonacini (Toronto)
• Glowbal Group (Vancouver)
• Charcut Restaurant Group (Calgary)

Resorts & Lodges:

• Ski resorts in Whistler, Banff, Jasper
• Summer resorts in Muskoka, Okanagan
• Northern lodges in Yukon, NWT

Cruise Ships Based in Canada:

• Many cruise lines hire chefs and provide LMIA sponsorship

Where to Search:

Job Boards:

• Indeed Canada (search “chef LMIA” or “chef visa sponsorship”)
• Job Bank Canada (government site)
• Workopolis
• Hcareers (hospitality specific)

Recruitment Agencies Specializing in Chefs:

• Maple Recruit
• Hospitality Recruitment
• Chef Staffing Solutions

Facebook Groups:

• “Chefs Moving to Canada”
• “Filipino Chefs in Canada”
• “Indian Chefs Canada Jobs”

Step 4: Apply Strategically

Here’s the hard truth: You’ll need to apply to 50-100+ positions. Most won’t respond. That’s normal.

Make your applications count:

1. Customize everything. Don’t send the same resume to Italian restaurants and sushi bars. Highlight relevant experience.

2. Show, don’t just tell. Include links to photos of your dishes (Instagram, portfolio website). Chefs are visual. Show them what you can do.

3. Apply to smaller cities. Everyone wants Toronto or Vancouver. But cities like Winnipeg, Regina, Halifax, and Thunder Bay are desperate for chefs and more likely to sponsor.

4. Be honest about sponsorship. In your cover letter, say: “I’m currently in [country] and require LMIA sponsorship. I have 5 years of experience in [cuisine type] and I’m ready to relocate immediately once the work permit is approved.”

Step 5: Ace the Interview

Most chef interviews include:

1. Video call: They want to see if you can communicate in English.

2. Cooking test: Some employers ask you to cook a dish on video or, if you’re already in Canada on a visitor visa, they’ll invite you for an in-person cooking test.

3. Questions about:

• Your cooking style and specialties
• How you handle pressure and busy service
• Your availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays
• Your long-term career goals

Pro tip: Show enthusiasm for Canadian cuisine and culture. Mention specific Canadian ingredients or dishes you’re excited to learn about.

Step 6: The Sponsorship Process

Once you get a job offer, here’s what happens:

Stage	Duration	What Happens
Job Offer Signed	N/A	You accept the offer in writing
LMIA Application	2-6 months	Employer applies to hire you
LMIA Approval	N/A	You receive a copy of the approved LMIA
Work Permit Application	4-12 weeks	You apply online with your LMIA
Biometrics & Medical	1-2 weeks	You visit visa center for fingerprints and exam
Work Permit Approval	N/A	You receive your permit
Travel to Canada	N/A	You fly and start working

Total time: 4-10 months typically

Who pays for what?

• Employer pays: LMIA fees ($1,000 CAD), legal fees
• You pay: Work permit fee ($155 CAD), biometrics ($85 CAD), medical exam ($150-300), flight ticket

Warning: Avoid These Chef Job Scams

Let me warn you about the scams targeting chefs.

Red Flags to Watch For

1. Upfront fees for job offers

No real employer asks for $2,000-5,000 before hiring you. If someone asks for “processing fees” or “guarantee deposits,” it’s a scam.

2. Agencies that guarantee jobs

Nobody can guarantee you a Canadian job. Anyone promising “100% placement” is lying.

3. Poor communication

Real Canadian employers have professional emails, clear job descriptions, and working phone numbers.

4.  Pressure tactics

“Pay now or lose this opportunity!” Real hiring processes take weeks or months. Nobody rushes you to pay immediately.

How to Verify a Job Offer Is Real

Do these checks:

• Google the restaurant/hotel name
• Check if they have a website and active social media
• Look them up on Google Maps
• Search “[company name] reviews”
• Ask to speak with the head chef or hiring manager by video call
• Request company registration documents

Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.

Your Action Plan: Start This Week

You’ve read this far. That means you’re serious. Here’s what to do in the next 7 days:

Days 1-2:

• Calculate your Express Entry score (use CRS calculator online)
• Research which provinces need chefs in your specialty
• Check current LMIA processing times

Days 3-4:

• Register for IELTS exam
• Order your Educational Credential Assessment if you have culinary training
• Update your resume in Canadian format
• Take professional photos of your best dishes

Days 5-6:

• Make a list of 40-50 target employers
• Join Facebook groups for chefs in Canada
• Connect with 5 chefs who already made the move from your country

Day 7:

• Apply to your first 10 jobs
• Set up job alerts on Indeed and Job Bank
• Start building your cooking portfolio (Instagram or simple website)

Conclusion: Your Canadian Kitchen Awaits

Here’s the bottom line: Canada needs you.

They need your skills, your work ethic, and your culinary expertise. The chef shortage isn’t going away. If anything, it’s getting worse as more restaurants open and baby boomer chefs retire.

You now know which visa programs work. You know what salaries to expect. You know how to find real employers and avoid scams. You have the exact step-by-step process.

But information without action is just entertainment.

Hundreds of chefs will read this post. Maybe 30 will actually calculate their Express Entry score. Maybe 15 will apply to jobs. And maybe 3-5 will actually land in Canada within 12 months.

Which group will you be in?

The chefs I’ve seen succeed all did one thing: they started. They didn’t wait for perfect English. They didn’t wait until they had more money saved. They just began.

So here’s my challenge: Do ONE thing today.

Register for IELTS. Update your resume. Apply to one job. Connect with one chef already in Canada. Just one action.

Because that Canadian kitchen, that better salary, that opportunity to give your family a new life—it’s waiting for someone. Why not you?

Your chef whites are ready. Your station is prepped. Now get to Canada and cook.

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Questions? Drop them in the comments. I respond to everyone. And if this guide helped you, share it with another chef dreaming of Canada. They’ll thank you later. 🇨🇦👨‍🍳