The big growth in Canada’s online shopping and logistics has made a lot of demand for warehouse helper jobs and general labour positions all over the country. If you are a foreign worker who wants a real way to get a work permit tied to one employer in 2025, the logistics and supply chain field has many steady chances.
These basic jobs are mostly under NOC TEER 5. They are a common way for newcomers to start working in Canada. This simple guide explains the main steps. It covers the visa steps, what pay you can expect, and where to find real employers who want foreign workers.
The Essential Permit: LMIA for Warehouse Workers
For most foreign workers who want warehouse helper jobs in Canada in 2025, you need a positive LMIA to get a work permit. This comes from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
What is the LMIA and the TFWP?
The LMIA is a paper from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). It shows that a Canadian employer really needs a foreign worker. This is because no Canadian citizen or permanent resident can do the job.
Warehouse worker and material handler jobs are usually under NOC 75101 (Material Handlers). These are often low-wage jobs, so the employer must follow the rules of the Low-Wage Stream in the TFWP.
Employer Obligations
To get a positive LMIA, the employer must do these things:
- Show they tried hard to find Canadian workers. This includes putting ads on Job Bank Canada for at least four weeks.
- Pay the normal median wage for that job in the area.
- Give cheap housing or a housing help payment. They also pay for the flight to Canada and back home.
Important update: Since late 2024, there is a new rule from ESDC. They will not process LMIA for low-wage jobs if the job is in a big city area (called Census Metropolitan Area or CMA) with unemployment of 6% or higher. So, it is better to look for jobs in smaller cities or rural places to get sponsorship.
The Role of NOC TEER Levels
The main code for general labourer jobs is NOC 75101. But if you have special skills, like a license to drive a forklift, you may fit under TEER 4.
- TEER 5: You need only short training or no school. This is for simple warehouse helper jobs.
- TEER 4: You need high school or some weeks of training. This is for roles like shipper or receiver.
If you can, go for TEER 4 jobs. They give a better chance to apply for permanent residence later through Express Entry.
Many foreign workers start with TEER 5 jobs because they are easy to get. No experience is needed sometimes. But you must be strong and healthy for lifting things. Employers like people who work hard and are reliable.
Wages and Benefits: Canada Warehouse Worker Salary 2025
The pay for warehouse workers in Canada is good, but it changes by province and the exact job. The employer must pay at least the normal wage in the area to get the LMIA approved.
2025 Average Hourly Wages
From current data in 2025, material handlers (NOC 75101) earn between about $16 to $30 per hour across Canada. The middle pay is around $20 to $25 per hour. Top workers can make more.
Here are some examples by province:
| Province | Estimated Average Hourly Rate (CAD) | Why It Is Good for Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $18.00 – $25.00 | Many big warehouses and distribution centers. |
| British Columbia (BC) | $20.00 – $28.00 | High need near ports like Vancouver. |
| Alberta | $20.00 – $24.00 | Good in central areas for logistics. |
Tip: Do not look only at the hourly pay. Employers must give the same benefits to foreign workers as to Canadians. This includes safety insurance at work, paid holidays, and sometimes bonuses for good work.
Many jobs also have overtime pay. Full-time work is usually 40 hours a week. You can earn extra if you work more. Benefits help make the total pay better.
Where to Find LMIA-Approved Jobs
To get a good chance at sponsorship for warehouse jobs, look at employers and areas that use the TFWP a lot.
Targeting High-Growth Provinces and Programs
- Ontario and BC have many jobs. Big areas like Toronto and Vancouver have lots of positions. But because of high unemployment in some big cities, look at smaller places like Hamilton, Kitchener-Waterloo in Ontario, or Abbotsford in BC.
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): In the east provinces like Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, this program helps essential workers. It does not always need a full LMIA. It can lead fast to permanent residence.
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP): For small towns like Sudbury in Ontario or Brandon in Manitoba, this program likes warehouse jobs. It gives direct way to permanent residence with help from the community.
Many people ask about warehouse helper jobs with no experience and sponsorship. Yes, you may not need past work experience. But you must show you are fit, have a good attitude, and no criminal record. Employers spend money on LMIA, so they want reliable workers.
Look at big companies like Amazon, Walmart, or logistics firms. They sometimes sponsor in areas with labour shortages.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Warehouse Helper Job with LMIA
The process is led by the employer. Here are the main steps:
- Find an employer who will sponsor. Search on job sites with words like “warehouse jobs visa sponsorship Canada” or “NOC 75101 LMIA”. Check big companies in good areas.
- The employer applies for LMIA. They pay $1,000 fee for each job.
- If LMIA is positive, the employer sends you the letter and job offer.
- You apply for the work permit. Use the LMIA and offer to apply to Immigration Canada (IRCC). This is an employer-specific permit.
- When approved, you can come to Canada and start work for that employer only.
Be patient. The process can take months. Make sure your documents are ready, like passport and police check.
Your Next Move in Canadian Logistics
The logistics jobs in Canada with sponsorship are growing steady. There are many chances for foreign warehouse helpers in 2025. Focus on the right areas and understand the LMIA rules. Then, you can make your dream of working in Canada come true.
Ready to start? Go to the Job Bank Canada site. Look for jobs that say LMIA or TFWP. Start applying now!
Disclaimer:
This information is for learning only. Rules for LMIA and work permits under TFWP can change. This includes wages, fees, and rules about high unemployment areas. Salaries are estimates and change by place. Always check the official government sites for the latest rules before you apply.