Chef Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship (2026 Guide)
Canada’s hospitality and culinary industry continues to grow rapidly, leading to high demand for professional chefs across restaurants, hotels, catering companies, and resorts. Many employers are now recruiting foreign chefs and offering visa sponsorship to fill labor shortages nationwide.
This guide covers job duties, salary, requirements, top hiring companies, and how to apply for chef jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship.
Overview of Chef Jobs in Canada
Chefs play a vital role in preparing meals, designing menus, managing kitchen staff, and ensuring high-quality culinary services. Due to a shortage of qualified chefs, Canadian employers frequently use the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and LMIA to sponsor international applicants.
Chef roles available include:
- Head Chef
- Sous Chef
- Line Cook
- Pastry Chef
- Prep Cook
- Restaurant Cook
- Institutional Cook (hotels, hospitals, schools)
Key Responsibilities
Common duties include:
- Preparing and cooking meals according to recipes and standards
- Supervising and training kitchen staff
- Designing and developing new menus
- Ensuring food safety and cleanliness
- Managing food inventory and supplies
- Monitoring kitchen operations
- Handling special dietary requests
- Ensuring quality presentation of meals
Salary Expectations
Chef salaries in Canada vary based on experience, location, and employer.
Average Salary Range
- Line Cook: CAD $16 – $22 per hour
- Sous Chef: CAD $22 – $30 per hour
- Head Chef: CAD $50,000 – $85,000 per year
- Overtime pay may apply depending on employer
Provinces like British Columbia, Ontario, and Alberta offer the highest salaries for chefs.
Benefits Offered by Employers
Many employers offering visa sponsorship also provide additional benefits such as:
- LMIA and work permit support
- Paid accommodation or housing assistance
- Free meals during shifts
- Health and dental insurance
- Relocation support
- Paid vacations
- Uniforms and safety gear
- Opportunities for permanent residency pathways
Eligibility Requirements
Although requirements vary by employer, most Chef positions require:
- Experience in a commercial kitchen (1–3 years minimum)
- Knowledge of international cuisines
- Ability to work under pressure
- Strong cooking, plating, and food presentation skills
- Understanding of food safety regulations
- High school education or culinary training
- Basic English communication
- Ability to stand for long hours
Some skilled roles (e.g., Head Chef) may require formal culinary certificates.
Types of Chef Jobs in Demand
- Restaurant Chef
- Hotel Chef
- Catering Chef
- Bakery & Pastry Chef
- Fast Food Cook
- Ethnic Cuisine Chef (African, Asian, Indian, Chinese, Italian, etc.)
- Banquet Chef
Ethnic cuisine chefs are especially in high demand due to Canada’s multicultural population.
Top Companies Hiring Chefs in Canada (with Sponsorship Potential)
Many reputable organizations regularly hire foreign chefs:
- Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
- Marriott Hotels
- Four Seasons Hotels
- Hilton Hotels
- Tim Hortons (for cooks/bakers)
- Earl’s Restaurants
- Cactus Club Café
- Compass Group Canada
- Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality
- Local restaurants needing ethnic cuisine chefs
How to Apply for Chef Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
1. Prepare Your Professional CV
Include:
- Culinary skills
- Certifications
- Experience with different cuisines
- Kitchen management experience
- Food safety knowledge
2. Search for LMIA-Approved Chef Jobs
Use trusted Canadian job websites:
- JobBank Canada
- Indeed Canada
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Glassdoor
- Workopolis
- HospitalityJobs.ca
- Employer websites (Fairmont, Marriott, etc.)
Search keywords like:
- “Chef LMIA”
- “Cook visa sponsorship”
- “Foreign worker cook jobs”
3. Apply to Employers
Attach your CV, cover letter, and culinary certificates where available.
4. Interview Process
Interviews may include:
- Online video interview
- Kitchen assessment tests (sometimes)
5. Employer Applies for LMIA
If selected, your employer submits an LMIA request.
6. Apply for Work Permit
Once LMIA is approved, you can apply for a Canadian work permit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can foreign chefs get sponsorship in Canada?
Yes. Chefs are in high demand, and many employers sponsor international workers.
2. Do I need a culinary degree?
Not always. Experience is often more important, especially for cook and line cook positions.
3. Which chefs are most in demand?
Ethnic cuisine chefs, restaurant cooks, and hotel chefs.
4. Can chef jobs lead to permanent residency?
Yes. Chef roles fall under programs like Express Entry, PNP, and Canadian Experience Class after gaining work experience.
5. Is experience required?
Yes, most chef roles require at least 1–2 years of experience.
Conclusion
Chef jobs in Canada offer excellent career opportunities for international applicants, especially with many employers willing to support visa sponsorship. With strong demand across hotels, restaurants, and catering businesses, now is a great time to apply.