Owning Carpenter Jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship can be an overwhelming task. However, Canada is currently experiencing a huge demand for skilled carpenters. With major construction projects underway and a shortage of homegrown talent, Canadian employers are looking abroad to fill carpentry jobs.
For qualified foreign carpenters, this presents an exciting opportunity to relocate on a sponsored work visa. This article covers everything you need to know about obtaining carpentry jobs in Canada with employer-provided visa sponsorship.
Why Work in Canada As a Carpenter
These are the 4 reasons why you should work in Canada and why Canada needs foreign carpenters like you:
- Large Construction Boom—Ongoing residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects
- Shortage of Skilled Tradespeople—Aging workforce and fewer young people entering trades
- High Wages & Strong Worker Protections—Competitive salaries and benefits
- Roads to Permanent Residency—Many work visas lead to PR in Canada
See the following section and find out what work visa option is needed for foreign carpenters in Canada.
Work Visa Options for Foreign Carpenters
To work legally in Canada as a carpenter, you either need a permanent residency or a work visa. Here are the main visa options you need:
1. Temporary Work Visa (Employer-Sponsored):
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP):
- Employers hire foreign carpenters when no local workers are available
- Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
- Can be renewed or lead to permanent residency
International Mobility Program (IMP):
- For carpenters from countries with trade agreements (e.g., CUSMA, CETA)
- No LMIA required
2. Permanent Residency for Carpenters
Express Entry (Federal Skilled Trades Program—FSTP):
- For experienced tradespeople
- Requires 2+ years of work experience & a valid job offer
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):
- Provinces nominate skilled carpenters for permanent residency
- Best for those with job offers in Ontario, Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): For carpenters looking to settle in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, or Newfoundland & Labrador.
How to Find Carpenter Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
With the below information, you can find carpenter jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship:
Top Job Search Websites
- Job Bank Canada—Official government job site
- Indeed Canada—Search for “Carpenter Visa Sponsorship.”
- Workopolis—Construction & trade jobs
- LinkedIn Jobs—Connect with employers
Recruitment Agencies for Foreign Workers
- Hays Canada—Trades & construction hiring
- Drake International—Skilled trades recruitment
- Work Global Canada—specializes in hiring foreign workers
Contact Construction Companies
Many construction firms hire foreign workers directly. Some of the biggest employers include:
- PCL Construction—Alberta, BC, Ontario
- EllisDon—Nationwide
- Graham Construction—Western Canada
- Bird Construction—Ontario & Western Canada.
What is the Salary of a carpenter in Canada
Here is an outline of the salary information presented in a tabulated form below:
| Province | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Alberta | $58,175 |
| British Columbia | $60,499 |
| Manitoba | $49,170 |
| New Brunswick | $47,292 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $48,225 |
| Nova Scotia | $49,424 |
| Ontario | $54,265 |
| Prince Edward Island | $46,442 |
| Quebec | $52,298 |
| Saskatchewan | $52,188 |
How to Find a Carpenter Job in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Many avenues exist to connect with Canadian construction firms offering visa sponsorship:
Use Federal & Provincial Immigration Programs
The best way is getting recruited through a formal immigration pathway like
- Federal Skilled Trades Program—Express Entry stream for skilled trade workers like carpenters.
- Provincial Nominee Programs—Some provinces directly sponsor immigrants in high-demand occupations.
These programs pre-screen you, allowing employers to easily hire you upon arrival in Canada.
Check Online Job Boards
Search boards like Indeed, Workopolis, and JobBank, filtering by
- Location = your desired Canadian province
- Keywords = “carpenter,” “framer,” “woodworker”
- Visa sponsorship
You’ll find employers proactively seeking foreign carpentry talent.
Visit Company Career Sites
Look for Canadian construction firms with major projects and active hiring needs:
- PCL Construction
- EllisDon
- Ledcor
- Bird Construction
Check their career sites for current sponsored carpenter openings.
Contact Immigration Services
Specialized immigration consultants can match your skills to employers they know offer visa sponsorships.
Cast a wide net using these techniques to discover the best carpenter job opportunities.
Showcasing Your Value to Employers
Once you identify sponsoring employers, make yourself different from the others:
- Highlight specialized skills—show expertise building high-rises, custom homes, concrete formwork, etc.
- Get Canada-ready— Become Red Seal certified and have your skills formally assessed.
- Show English fluency— Communicate crisply via email, phone, and ideally in person.
- Demonstrate permit readiness—have all required documents and qualifications.
- Be enthusiastic—express genuine excitement and commitment to immigrating to Canada.
How to Apply for Carpenter Jobs in Canada
Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Carefully arrange a Canadian-style resume.
- Highlight work experience, certifications, and carpentry skills
- Mention any international experience or projects
- Keep it clear and professional
Step 2: Apply for Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
- Use job portals & recruitment agencies
- Search for “Carpenter LMIA Approved” or “Visa Sponsorship Available.”
- Contact Canadian employers directly
Step 3: Secure a Job Offer
- The employer applies for an LMIA to prove they need a foreign worker
- You receive a formal job offer letter
Step 4: Apply for a Work Permit
- Submit documents via IRCC (Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada)
- Processing Time: 2-6 months
Conclusion
Canada offers big opportunities for foreign carpenters with high salaries and visa sponsorship. The most suitable way to move is by securing a job offer with an LMIA-approved employer.
Permanent residency is possible via work experience and immigration programs. Need help finding a job or applying for a visa? Let us know in the comment section below!
