Ways To Move to Canada as a Factory Worker

Moving to a new country is one of the biggest life decisions anyone can make. For thousands of people every year, Canada is the top choice. Why? Because Canada is not only known for its beautiful landscapes and welcoming culture but also for its strong economy, worker-friendly policies, and immigration pathways. For individuals looking to work in factories, warehouses, or manufacturing plants, Canada offers countless opportunities.

This article will explain seven of the easiest and most popular ways to relocate to Canada as a factory worker in 2025. Whether you are applying through the Express Entry system, Provincial Nominee Programs, Temporary Foreign Worker Program, or International Mobility Program, each pathway comes with its own advantages and requirements. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to start your journey toward building a better life and career in Canada.

Ways to Relocate to Canada as a Factory Worker

Express Entry Immigration Programs

The Express Entry system is one of Canada’s most well-known immigration pathways. It is a points-based system that manages applications for permanent residency under three federal economic programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Although factory workers are not always considered highly skilled positions under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC), certain factory-related trades and supervisory roles do qualify. Many applicants who have factory work experience combined with language skills, education, and adaptability factors can successfully apply through this system.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The FSWP is designed for people who have skilled work experience outside Canada. Applicants are assessed through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points based on age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability.

Eligibility requirements include:

• At least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a skilled occupation within the last ten years.
• Proof of language proficiency in English or French through approved tests such as IELTS or CELPIP.
• An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm that your foreign education is equivalent to Canadian standards.
• A minimum CRS score that allows you to compete in Express Entry draws.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The FSTP is tailored to workers in specific trades, which may include some factory roles such as machinery maintenance, industrial mechanics, or quality control. It is ideal for factory workers who have gained hands-on experience in their home country.

Eligibility requirements include:

• A minimum of two years of steady employment in a recognized trade during the last five years.
• Meeting job requirements as defined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
• Proof of language proficiency (lower minimum scores compared to FSWP).
• An approved employment contract from a Canadian employer or official certification in your trade.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class is intended for applicants with prior professional experience in Canada. Those who held a temporary work permit in Canada and gained local work experience may be eligible for PR under this pathway.

Eligibility requirements include:

• A requirement of one year of continuous skilled employment in Canada during the previous three years
• Proof of language proficiency in English or French.
• Intention to live outside Quebec.

Why this is beneficial:
Many foreign factory workers start with temporary visas such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). After gaining experience, they can transition into permanent residency through the CEC, which is often processed faster than other streams.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is one of the most popular immigration routes for factory workers because it allows Canada’s provinces and territories to select immigrants based on their specific labour market needs. While the federal government manages most immigration pathways, provinces have the authority to create their own programs to address local shortages.

For factory workers, this is good news. Many Canadian provinces are experiencing shortages in the manufacturing, food processing, and logistics sectors, and they actively nominate foreign workers with the right skills and experience. By applying through a PNP, you increase your chances of getting permanent residency, especially if your CRS score under Express Entry is too low.

How the PNP Works

Every province and territory (except Quebec, which has its own system) operates its own nominee program. The process usually follows these steps:

1. Choose a Province or Territory
   • Decide where you want to live and work in Canada. Popular provinces for factory work include Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia.
2. Apply to the PNP Stream
   • Each province has multiple “streams” or categories. For example, some are for international graduates, some for entrepreneurs, and others specifically for skilled or semi-skilled workers such as factory staff.
3. Get a Nomination
   • If the province accepts your application, they issue a Provincial Nomination Certificate. This proves that the province wants you to settle there.
4. Apply for Permanent Residency
   • With a provincial nomination, you then apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for permanent residency. If your PNP stream is aligned with Express Entry, you automatically get 600 additional CRS points, which almost guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

PNP Streams for Factory Workers

Each province’s PNP is different, but here are some of the most relevant ones for factory workers:

• Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Ontario often nominates workers for manufacturing and food processing jobs.
• Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP): This province has many meatpacking plants and food factories in towns like Brandon and Winnipeg, making it attractive for factory workers.
• Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP): Known for agriculture and processing industries, Saskatchewan offers pathways for semi-skilled workers.
• Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP): Alberta has strong demand in petrochemical manufacturing and packaging industries.
• British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP): BC frequently seeks workers in seafood processing, fruit packing, and other factory roles.

Benefits of the PNP for Factory Workers

• Direct pathway to PR: Unlike temporary visas, PNPs are designed to help workers become permanent residents.
• Lower requirements: Some provinces accept semi-skilled workers with high school education and relevant work experience.
• Employer-driven: Many PNP streams require a job offer, which gives you security and stability.
• Regional opportunities: If you are open to living in smaller towns or rural areas, your chances of being selected increase.

Key Requirements

While requirements differ between provinces, most PNPs require:

• A valid job offer from an employer in the province.
• Evidence of employment history in an applicable field such as production, assembly, or supply chain.
• Language proficiency in English or French (usually CLB 4–5 for semi-skilled roles, higher for skilled ones).
• A commitment to live and work in the nominating province for a minimum period (usually 2 years).
• Meeting health and character requirements set by the federal government.

Tips for a Successful PNP Application

• Research provinces carefully: Don’t just apply anywhere—choose provinces where your skills are in demand.
• Highlight adaptability: Show why you are interested in that province (e.g., family ties, job offer, community connections).
• Stay updated: PNPs change frequently based on labour market needs, so check official websites regularly.
• Use Express Entry alignment: If possible, apply through an Express Entry-linked stream to maximize your CRS score.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is one of the most direct ways for factory workers to relocate to Canada. Unlike programs that focus only on permanent residency, the TFWP allows Canadian employers to hire foreign workers on a temporary basis when there are no Canadians or permanent residents available to fill the job. This program has helped thousands of workers from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America secure factory jobs in Canada while also opening doors for future permanent residency.

For factory workers, the TFWP is especially important because Canada’s manufacturing and food processing industries constantly face labour shortages. Many local workers prefer other types of jobs, so employers rely heavily on foreign workers to keep production lines moving.

How the TFWP Works

The TFWP is an employer-driven program. This means that you cannot simply apply on your own—you need an employer in Canada to first get approval to hire you. The process usually follows these steps:

1. Employer Identifies a Need
   • A Canadian company realizes they cannot find enough local workers to fill positions in their factory or plant.
2. Employer Applies for an LMIA
   • Before hiring a foreign worker, the employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
   • An LMIA proves that hiring a foreign worker will not harm the Canadian labour market. The employer must show they advertised the job locally but could not find enough Canadian applicants.
3. Positive LMIA
   • If approved, the LMIA gives the employer permission to hire you for a specific role.
4. Worker Applies for a Work Permit
   • With a positive LMIA and a valid job offer, you can apply for a Canadian work permit online or through a visa office.
5. Travel to Canada and Start Work
   • Once your application is approved, you receive a work permit, travel to Canada, and start your new job under the conditions set by your employer.

Why the TFWP Is Important for Factory Workers

• High Demand in Factories: Food packaging plants, meat processing factories, furniture production companies, and automotive parts manufacturers in Canada are constantly short of workers.
• Lower Entry Requirements: Many factory jobs under the TFWP do not require advanced education. High school completion, physical ability, and relevant experience are usually enough.
• Employer Support: Since the employer applies for the LMIA, you benefit from strong employer backing.
• Potential for Permanent Residency: Although the TFWP is temporary, many workers transition to permanent residency through programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) or Canadian Experience Class (CEC) after gaining Canadian work experience.

Eligibility Criteria for Workers

To qualify under the TFWP, you must meet several requirements:

• Job Offer: You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer with an approved LMIA.
• Work Experience: While some entry-level positions do not require prior experience, many employers prefer candidates with at least one year of factory, warehouse, or production experience.
• Language Proficiency: Some employers require basic English or French skills to ensure you can follow safety instructions and communicate with supervisors.
• Health and Security Checks: You must undergo a medical exam (if required) and provide police clearance certificates to prove good character.
• Ability to Meet Job Demands: Many factory jobs involve standing for long hours, lifting heavy objects, or working in cold environments like meat processing plants. You must be physically fit and able to handle these conditions.

Benefits of the TFWP

1. Fast Entry into Canada
   • Compared to other immigration programs, the TFWP allows quicker entry since it responds directly to urgent employer needs.
2. Job Security
   • You are tied to a specific employer, meaning you already have guaranteed work upon arrival.
3. Competitive Pay
   • Factory workers under the TFWP often earn between CAD $16 to $25 per hour, depending on the industry and province.
4. Employer Assistance
   • Many employers help with relocation costs, housing, and even transportation to Canada.
5. Pathway to Permanent Residency
   • After gaining Canadian work experience, you can apply for programs like PNP or CEC to secure permanent residency.

Challenges of the TFWP

While the program has many benefits, it is important to be aware of its challenges:

• Tied to One Employer: You cannot freely switch jobs unless you apply for a new LMIA and work permit.
• Temporary Status: Most TFWP work permits are valid for one to two years, after which you must renew or apply for another pathway.
• Strict Employer Compliance: Employers must follow all regulations, but some workers face exploitation if they don’t know their rights.

Tips for Success in the TFWP

• Work with Reputable Employers or Agencies: Avoid scams by confirming your employer is approved by the Canadian government.
• Understand Your Rights: Canada has strict labour laws that protect foreign workers. You are entitled to safe working conditions and fair pay.
• Prepare Physically and Mentally: Factory jobs can be demanding. Be ready for long hours and repetitive tasks.
• Use the Program as a Stepping Stone: While your first job may be temporary, think of it as the gateway to permanent residency in Canada.

International Mobility Program (IMP)

The International Mobility Program (IMP) is another major pathway that allows foreign nationals, including factory workers, to come to Canada and work legally. Unlike the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), which requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), the IMP is more flexible because it does not require an LMIA in most cases. This makes the process faster and less complicated for both the worker and the employer.

The purpose of the IMP is to serve Canada’s broader social, cultural, and economic interests. Instead of focusing strictly on labour shortages like the TFWP, the IMP helps Canada attract talent, strengthen international relationships, and encourage economic growth.

Key Categories of the IMP

The IMP covers a wide range of work permit options. Some of the most relevant categories for factory workers include:

1. Intra-Company Transfers (ICTs)
   • If you already work for a multinational company that has a branch, affiliate, or subsidiary in Canada, you may be able to transfer to their Canadian location as a factory supervisor, technician, or operator.
   • Example: You work for an automotive parts manufacturer in India that also operates in Ontario. Your employer can transfer you to Canada without needing an LMIA.
2. Open Work Permits for Spouses and Dependents
   • If your spouse or partner already has a valid work or study permit in Canada, you may qualify for an open work permit under the IMP. This allows you to work in any industry, including factories, without needing a job offer first.
3. Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP)
   • International students who graduate from Canadian colleges or universities can apply for open work permits under the IMP. Many graduates start working in factories, warehouses, or manufacturing companies to gain Canadian experience while planning their permanent residency applications.
4. Significant Benefit Category
   • If your employment in Canada would bring significant cultural, economic, or social benefits to the country, you may be approved under this stream. While it is less common for entry-level factory workers, supervisors and technicians with unique expertise could qualify.
5. Reciprocal Employment Agreements
   • Canada has agreements with other countries that allow workers to temporarily switch places for cultural or economic exchange. Some factory workers may benefit from these arrangements, depending on their nationality.

Eligibility Requirements

Although the IMP does not require an LMIA, applicants still need to meet certain requirements:

• Valid Job Offer or Open Work Permit (depending on the stream).
• Proof of Work Experience if applying under an employer-specific category such as intra-company transfer.
• Language Skills: While not always mandatory, employers may expect basic English or French ability.
• Education or Training: Some streams require proof of education or technical training.
• Health and Security Checks: You may need to undergo a medical exam and provide police certificates.

Benefits of the IMP

1. No LMIA Required
   • This eliminates one of the biggest barriers for employers, making it easier for them to hire you.
2. Faster Processing
   • Work permits under the IMP are often processed more quickly since they skip the LMIA stage.
3. Greater Flexibility
   • Open work permits under the IMP allow you to work for any employer, not just one company.
4. Family Opportunities
   • Spouses and dependents often qualify for work or study permits under the IMP, making it easier for families to move together.
5. Pathway to Permanent Residency
   • Work experience gained under the IMP counts toward programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Challenges of the IMP

• Not Open to Everyone: The IMP is not as accessible as the TFWP because it usually requires specific conditions like being a student graduate, spouse, or intra-company transferee.
• Employer Knowledge: Some employers are not familiar with the IMP and may hesitate to use it.
• Temporary in Nature: While it can lead to permanent residency, the IMP itself is usually a temporary solution.

Tips for Workers Considering the IMP

• Explore All Categories: Don’t assume you are ineligible. Many workers qualify through family or education connections.
• Combine with Other Programs: If you enter Canada under the IMP, consider transitioning to Express Entry or PNP for permanent residency.
• Stay Updated: Rules and categories under the IMP can change, so always check IRCC’s latest guidelines.
• Use the Flexibility: If you have an open work permit, gain experience in multiple roles to improve your resume for PR applications.

Conclusion

Relocating to Canada as a factory worker is not just about finding a job—it is about securing a better life, stability, and long-term opportunities. Canada’s manufacturing sector plays a vital role in the national economy, producing everything from packaged foods and meat products to machinery and automotive parts. Because of consistent labour shortages in these industries, Canada actively welcomes foreign workers through multiple immigration programs.

Throughout this article, we have explored the four main pathways that factory workers can use to enter Canada: Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), and International Mobility Program (IMP). Each option comes with unique benefits and requirements, and the right choice depends on your personal situation.