$25,000/Year as a Construction Helper in Canada: What You Need to Know

Earn $25,000/year as a Construction Helper in Canada. Discover visa-sponsored job opportunities, requirements, and how to apply in 2025.

Canada is currently experiencing one of the largest skilled labor shortages in its modern history. Among the most in-demand roles are construction helpers—a critical support position on job sites across residential, commercial, and public infrastructure projects.

With average starting salaries of $25,000 per year, this entry-level job offers a stable and realistic pathway for newcomers to Canada. For many international applicants, it’s one of the most accessible job roles to enter the Canadian labor market, especially for those without a university degree or Canadian work experience.

What Does a Construction Helper Do in Canada?

A construction helper supports skilled tradespeople such as carpenters, electricians, bricklayers, plumbers, and drywall installers by performing a wide range of physical tasks.

Common duties include:

• Cleaning and preparing construction sites 
• Delivering tools and materials to workers 
• Assisting with basic construction tasks (e.g., lifting, drilling, measuring) 
• Setting up scaffolding and ladders 
• Mixing and pouring concrete 
• Demolishing existing structures 
• Loading and unloading materials 
• Removing debris and keeping the site clean 

This role does not require formal education, making it highly accessible to foreign nationals with basic construction knowledge and good physical health.

Average Salary: Is $25,000/Year Realistic?

Yes, $25,000 CAD per year is a realistic starting salary for entry-level construction helpers in Canada. This figure reflects full-time positions at $13–$16/hour depending on the province and employer.

Salary Ranges by Province:

Do You Need Experience or Education?

Minimum requirements:

• No formal education is required 
• Some construction experience is preferred but not mandatory 
• Ability to follow safety procedures 
• Basic communication skills in English or French 
• Physically fit and able to lift heavy materials 

Bonus qualifications:

• Forklift operation training 
• WHMIS or basic safety certifications 
• Valid driver’s license (optional but helpful)

Can Foreign Workers Apply for Construction Helper Jobs in Canada?

Yes. Many Canadian employers are open to hiring foreign nationals for low-skill and semi-skilled roles through several visa pathways.

Construction helpers fall under NOC Code 75110 under the TEER 5 category in Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system, which allows employers to hire internationally under certain conditions.

Immigration Pathways for Foreign Construction Helpers

Here are the most common immigration pathways that allow you to work legally in Canada as a construction helper:

1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

• Employer must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) 
• Offers temporary work permit (1–2 years) 
• May lead to permanent residence through other streams 
• Best for applicants with a confirmed job offer 

2. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Some provinces have streams for low-skilled workers, especially in construction:

• Saskatchewan PNP – Hard-to-Fill Skills Pilot 
• Nova Scotia Occupations in Demand Stream 
• Alberta Rural Renewal Stream 
• Ontario Regional Immigration Pilot 

These streams often allow workers to apply directly for permanent residence after gaining 6–12 months of experience.

3. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

If you get a job offer in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI, or Newfoundland, you may qualify for this employer-driven pathway.

• No LMIA required 
• Faster processing times 
• PR pathway available

How to Find Construction Helper Jobs in Canada

Job Boards to Use:

• Job Bank Canada 
• Indeed Canada 
• Workopolis 
• Monster Canada 
• Jooble Canada 

Use search terms like:

• “Construction helper LMIA jobs” 
• “General labourer sponsorship Canada” 
• “Entry-level construction jobs Canada foreign workers” 

Recruitment Agencies That Sponsor Foreign Workers:

• Global Hire (Alberta) 
• Diamond Personnel (Ontario) 
• WorkVantage (national) 
• Canstaff (British Columbia) 

Step-by-Step Application Guide for International Applicants

Step 1: Build a Canada-Ready Resume

Include:

• Your name and contact info 
• Clear job objective (e.g., “Seeking Construction Helper role in Canada”) 
• Summary of skills (manual labor, lifting, use of tools) 
• Work experience (brief, even informal experience counts) 
• Education (if any) 
• Certifications (if any, like safety or first aid) 

Step 2: Search for Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Use keywords like “foreign workers,” “LMIA,” or “work permit supported” when searching online.

Step 3: Apply to Multiple Jobs

Do not rely on one application. Apply to at least 20–30 jobs over a 2–4 week period.

Step 4: Attend Interviews or Provide Additional Info

If selected, you may be asked for:

• Passport copy 
• Educational or work references 
• Proof of physical fitness or medical check (in some cases) 

Step 5: Employer Applies for LMIA (if needed)

Your Canadian employer must receive LMIA approval before you can apply for a work permit under TFWP.

Step 6: Apply for Your Work Permit

Once LMIA is approved, you can apply for a work permit through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada).

Advantages of Starting as a Construction Helper

• Entry-level access with no formal education 
• High job availability in urban and rural areas 
• Overtime pay and union benefits possible 
• Can lead to permanent resident status 
• Often includes in-house training and certifications 
• Possibility to transition to trades like carpentry, plumbing, etc.

Challenges You Should Prepare For

• Physically demanding work 
• Long hours in outdoor weather conditions 
• Initial pay may be low ($25,000–$30,000/year), especially in Atlantic provinces 
• Temporary contracts (1–2 years unless renewed or converted) 
• Cost of living in cities like Toronto or Vancouver may be high

How to Improve Your Chances of Success

Get Basic Training Before Applying:

Enroll in short online courses in:

• Workplace safety 
• Basic construction tools 
• Manual material handling 
• English for construction workers 

Improve Your Language Skills:

Most jobs require at least CLB 4–5 level English or French. Use free resources like:

• Duolingo 
• IELTS practice tests 
• Local training centers (in your home country) 

Build a Canadian-Style Resume and Cover Letter:

Canadian employers prefer simple, results-focused resumes. Use tools like:

• Canva (for free resume templates) 
• Resume.io (Canadian layout) 
• ChatGPT (for editing and writing help)

Conclusion: $25,000/Year in Canada Could Be Your Starting Point

Working as a construction helper in Canada may not be glamorous, but it is a proven, legal, and accessible route for thousands of international job seekers to enter the country. With a starting salary of $25,000/year, it offers enough to live modestly while gaining Canadian work experience.

Most importantly, it opens the door to permanent residency, skilled trades certification, and long-term stability in one of the world’s most immigration-friendly countries.

If you’re physically fit, motivated, and willing to work hard, the construction industry could be your first step toward a new life in Canada.