7 ways to Relocate to Canada as a Factory Worker

For decades, Canada has earned a reputation as one of the most desirable destinations for immigrants seeking a better quality of life, financial stability, and career advancement. The country’s strong economy, combined with its welcoming immigration policies and high living standards, has made it a top choice for individuals worldwide. In particular, factory jobs have become a significant entry point for newcomers because they provide stable income, training opportunities, and pathways to permanent residency.

The manufacturing industry in Canada is thriving. From food processing plants to automobile factories, textiles, and furniture production, factories form an essential backbone of the Canadian economy. These industries require a steady supply of reliable workers, which is why employers are increasingly turning to international applicants to fill gaps left by local labor shortages. For many people across Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe, this represents a golden opportunity not just to work in Canada, but to build a long-term life there.

The Seven Pathways to Relocating as a Factory Worker

Express Entry Immigration Programs

Express Entry remains one of the fastest and most widely used immigration routes to Canada.. It is designed to manage the applications of skilled workers who want to gain permanent residency. Launched in 2015, Express Entry has become the backbone of Canada’s immigration strategy, welcoming thousands of foreign workers each year—including many who begin their careers in factory and manufacturing roles.

The Express Entry system operates as a points-based ranking system. Candidates create an online profile, enter their personal details, and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency during regular Express Entry draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

For factory workers, there are three main programs under Express Entry:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is primarily for individuals who have skilled work experience outside of Canada. Although it is commonly used by professionals like engineers or IT experts, factory workers can also qualify if their occupation is considered skilled under the NOC system.

Eligibility Criteria for FSWP:
To apply through the FSWP, candidates must:

• Have at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation within the past ten years.

• Prove language proficiency in either English or French through approved tests like IELTS (English) or TEF (French).

• Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm that their foreign education is equivalent to Canadian standards.

• Score sufficient points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability.

 Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is particularly relevant for factory workers because it is tailored for individuals with hands-on trade skills. Many manufacturing-related roles, such as welders, machinists, industrial butchers, food processing workers, and equipment operators, are recognized under this program.

Eligibility Criteria for FSTP:
To qualify, candidates must:

• Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the last five years.

• Meet the job requirements for their skilled trade as outlined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

• Prove language proficiency in English and/or French at a basic level (lower than FSWP requirements, making it more accessible).

• Have either:

  • A valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year from a Canadian employer, OR

  • An official trade qualification granted by a provincial or territorial body in Canada.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is designed for individuals who have already gained skilled work experience inside Canada. This pathway is ideal for temporary foreign workers or international graduates who have secured factory jobs in Canada and want to transition to permanent residency.

Eligibility Criteria for CEC:
Applicants must:

• Have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.

• Prove language proficiency in English or French.

• Plan to live outside of Quebec (since Quebec has its own immigration system).

How the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Works

All three programs under Express Entry are tied together by the CRS scoring system. Candidates are ranked based on:

• Age – Younger candidates receive more points.

• Education – Higher levels of education increase your CRS score.

• Work Experience – Both foreign and Canadian work experience matter.

• Language Skills – Strong English or French skills boost your points.

• Adaptability – Having family in Canada, a spouse with language skills, or prior Canadian education/work adds bonus points.

Why Express Entry Is Attractive for Factory Workers

• Fast Processing Times: Successful applicants often get PR within six months.

• Permanent Residency Status: Unlike temporary programs, Express Entry grants long-term security.

• Family Benefits: Applicants can include their spouse and dependent children in their PR application.

• Pathway to Citizenship: After holding PR for three years, individuals can apply for Canadian citizenship.

• Flexibility: You are not tied to a single employer once you receive PR.

Challenges for Factory Workers Using Express Entry

While Express Entry is a powerful pathway, factory workers may face certain challenges:

• Language Tests: Many applicants find IELTS or TEF exams difficult, but preparation is key.

• Education Assessments: Those with informal training may need to provide extra documentation.

• CRS Cut-Off Scores: Workers with limited education may score lower unless they gain extra points through job offers or provincial nominations.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

While the Express Entry system is Canada’s most well-known immigration pathway, it is not the only one available to foreign workers. For many factory workers, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) provides an even more direct and accessible route to permanent residency. Unlike Express Entry, which focuses on national-level selection, the PNP allows each province or territory in Canada to select immigrants based on its local labor market needs.

This means if a province is experiencing a shortage of factory workers, it can specifically target applicants with manufacturing or industrial experience. For international workers, this is an enormous advantage, as it increases their chances of securing both employment and immigration approval.

Understanding the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is an immigration system that allows provinces and territories in Canada to nominate individuals who wish to immigrate to Canada and are interested in settling in a specific province. Except for Quebec, which has its own immigration system, every province runs its own PNP with different eligibility requirements.

Benefits of the PNP for Factory Workers

The PNP is particularly attractive for factory workers for several reasons:

• Lower CRS Score Requirements: Many workers who don’t meet the high CRS cut-off in Express Entry can qualify through a PNP.

• Targeted Occupations: Provinces often list factory-related jobs on their in-demand occupation lists.

• Faster Processing: PNP nominees usually receive priority processing for permanent residency.

• Employer-Driven Streams: Many provinces allow employers to directly support nominations, which benefits foreign workers with job offers.

• Pathway to PR: A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an Express Entry invitation.

General Steps in the PNP Application Process

Although each province has its own system, most PNP applications follow similar steps:

1. Choose Your Province or Territory
   Decide where you want to live and work. Consider job opportunities, cost of living, and whether the province has strong manufacturing industries.

2. Check Eligibility Requirements
   Review the criteria for the PNP stream. Requirements may include:

   • Education level

   • Work experience (factory or related fields)

   • Language proficiency in English or French

   • A valid job offer from an employer in that province

3. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) or Application
   Depending on the province, you either submit an EOI to enter a selection pool or apply directly to the PNP.

4. Receive a Nomination
   If the province selects you, you’ll receive a Provincial Nomination Certificate.

5. Apply for Permanent Residency
   With a provincial nomination, you apply to the federal government (IRCC) for permanent residency. This step includes medical exams, background checks, and document verification.

Common Eligibility Requirements Across PNPs

Though details vary by province, applicants usually need to meet these basic conditions:

• Job Offer: Many PNPs require a valid job offer from a local employer.

• Work Experience: At least 1–2 years of relevant experience in a factory or similar role.

• Education: Minimum of a high school diploma (foreign education may need an ECA).

• Language Proficiency: Proof of English or French ability through IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF.

• Settlement Plans: Demonstrating genuine intention to live in the province after approval.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

For many factory workers abroad, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is often the most direct and realistic way to enter Canada’s job market. Unlike programs such as Express Entry, which require points, education assessments, and sometimes high language scores, the TFWP is employer-driven. This means the process begins when a Canadian employer faces a labor shortage and decides to recruit workers from outside Canada to fill specific positions.

For factory workers in particular, this pathway has become increasingly popular because manufacturing industries across Canada—ranging from food processing to automobile assembly—are facing chronic labor shortages. Employers need staff urgently, and the TFWP provides them with a legal framework to bring in foreign workers.

What Is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program?

The TFWP is a Canadian government program designed to allow employers to hire foreign nationals to fill temporary labor and skill shortages. Employers must first prove that no suitable Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available to take the job. Only then can they seek foreign workers under this program.

The foundation of the TFWP is the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). A positive LMIA confirms that:

• The employer genuinely needs a foreign worker.

• No Canadian worker is available for the role.

• Employing a foreign worker will have no adverse effect on Canada’s labor market.

Without a positive LMIA, employers cannot legally hire under the TFWP.

Why the TFWP Matters for Factory Workers

Factory jobs are often classified as essential but hard-to-fill positions in Canada. Local workers may avoid these jobs because they are physically demanding or require repetitive tasks. However, for many international workers, these roles represent stable employment, competitive wages, and an entry into Canada.

Through the TFWP, factory workers benefit from:

• Job Security: Work permits are tied to specific employers, guaranteeing employment upon arrival.

• Competitive Pay: Employers must pay foreign workers the same wage rates as Canadian workers in similar roles.

• Legal Protection: Workers under the TFWP are covered by Canadian labor laws, ensuring fair treatment.

• Immigration Potential: While the TFWP itself is temporary, many workers later transition to Permanent Residency through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Step-by-Step Application Process for Factory Workers

1. Job Offer
   The process begins with securing a job offer from a Canadian employer who is authorized to hire foreign workers. Employers usually advertise the job locally before recruiting abroad to show they attempted to hire Canadians first.

2. LMIA Application by Employer
   Once the employer confirms that no Canadians applied or qualified, they submit an LMIA application to ESDC. This includes details of the job position, wages, and proof of recruitment efforts.

3. Positive LMIA Issued
   If approved, the employer receives a positive LMIA, meaning they are allowed to hire a foreign worker for the specified position.

4. Work Permit Application
   With the LMIA, the foreign worker can apply for a work permit at a Canadian visa office or online. This requires submitting the LMIA number, job offer letter, proof of identity (passport), and sometimes medical exam results.

5. Work Permit Issuance
   If the application is successful, the worker receives a work permit that allows them to legally work in Canada for that employer.

6. Arrival in Canada
   The worker can travel to Canada and begin employment as stated in the job offer

Eligibility Requirements for Workers

While most of the responsibility falls on the employer, workers must also meet certain criteria:

• Proof of Job Offer: Workers must have a genuine job offer backed by a positive LMIA.

• Work Experience: Previous experience in factory or warehouse settings is highly beneficial.

• Language Skills: Basic English or French may be required depending on the job.

• Medical Examination: Some factory jobs, especially in food processing, require a medical exam to ensure public health safety.

• Clean Background Record: Security checks are mandatory.

Challenges of the TFWP

Despite its benefits, there are some challenges foreign workers should be aware of:

• Employer-Specific Work Permits: Workers are tied to the employer who sponsored them and cannot freely switch jobs without authorization.

• Temporary Status: Unlike Express Entry, the TFWP does not automatically lead to permanent residency. Workers must later apply through other programs.

• Dependence on Employer: If the employer withdraws the job offer, the worker’s legal status in Canada may be affected.

• Application Costs: While workers do not pay for LMIA processing, they are responsible for visa application and medical exam fees.

International Mobility Program (IMP)

While the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is employer-driven and requires a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), Canada also offers a more flexible immigration pathway called the International Mobility Program (IMP). This program is designed to allow foreign workers to enter Canada without the need for employers to go through the lengthy LMIA process.

For factory workers, the IMP may not be the most common route compared to TFWP or PNP, but in some circumstances, it can serve as a valuable alternative, especially for those who fall under specific categories that qualify for LMIA exemptions.

What Is the International Mobility Program (IMP)?

The IMP is a Canadian immigration initiative that facilitates the entry of foreign workers where it is deemed to bring a broad benefit to Canada, whether that be economic, cultural, or social. Unlike the TFWP, the IMP does not require employers to prove a labor shortage through LMIA. Instead, it provides work permit options based on international agreements, significant benefits, and humanitarian or reciprocal arrangements.

In simple terms:

• Through the TFWP, employers are required to demonstrate that your role is essential.

• Under IMP, the system assumes your presence benefits Canada, either because of agreements or specific exemptions.

Why the IMP Is Important for Factory Workers

At first glance, factory jobs might not seem to fit under the IMP, but in practice, several categories within the program can still apply. For example:

• Workers who come through intra-company transfers when multinational companies move staff to their Canadian branches.

• Factory employees hired under categories considered a “significant benefit to Canada”, such as specialized machine operators.

• Foreign workers who qualify for open work permits under programs like spousal permits, post-graduation permits, or youth exchange agreements.

Key Categories Under the IMP

1. Intra-Company Transfers (ICTs):
   Multinational manufacturing companies with operations in Canada may transfer skilled factory staff from their overseas offices to Canadian branches. This allows experienced workers to relocate without LMIA requirements.

2. Significant Benefit Category:
   If a factory worker brings unique skills or specialized expertise not easily found in Canada, they may qualify under this exemption. For example, technicians with rare experience in operating advanced manufacturing equipment.

3. International Agreements:
   Trade agreements like the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) allow for easier mobility of certain categories of workers. While mostly designed for professionals, some technical and factory-related roles can be covered.

4. Open Work Permits:
   These permits are not tied to a specific employer and can be obtained through programs like:

   • Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Designed for international graduates of Canadian institutions.

   • Spousal Open Work Permits: For spouses of skilled workers or students.

   • International Experience Canada (IEC): A program for youth from participating nations to work in Canada.

Eligibility and Application Process

The IMP does not operate as a single, uniform program. Instead, eligibility depends on the category you apply under. However, the general steps are:

1. Determine Your Category: Identify whether you qualify under intra-company transfers, significant benefit, international agreements, or open work permit categories.

2. Employer Compliance (if applicable): While no LMIA is needed, employers hiring under IMP must still submit an offer of employment through the IRCC Employer Portal and pay the compliance fee.

3. Work Permit Application: Submit your work permit application online, including supporting documents such as:

   • Passport

   • Job offer (if applicable)

   • Proof of qualifications or experience

   • Biometrics and medical exams (if required)

4. Processing: Applications are usually processed faster than TFWP permits since no LMIA is needed.

5. Arrival in Canada: Once approved, you can travel to Canada and begin working under the conditions of your permit.

Advantages of the IMP for Factory Workers

• No LMIA Requirement: Saves time and reduces administrative barriers.

• Quicker Approvals: Work permits under this stream are generally issued faster than those in the TFWP.

• Employer Flexibility: Some permits allow you to switch jobs more easily.

• Pathway to PR: Experience gained under IMP can help you qualify for permanent residency through Express Entry or PNP.

• Family Benefits: Spouses and children may also qualify for open work or study permits.

Challenges of the IMP

Despite its advantages, the IMP is not always the easiest path for factory workers:

• Limited Categories: Not all factory workers automatically qualify; eligibility often depends on specific circumstances.

• Employer Compliance Fee: Employers still need to register offers through the Employer Portal, which some may hesitate to do.

• Temporary Nature: Most IMP work permits are temporary, so workers must plan for PR through other pathways.

• Competition: Since the program is broader, applicants may face competition from candidates in more specialized roles.

Conclusion

Canada has firmly established itself as one of the most welcoming and opportunity-rich destinations for job seekers across the globe. For individuals working in factories and manufacturing, the country presents not just employment opportunities but also a pathway to long-term settlement, career growth, and an improved quality of life.

In this guide, we explored the seven easiest ways to relocate to Canada as a factory worker—through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), and the International Mobility Program (IMP). Each pathway has its unique requirements, benefits, and challenges, but they all share one thing in common: they provide factory workers with a realistic chance to relocate, gain meaningful employment, and secure permanent residency in Canada.