Canada is one of the globe’s top foreign worker destination sites for foreign workers looking for an international job opportunity. With its multicultural economy, liberal immigration policy, and increasing need for skilled and semi-skilled workers, there are numerous opportunities for foreign job seekers. One of the lesser-known but valuable job opportunities for foreign workers available is that of a Furniture Mover. If you are healthy, diligent, and keen on having a secure job with an opportunity to immigrate to Canada, this could be your ticket.
In this article, we will guide you through all you need to know regarding furniture movers’ work in Canada on a work visa, from activities and duties to types of visas, compensation, and how to start.
What is a Furniture Mover’s Job in Canada?
Furniture movers help individuals and companies with their move. From moving furniture out of the house in a home move, or helping companies with office moves, movers offer a valuable service that helps ensure property is packed, shipped, and unloaded safely without damage.
Some of your daily activities as a Canada-based furniture mover include:
- Unloading and loading furniture onto moving vans.
- Wrapping and packing materials in a way that they are not damaged during transportation.
- Operating equipment like dollies, straps, and cushioning to stabilize loads.
- Driving delivery vans or traveling as passengers on delivery routes.
- Operating tools and disassembling furniture as required.
- Adhering to safety procedures and company regulations.
It is hard work that demands physical strength, backbreaking labor, and exposure to all weather conditions. Being as physically challenging as it is, it is a great career prospect for someone who has no technical working background or formal education.
Why Canada is Hiring Foreign Furniture Movers
Canada is growing its population at a very high rate, and constant relocation is occurring in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal. Office and domestic relocation services are in demand on a daily basis. Besides this, the aging population and shortage of skills as well as general labor have left a vacuum which local employees are not capturing at a rate quick enough.
Foreign workers step into the picture there. The Canadian companies are looking actively for overseas, reliable, hardworking laborers who will not shy away from doing moving and manual labor. Employers even sponsor in most instances and help with the immigration process through the country’s sanctioned work visa programs.
How Foreign Workers Can Work as Furniture Movers in Canada Legally
To function as a furniture mover in Canada, you will need to have an existing work permit. Foreign workers may be best able to work under some of the various work immigration programs for jobs like these. The ones that are most relevant to this line of work are presented below:
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) for Furniture Movers
Temporary Foreign Worker Program allows Canadian employers to hire foreign labour to fill the job when Canadians are not available to do so. If your Canadian moving company is unable to find local labor, they may apply for you to work for them under this program.
- You must get permission in the form of the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process. This is where they notify the government that they really need to hire a foreign worker.
- If you get your positive LMIA, you can now apply for a work permit.
This is the standard path for movers and other workers.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for Movers Applying for Permanent Residency
Every province in Canada has a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) through which foreign workers are invited to the province to work. Some of them are looking for general employees, like furniture movers, and you stand a chance of being nominated if you meet the criteria.
- A nomination is an opening to a work permit and eventually to permanent residence.
- It’s a viable option if you’re looking for a long-term future in Canada.
Atlantic Immigration Program for Foreigners Who Are Willing to Work in Eastern Canada
The Atlantic Immigration Program is intended for foreigners who are willing to work in Canada’s eastern provinces, which are Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Foreign employees can be recruited by employers in the aforementioned regions without the LMIA.
- If you can somehow get one of these provinces’ moving companies to employ you, this could be a quicker way of getting your work visa.
What You’ll Need to Qualify to Work as a Furniture Mover in Canada
Even though the work does not necessarily require a college degree, foreign applicants need to fulfill some minimum criteria:
- Physical Strength and Endurance: You will have to be physically strong enough to lift heavy objects (typically 50-100 pounds), stand and walk for long periods of time, and engage in physically demanding activities in all types of weather.
- Basic French or English Skills: You don’t need to be fluent but should be able to read labels and communicate with your coworkers and customers.
- Some Training or Experience (Optional but Preferred): While not necessary, having previous experience in moving, warehouse work, or general work can enhance your application.
- No Serious Criminal Record: You will be required to submit a police clearance certificate. Having a clean record reduces the visa application process.
Expected Salary for Furniture Movers in Canada
Furniture mover wages in Canada will indeed differ by city, company size, and your degree of experience.
- The majority of furniture movers make between $16 and $25 an hour.
- Wages in larger cities or for larger moving companies will be even higher, particularly with overtime.
- Annual wages will range from $33,000 to $55,000, and most movers also receive tips from happy customers, which can really build up during peak times.
Best Cities and Provinces for Furniture Mover Jobs in Canada
If you’re looking to work where the opportunities are most abundant, consider targeting the following regions:
- Toronto, Ontario: Canada’s largest city with constant residential and corporate moves.
- Vancouver, British Columbia: High housing activity and population growth.
- Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta: Large cities with strong labor demand.
- Ottawa, Ontario: Government institutions and frequent office relocations.
- Halifax, Nova Scotia: A growing city under the Atlantic Immigration Program.
How to Obtain Furniture Mover Jobs in Canada from Abroad
The best method to get an employment is to start searching online or through the services of agencies who represent the Canadian employers.
Following are the guidelines to search for the job advertisements:
- Search job advertisements like “Furniture Mover,” “Moving Helper,” or “General Laborer” online.
- Include phrases like “visa sponsorship” or “LMIA available” to reach employers who are willing to hire foreign workers.
- Use job boards, company websites, and recruitment agencies.
- English (or French, if seeking Quebec) proof your resume and highlight your physical ability, experience, and willingness to move.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Work Visa for Furniture Mover Jobs in Canada
Here’s a general breakdown of the process if you’re applying from outside Canada:
- Step 1: Get a Job Offer: You must have a job offer from a Canadian employer. It should be in writing and outline the position, duties, location, and wage.
- Step 2: Employer Applies for LMIA (if required): The employer applies for an LMIA through Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This document shows they’ve tried to hire Canadians first.
- Step 3: Application for Work Permit: With your positive LMIA, you can now apply for your work permit. You will be required to provide a copy of the job offer, LMIA, passport, etc.
- Step 4: Background and Medical Screening: You may be required to undergo a medical test and provide police clearance certificates during the process.
- Step 5: Obtain Work Permit and Travel to Canada: If approved, you will be issued a work permit to visit and work in Canada on a temporary basis.
How to Convert a Furniture Mover Job into Canada Permanent Residency
Working in Canada has one of the best features of the reality that numerous occupational fields, even labor-intensive ones such as furniture moving, can serve as a stepping stone to permanent residency.
Some of the following are streams you may apply for after some work experience:
- Complete a Provincial Nominee Program with Canadian work experience.
- Apply through the Canadian Experience Class stream if you’ve worked for a year or more.
- If you are in the Eastern regions of Canada, apply through the Atlantic Immigration Program.
- Apply through Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot if you are working in rural areas.
With regular work, good record, and satisfactory performance, your opportunity of becoming a permanent resident is high.
Final Thoughts
Perhaps it is not what everyone thinks about when they want to have a good time and become a Canada furniture mover, perhaps not, but it is hard work for good money that can bring a person immigration. Following the rules, being a good worker, and being easy to work for should help make this the launchpad it deserves to be toward a life of ease in possibly one of the prettiest countries on Earth to call home.