Are you searching for lumber mill jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship? This is a great chance for foreigners who want to work in sawmills or the wood processing industry. These jobs are approved under the LMIA program, which means the Canadian employer is ready to support your work visa. Many of these roles offer good pay and steady work. You can apply online easily from your home country. If you have experience in cutting, sorting, or handling wood, this could be the right opportunity for you. Start your application today and take the first step toward working in Canada.
Why Canada is Hiring More Foreign Workers for Lumber Mills
Canada’s forest industry is among the largest in the world, and it continues to grow. With increasing demand for lumber both locally and internationally, there is a rising need for more hands in the sawmill and wood processing sector. Many employers in Canada are now offering visa sponsorship to bring in hardworking foreign workers to fill these roles.
Lumber mill jobs are not just for Canadians anymore. If you are ready to relocate, and you are looking for sawmill jobs for foreigners in Canada, now is the right time to apply. This type of work is in high demand, especially in provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, and Ontario, where the forestry industry is very active.
For many people from Nigeria and other parts of the world, this is a golden opportunity to find wood processing LMIA jobs in Canada that come with a clear pathway to get a work permit and possibly settle down in the country.
What Is a Lumber Mill Job?
A lumber mill job simply means working in a factory where raw wood is cut, shaped, and processed into materials like planks, beams, or plywood. These materials are later used for building houses, furniture, and more.
There are different positions available in a lumber mill. Some are for skilled workers, while others are open to people with little or no experience. The common duties include:
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Loading and unloading logs
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Cutting wood into required sizes
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Operating machines like saws and forklifts
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Sorting and packaging finished wood
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Maintaining work equipment and tools
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Cleaning the working area
If you are physically fit, can work in a team, and ready to follow safety instructions, this job can be a great start for your journey in Canada.
Who Can Apply for Lumber Mill Jobs in Canada with Visa?
The good news is, many lumber companies are ready to hire foreign workers. You do not need a university degree to qualify. Most employers look for:
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High school certificate or equivalent
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Ability to speak basic English or French
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Good physical health and strength
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Willingness to work in outdoor or factory settings
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A clean background record
If you already have experience in carpentry, woodwork, construction, or machinery handling, it will give you an edge. But even without prior experience, some employers are willing to train new workers if they are committed.
Many of these companies offer forestry labor visa sponsorship, especially through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), which allows them to legally employ foreign nationals when there are not enough local workers to do the job.
Benefits of Working in a Lumber Mill in Canada
Choosing to work in a lumber mill in Canada comes with many benefits. These include:
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Visa Sponsorship: Many companies offer full work permit processing and LMIA-approved jobs.
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Stable Income: Entry-level workers earn between CAD $18 to $25 per hour. Skilled workers can earn more.
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Health and Safety: Canadian labor laws ensure good working conditions and proper protective equipment.
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Work Experience: It can lead to permanent residency for those looking to stay long term.
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Job Security: Lumber production is a steady industry, not seasonal or short-term.
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Support for Families: Some sponsorship jobs allow you to bring your spouse or children.
This is why many people are searching online for sawmill jobs for foreigners Canada or wood processing jobs with LMIA, because of the real benefits it offers.
Salary Comparison Table – Lumber Mill Jobs by Province
To help you know how much you can earn depending on where you work, below is a breakdown of the average hourly pay and sponsorship availability by province.
Province | Average Pay & Sponsorship |
---|---|
British Columbia | Entry-Level: $19–$23/hr |
Skilled: $24–$30/hr | |
Visa Sponsorship: Yes | |
Alberta | Entry-Level: $18–$22/hr |
Skilled: $23–$28/hr | |
Visa Sponsorship: Yes | |
Ontario | Entry-Level: $18–$24/hr |
Skilled: $25–$30/hr | |
Visa Sponsorship: Yes | |
Quebec | Entry-Level: $17–$21/hr |
Skilled: $22–$27/hr | |
Visa Sponsorship: Yes (some roles) | |
Manitoba | Entry-Level: $16–$20/hr |
Skilled: $21–$26/hr | |
Visa Sponsorship: Yes (limited openings) |
Note: Salaries may vary depending on the employer, job type, and level of experience.
Where to Find These Jobs – Provinces Hiring Foreign Workers
Canada’s lumber industry is spread across the country, but the top regions where foreign workers are most needed include:
British Columbia
B.C. has one of the largest forest industries in Canada. Towns like Prince George, Campbell River, and Nanaimo are major hubs for timber and sawmill activity. Many companies here are offering visa-sponsored forestry jobs for foreigners.
Alberta
Alberta’s forest operations are mainly in the northern region. Companies there are open to hiring people from abroad, especially for general labor roles and sawmill technicians. Jobs with visa sponsorship are increasing due to aging workforce and shortage of local labor.
Ontario
Ontario also offers several lumber mill jobs, particularly in the north around Thunder Bay and Kenora. There are openings for machine operators, forklift drivers, and mill workers. Many of these come with LMIA approval.
Quebec and Manitoba
Though French-speaking is common in Quebec, there are still opportunities for English-speaking applicants. Manitoba also offers openings in its growing wood product manufacturing sector.
If you are serious about relocating, it’s best to focus your job search on these provinces.
How to Apply for Lumber Mill Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Getting started may feel tough, but the steps are simple when followed properly.
1. Prepare Your CV
Your CV should include your name, contact details, work experience, education, and any skills related to factory or manual labor. Highlight anything related to woodwork, machinery, or physical jobs. Keep it one to two pages long and clear.
2. Search for Verified Job Postings
Only apply through trusted websites such as:
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Job Bank Canada (www.jobbank.gc.ca)
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WorkBC (www.workbc.ca)
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Company career pages (e.g., Weyerhaeuser, West Fraser Timber, Canfor)
Use search terms like:
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“Lumber mill jobs with visa Canada”
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“Sawmill jobs for foreigners Canada”
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“Wood processing LMIA jobs Canada”
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“Forestry labor visa sponsorship Canada”
3. Apply Directly to Employers
When you find a job, send your CV and a simple cover letter. Be honest, short, and polite. If the employer likes your application, they may offer you an interview.
If they are offering sponsorship, they will help you get an LMIA approval and guide you on how to apply for the work visa.
4. Apply for Work Permit
Once the employer provides the LMIA and job offer letter, you can apply for a Canadian work permit through the official IRCC website (www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship.html).
It is also good to prepare for medical checks and background clearance.
Common Job Titles in the Lumber Mill Sector
There are many roles you can apply for depending on your experience. Some of the common job titles include:
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General Labourer – Sawmill
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Lumber Grader
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Sawmill Operator
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Forklift Driver – Wood Processing
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Wood Products Machine Operator
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Shipper/Receiver
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Maintenance Technician
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Debarker Operator
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Log Sorter
Search for these specific job titles when looking for openings online.
Companies That Frequently Sponsor Foreign Workers
Here are a few known companies in Canada’s lumber industry that are open to hiring international applicants:
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West Fraser Timber
One of the largest lumber producers in Canada. They have operations in British Columbia and Alberta and regularly offer foreign recruitment for sawmill and general labor jobs. -
Canfor Corporation
Also based in B.C., Canfor hires for different wood processing roles. They support immigration programs. -
Weyerhaeuser Canada
A multinational wood product company with openings in Western Canada. -
Tolko Industries
Located in British Columbia and Alberta, Tolko supports LMIA recruitment in lumber mills.
These companies are usually found on Job Bank or their official career websites. Always confirm that the job comes with visa sponsorship before applying.
Tips to Get Selected Quickly
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Use a well-written CV with Canadian format
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Be ready for interviews via Zoom or Skype
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Mention your readiness to relocate
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Have a valid passport and documents ready
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Apply early. Don’t wait until the job closes
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Follow up your application after a week if you don’t get a reply
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I get a job in a Canadian lumber mill without experience?
Yes, some employers are open to training people with no experience, especially for entry-level positions. Just show that you are hardworking and ready to learn.
What is LMIA and why is it important?
LMIA stands for Labour Market Impact Assessment. It is a document that shows there is no Canadian available for the job, so the company can hire a foreign worker. You need this to get a sponsored work visa.
Do these jobs offer permanent residency?
Many foreign workers who start with a work permit later qualify for Permanent Residency (PR) under programs like the Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
How long does it take to process the visa?
After LMIA approval, work permit processing usually takes 6–12 weeks, depending on your country and how complete your documents are.
How much can I earn as a lumber mill worker?
Most workers earn from CAD $18 to $25 per hour. Skilled roles and overtime attract more pay.
Apply Now for Lumber Mill Jobs in Canada with Visa
Are you ready to take the next step? Start application Now! Thousands of foreign workers are finding their way to Canada through sawmill and forestry jobs with visa sponsorship. If you have the strength, motivation, and commitment to work, this opportunity could open the door to a better future.
Don’t wait until the jobs are filled. Companies are hiring now. Start your application online today, and increase your chances by sending your CV to multiple job listings.
If you found this guide useful, check out our full list of Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Canada for Foreigners – Updated Weekly. You’ll find jobs across different industries, from factory work to healthcare.
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