Childcare Worker Roles in Canada for International Workers with Visa Sponsorship in 2025

Canada continues to experience rapid growth in its childcare sector, driven by increasing demand from working families, new immigration policies, and government-funded childcare programs.

The year 2025 is expected to mark one of the highest job creation periods in the childcare industry as the country addresses labor shortages in early childhood education and care.

For international workers seeking stable and rewarding employment, childcare worker roles in Canada with visa sponsorship provide one of the most direct entry points into the labor market.

Across provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec, childcare centers, preschools, and private households are actively seeking qualified candidates.

Many employers are unable to fill vacancies locally, making them open to recruiting international workers who can meet the minimum requirements.

The demand is particularly strong in urban centers like Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal, where the population of young families continues to grow.

For foreign applicants, one of the biggest advantages of pursuing a childcare worker job in Canada is the availability of employer-sponsored visas that allow workers to legally migrate and begin employment while also building a pathway toward permanent residency.

Unlike other industries where prior Canadian experience may be required, the childcare sector often welcomes applicants with international qualifications, provided they meet certain language and background check requirements.

Recent data from Statistics Canada shows that there are currently over 280,000 childcare and early childhood educator jobs nationwide, with an estimated 14% growth rate expected through 2025–2027.

For international workers, this translates into thousands of job opportunities in licensed childcare centers, private daycare facilities, preschools, and even within government-funded family resource centers.

Employers are also offering additional benefits to make roles attractive for foreign talent. These benefits often include competitive salaries, healthcare coverage, accommodation support, and in many cases, free visa sponsorship.

For workers seeking both financial stability and long-term career opportunities, this sector has become one of the most accessible employment options in Canada.

The next sections of this article will take a closer look at the skills required, the regions with the highest salaries, realistic salary expectations, and the major employers currently hiring.

By the end, international workers will have a clear understanding of how to successfully apply and secure a visa-sponsored childcare job in Canada in 2025.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

While childcare worker roles in Canada offer accessible pathways for international applicants, there are specific skills and minimum experience requirements that employers look for.

These vary depending on whether the role is in a licensed daycare, a preschool, or a private household setting. However, at the entry-level, the industry maintains flexible standards to allow for the recruitment of foreign workers who are eager to learn and adapt.

The most critical skill is the ability to provide safe and attentive care to children. Employers seek workers who demonstrate patience, communication ability, and cultural sensitivity.

Since many children in Canadian childcare centers come from diverse backgrounds, understanding inclusivity and respecting cultural differences is highly valued.

In terms of qualifications, applicants are generally expected to have completed at least a high school diploma or its international equivalent.

Some provinces, like Ontario and Alberta, may require completion of a short certification program such as Early Childhood Assistant (ECA) or training in first aid and CPR.

However, many employers provide on-the-job training to international recruits, particularly when they arrive under work visa sponsorship programs.

For language requirements, Canada places strong emphasis on English or French proficiency. International applicants may be asked to provide proof of language skills through IELTS or CELPIP scores, depending on the visa route taken.

Employers typically look for candidates who can:

Supervise children during daily routines such as meals, play, and rest times.
Assist with educational activities designed for early learning.
Communicate effectively with parents and guardians about child development.
Maintain cleanliness and safety within the childcare environment.

Experience, while not always mandatory, can increase employability. Candidates with at least 6–12 months of childcare or teaching assistant experience—even in their home country—are more likely to secure higher-paying roles.

For international workers, this experience shows employers that they are familiar with the responsibility of handling children in a structured environment.

It is important to note that criminal background checks and medical clearance are essential requirements. Canadian law mandates that childcare workers must have a clean criminal record and be free from communicable diseases before beginning work.

Many employers assist international workers in completing these checks as part of the visa sponsorship process.

With entry-level jobs offering salaries that start between CAD $29,000 and CAD $35,000 annually, foreign applicants can expect a stable income while working their way toward more senior roles such as Early Childhood Educator (ECE), which commands higher pay and permanent residency eligibility.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

Not all regions in Canada pay the same salary for childcare workers, and for international applicants seeking visa sponsorship, choosing the right province or city can make a big difference in overall earnings and career growth.

The cost of living, government childcare subsidies, and regional demand all play a major role in determining wage structures.

According to 2024 Canadian government labor data, the provinces offering the highest salary ranges for childcare workers include:

Alberta – Average annual salary: CAD $39,500 – $47,000
British Columbia – Average annual salary: CAD $38,000 – $45,000
Ontario – Average annual salary: CAD $37,000 – $44,000
Saskatchewan & Manitoba – Average annual salary: CAD $36,500 – $42,000
Quebec – Average annual salary: CAD $35,000 – $41,000

Within provinces, salaries can vary further based on urban versus rural settings. For instance, childcare workers in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary earn higher wages due to increased demand and higher costs of living.

A childcare assistant in Toronto may earn close to CAD $22 per hour, while the same role in a smaller town in Quebec may pay around CAD $17 per hour.

International workers should also consider regions that provide additional benefits. For example, British Columbia has government-funded childcare wage enhancements, which add an extra CAD $4 per hour for eligible roles.

Similarly, Alberta offers rural placement bonuses to encourage workers to move outside major cities, which can increase annual income by CAD $2,000–$3,000.

In 2025, the provinces with the most active recruitment campaigns for foreign childcare workers are expected to be Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, due to their growing population of young families and shortage of local staff.

These regions not only offer competitive pay but also have employers more willing to cover visa sponsorship costs, relocation allowances, and even temporary housing for new arrivals.

Therefore, when applying for childcare jobs in Canada, international workers should carefully compare not only the salary but also the cost of living and benefits offered by employers in each province.

Salary Expectations for Childcare Workers

For foreign workers, understanding salary expectations is one of the most important aspects of considering childcare jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship.

While salaries differ by region, role, and level of experience, 2025 projections indicate a steady upward trend due to labor shortages and government investment in the childcare sector.

At the entry-level, childcare assistants can expect salaries between CAD $29,000 and CAD $35,000 per year, depending on the province.

This usually equates to CAD $15–$18 per hour. Workers with prior experience or additional certifications such as Early Childhood Educator (ECE) may earn between CAD $36,000 and CAD $44,000 annually.

Highly experienced childcare workers or supervisors can command salaries of CAD $48,000–$55,000 per year. In major cities where the cost of living is higher, wages may climb even further.

For example, in Vancouver, some licensed childcare centers offer starting salaries at CAD $20–$23 per hour, especially for workers who are bilingual in English and French or who possess specialized training in child psychology.

Additional income opportunities also exist in the childcare field. Workers who agree to evening or weekend shifts, or those employed in private households, can earn extra pay.

Families employing full-time live-in childcare providers often offer salaries that range from CAD $2,200–$2,800 per month, in addition to free accommodation and meals.

Employers also enhance salary packages by offering benefits such as:

Health and dental insurance coverage.
Paid vacation and sick leave.
Professional development training subsidies.
Visa sponsorship and immigration support.

For international applicants, this means that total compensation often exceeds the base salary figure. A childcare worker earning CAD $36,000 annually may receive benefits valued at an additional CAD $4,000–$6,000, raising the overall package close to CAD $42,000 annually.

With Canada’s government investing over CAD $30 billion into national childcare funding by 2025, wages in this industry are expected to steadily increase.

This makes childcare one of the most stable job sectors for foreign workers seeking both competitive pay and long-term security.

Companies Hiring Childcare Workers in Canada

International workers aiming to secure childcare roles in Canada with visa sponsorship must focus on employers who actively hire foreign staff due to ongoing labor shortages.

In 2025, hundreds of childcare centers, schools, and private agencies are expanding recruitment efforts to attract global talent.

The majority of job offers come from licensed childcare centers, preschools, and family daycare programs funded by provincial governments. These institutions are experiencing high demand but insufficient domestic labor supply, pushing them to look abroad.

For example, Ontario alone reports a shortage of more than 8,000 childcare staff positions, while British Columbia and Alberta face a combined shortage of nearly 5,500 qualified workers.

Some of the well-known organizations and employers include:

YMCA Canada: With childcare programs across multiple provinces, YMCA frequently hires assistants and early childhood educators. They are also known for sponsoring international applicants and providing accommodation support.
BrightPath Kids Corp: Operating over 80 centers in Alberta, British Columbia, and Ontario, BrightPath is one of the largest childcare providers in Canada. They regularly sponsor skilled childcare workers.
Kids & Company: With locations in major cities like Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver, this private childcare chain offers competitive salaries and visa sponsorship opportunities for foreign workers.
Wee Watch Licensed Home Child Care: A growing network of licensed home-based childcare programs across Ontario, known for hiring assistants and caregivers from abroad.
Provincial Government-Funded Childcare Centers: In provinces like Quebec and Manitoba, state-supported childcare centers often recruit international staff under government-approved visa programs.

Apart from large companies, private households are another strong employer base. Wealthy families in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary often sponsor live-in nannies and childcare workers from abroad.

These positions typically come with free housing, meals, and competitive monthly salaries, often ranging from CAD $2,200 to CAD $2,800.

In addition to direct hiring, employment agencies and recruiters specializing in immigration and childcare jobs play a crucial role.

Many Canadian employers outsource recruitment to agencies that handle the paperwork for visa sponsorship, medical checks, and flight arrangements for successful candidates.

One of the key advantages of working with established childcare employers is the pathway they create toward permanent residency.

Many offer support under immigration programs such as the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the Home Child Care Provider Pilot, which allow international employees to transition into permanent status after gaining sufficient Canadian work experience.

With Canada allocating billions of dollars into childcare subsidies, the demand for foreign workers in this field is unlikely to decline. International applicants are therefore encouraged to target well-known companies that not only provide jobs but also long-term immigration pathways.

Visa Types and Options for Childcare Workers

Securing a childcare job in Canada as an international worker requires the right visa. Fortunately, the Canadian government has created several pathways specifically designed to attract foreign childcare professionals.

In 2025, the most relevant visa programs for childcare workers include both temporary and permanent options.

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) is one of the most widely used routes. Employers apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), proving they cannot fill the childcare position locally.

Once approved, international workers receive a work permit tied to that specific employer. This visa allows applicants to stay in Canada for up to two years, with the possibility of extension.

Another major pathway is the Home Child Care Provider Pilot. This program is designed specifically for caregivers and childcare workers. It provides an initial work permit and, after completing two years of full-time work in Canada, workers can apply directly for permanent residency.

This makes it one of the most attractive visa options for international childcare applicants, as it not only guarantees employment but also a long-term settlement plan.

For those with formal qualifications, the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) offers opportunities to secure permanent residency through provinces facing acute labor shortages.

For example, Ontario and Alberta frequently nominate childcare workers under their regional immigration streams.

In cases where candidates already have family in Canada, the Family Sponsorship Program may be used. However, for most international applicants, the TFWP and Home Child Care Provider Pilot remain the most accessible routes.

Applicants should be aware that visa applications require supporting documents, including:

Job offer letter from a Canadian employer.
Educational certificates and work experience records.
Police clearance and medical reports.
Proof of English or French language proficiency.

Visa processing fees vary but typically range between CAD $150 and CAD $250 for work permits. Employers sponsoring visas often cover these costs, along with relocation expenses, making the process affordable for foreign workers.

With streamlined policies expected in 2025, Canada is prioritizing childcare workers for faster visa approvals. Many applications under the Home Child Care Provider Pilot are processed within 12–16 weeks, far quicker than other visa categories.

For international workers, understanding these visa options is crucial. Choosing the right pathway not only ensures legal entry into Canada but also maximizes long-term residency opportunities.

Where to Find Childcare Worker Jobs Opportunities

Finding childcare jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship requires strategic job searching, as many employers specifically target foreign applicants. In 2025, international workers can access opportunities through a mix of online job boards, recruitment agencies, and direct employer websites.

One of the most reliable platforms is Job Bank Canada, the official government job portal. It lists thousands of childcare-related positions, many of which are open to foreign applicants with LMIA approval. The advantage of Job Bank is that postings are verified and updated regularly, reducing the risk of scams.

Other popular platforms include:

Indeed Canada: A major job site where childcare centers and private families frequently post openings.
Workopolis: Another leading site with childcare-related positions across provinces.
LinkedIn: Increasingly used by childcare providers to recruit international talent.

Employment agencies specializing in foreign recruitment also play a key role. Agencies like MGR Workforce and Canadian Recruitment Agency assist applicants by connecting them with employers willing to provide visa sponsorship. These agencies often handle documentation, interviews, and relocation support.

For those targeting private household jobs, platforms such as Care.com Canada provide listings for families seeking live-in nannies and caregivers. These roles often come with visa sponsorship and additional benefits like free housing and meals.

Apart from online searches, networking with immigrant support organizations in Canada can provide leads. Many provincial governments run settlement agencies that connect newcomers with employers in the childcare sector.

The demand for childcare workers is especially high in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, so job seekers should prioritize searches in these provinces. For example, in Ontario alone, over 1,200 childcare assistant jobs are posted monthly, many specifying visa sponsorship eligibility.

By combining job boards, recruitment agencies, and direct applications to large childcare employers, international workers can significantly increase their chances of securing a position. The key is persistence and applying to multiple employers across different provinces.

How to Apply for Childcare Worker Roles as an International Worker in Canada

The application process for international childcare jobs in Canada involves several steps, and understanding each one increases the likelihood of success.

The first step is to prepare a professional Canadian-style resume and cover letter. Unlike resumes in some countries, Canadian resumes emphasize skills, achievements, and relevant experience rather than lengthy personal details. A strong application should highlight childcare experience, certifications, and language proficiency.

Once the resume is ready, applicants must apply directly to childcare centers, agencies, or private families offering sponsorship. When shortlisted, candidates are usually required to attend online interviews via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. During these interviews, employers assess communication skills, childcare knowledge, and willingness to relocate.

Successful candidates receive a job offer letter, which is crucial for visa processing. Employers then apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if hiring under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.

With an LMIA approval, candidates can submit their work permit application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Applicants should also prepare to provide supporting documents, including:

Valid passport.
Educational transcripts.
Police clearance certificate.
Proof of work experience.
Medical examination results.

The application fee is typically CAD $155 for work permits, but many employers cover this cost. Visa processing times vary, but for childcare workers, priority processing means most applications are approved within 3–4 months.

To maximize chances of success, applicants should:

Apply to multiple employers in high-demand provinces.
Highlight soft skills such as patience, communication, and adaptability.
Secure reference letters from previous employers.
Demonstrate willingness to commit to long-term contracts.

Once in Canada, workers gain valuable Canadian experience, which is a key requirement for permanent residency under programs such as the Home Child Care Provider Pilot.

After completing two years of full-time work, most childcare workers become eligible to transition into permanent residents and eventually apply for Canadian citizenship.

By carefully following the application steps, international workers can secure not only a stable job but also a pathway to permanent settlement in Canada, making childcare one of the most promising career choices for foreign applicants in 2025.