"No Canadian Experience" Jobs: 10 Companies That Actually Hire

It is the classic "Catch-22" of immigration: You need a job to get Canadian experience, but you need Canadian experience to get a job.

Employers use "Canadian Experience" as a filter to reject resumes, often because they are afraid you won't fit the "culture." But in 2026, the tide is turning. Ontario has officially banned the requirement for Canadian experience in job postings (effective recently), and smart companies are realizing that newcomers are their hardest workers.¹

If you are tired of rejection emails, stop applying to small businesses that don't understand immigration. Target the Big Corporations with dedicated "Newcomer Hiring Programs."

Here are the 10 best companies in Canada that will hire you based on your skills, not your passport history.

1. Walmart Canada (The "First Step" Giant)

Walmart is the largest employer of newcomers in the country. They do not care where you worked before; they care if you can work now.

• The Roles: Overnight Stocker, Fulfillment Associate, Cashier.
• Why apply: They have a structured training program that teaches you "Canadian Workplace Safety" standards. Having Walmart on your resume proves to future employers that you understand Canadian work culture.
• Internal Link: Check out our guide on Overnight Stocking Jobs for pay details.

2. RBC Royal Bank (The Corporate Gateway)

If you were a banker back home, apply here first. RBC has the most aggressive "Newcomer Mentorship" program of the Big 5 banks.

• The Roles: Customer Service Representative (Teller), Client Advisor.
• The Program: RBC Meeting Place. They offer paid internships specifically for newcomers to bridge the gap.
• The Hack: Put your multilingual skills (Hindi, Mandarin, Tagalog, Arabic) at the top of your resume. Banks need staff who speak their clients' languages.

3. GardaWorld (Security Services)

Security is the "Universal Job." It requires licensing, not experience.

• The Roles: Airport Screener (CATSA), Condo Concierge, Mobile Patrol.
• Why apply: They pay for your training in some provinces. Once you have your Security License, you are instantly hirable.
• Pay: $18 – $24 per hour.

4. Amazon (Logistics)

Amazon’s hiring process is automated. A computer decides if you are hired, not a biased manager.

• The Roles: Warehouse Associate, Delivery Station Liaison.
• The Benefit: No interview. You pass an online assessment, pass a background check, and you start.
• Internal Link: See our No Interview Warehouse List.

5. Tim Hortons (The Canadian Resume Builder)

It’s a cliché for a reason. "Tims" is often the first line on a new resume.

• The Roles: Baker, Team Member.
• Why apply: Canadian employers respect it. If you can handle the morning rush at Tim Hortons for 6 months, you can handle any job in Canada. It proves reliability.

6. Concentrix & Teleperformance (BPO Tech)

If you have IT or Customer Service skills, skip the retail jobs and go here.

• The Roles: Technical Support, Content Moderation, Banking Support.
• Why apply: They value your language skills more than your location. If you speak Spanish or French, you are a VIP candidate.
• Internal Link: Learn about Content Moderator Jobs.

7. Sun Life Financial (Insurance)

Insurance companies are desperate for salespeople who have networks in immigrant communities.

• The Roles: Financial Advisor (Commission based).
• The Risk: It is sales. You only eat what you kill.
• The Reward: Unlimited income potential and they sponsor your licensing exams (LLQP).

8. Loblaws (Supermarkets)

Like Walmart, they are a massive unionized employer.

• The Roles: Night Crew, Bakery Clerk, Personal Shopper.
• The Benefit: Union protection. Once you pass probation, you have guaranteed rights and raises, regardless of your background.

9. Home Depot (Skilled Trades Prep)

If you were a tradesperson (carpenter, plumber) back home but aren't licensed in Canada yet, work here.

• The Roles: Department Associate (Lumber, Plumbing).
• Why apply: You meet local contractors every day. It is the best place to network and find a sponsor for your apprenticeship.

10. Sodexo (Remote Camps)

If you want to save money and skip city rent, go north.

• The Roles: Housekeeping, Kitchen Helper.
• Why apply: Camps are multicultural hubs. Your work ethic matters more than your English accent.
• Internal Link: Read about No Experience Camp Jobs.

Comparison Table: Survival Job vs. Career Builder

Practical Questions Answered

"Should I 'dumb down' my resume?"

Consensus: YES.

If you have a Master’s Degree in Engineering and you apply to Walmart, you will be rejected.

• Why: They think you will quit in 2 weeks.
• The Fix: Create a "Survival Resume." Remove your Master's degree. List "freelance work" or "family business" to explain gaps. Only list your degree for professional jobs.

"Is volunteering worth it?"

Yes, but be strategic.

Don't just volunteer anywhere. Volunteer at a Food Bank or Habitat for Humanity.

• Why: It gives you a Canadian Reference. A reference from a local charity coordinator counts as "Canadian Experience" to many hiring managers.

"What is the 'Hidden Job Market'?"

This refers to jobs that are never posted online.

• How to tap it: Go to your local Employment Ontario or WorkBC center. They have relationships with employers who specifically ask for newcomers. Their services are free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to ask for "Canadian Experience"?

As of December 2023/2024 (depending on enactment), Ontario has banned the requirement for Canadian Experience in job postings and application forms.² However, employers can still test your competence. In other provinces, it is technically a grey area, but human rights tribunals have ruled it discriminatory.

Which city is best for newcomer jobs?

While Toronto and Vancouver have the most jobs, they have the highest cost of living. Cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Winnipeg currently have lower unemployment rates and a higher demand for workers, making it easier to land your first role.

Do I need a Canadian driver's license?

Yes. Even if you don't drive for work, a Canadian Driver's License (G License) is the standard form of ID. It shows you are "settled." Exchange your foreign license immediately upon arrival if your country has a reciprocal agreement.

About the author

Jeff Calixte (MC Yow-Z) is a Canadian career researcher and digital entrepreneur who studies hiring trends, labour market data, and real entry-level opportunities across Canada. He specializes in simplifying the job search for newcomers, students, and workers using practical, up-to-date information.

Sources

• Government of Ontario (Working in Ontario): https://www.ontario.ca/
• ACCES Employment (Newcomer Programs): https://accesemployment.ca/
• RBC Newcomer Meeting Place: https://www.rbc.com/newcomers/

Note:

Job availability, wages, and hiring conditions can vary widely by province, employer, season, and experience level. All salary ranges and job examples in this guide are estimates based on current labour market data. Always confirm details directly with the employer before applying.