Canada Immigration Guide for Food Service Managers (NOC 60030)

Last Updated On : January 05 , 2025

The thriving restaurant industry in Canada offers a plethora of chances for individuals interested in pursuing careers as food service managers. In a variety of culinary settings, from informal dining to luxury restaurants, you will be responsible for managing operations, guaranteeing great service, and boosting profitability as a manager of restaurants and food service.

Moving to this country is a good alternative because of the great need for skilled personnel in this industry. A strong resume for restaurant management that highlights your relevant experience and qualifications might raise your chances of being hired significantly.

Why Canada is a Top Choice for Restaurant and Food Service Managers?

Professionals in the restaurant and food service industries who are looking for new possibilities and to advance in their careers are increasingly choosing to travel to Canada. Those in this field who manage successful businesses can benefit from many different opportunities. For this reason, choosing Canada is preferable:

• Healthy job market: There are plenty of job vacancies in a variety of settings, and there is a notable need for qualified managers of food service and restaurants in Canada.
• Competitive pay: Experience, location, and type of establishment all affect salary.
• Career growth: The varied culinary industry provides opportunities for advancement from entry-level to senior management positions.
• Healthy work-life balance: Canadian workplace culture promotes a healthy work-life balance.
• Immigration opportunities: Canada offers a variety of pathways for skilled professionals due to its benevolent immigration regulations.
• Multicultural environment: Canada's diverse population makes for a broad variety of culinary delights.

Overview of the Canadian Food Service Industry

Canada's food service industry is dynamic and multifaceted, with a wide range of categories catering to the changing preferences of consumers. An overview of the industry is given by the following pie chart, which displays the market share distribution across a number of categories for food service facilities:

With nearly half of the business, full-service restaurants continue to be the largest player in the Canadian food service market, as evidenced by this distribution. Quick-service restaurants are the next in line, catering to the public's increasing desire for quick and convenient meals.

While non-commercial food services, which include food offerings in institutions and retail settings, are gaining traction due to evolving consumer preferences for diverse culinary experiences and high-quality meals in non-traditional settings, caterers and drinking establishments also make a significant contribution.

Rising Demand for Foodservice Professionals

The restaurant and food services sector in Canada recorded over 120,000 unfilled positions at the end of 2024 — the highest vacancy rate across all industries.

Restaurant Managers (NOC 60030)

As of April 2025, there are over 3,000 restaurant manager positions advertised across Canada, indicating a substantial increase in demand for skilled professionals in this role. ​To apply through express entry, you must maintain a minimum CRS score of 475-490, according to the latest draw results.

Chefs (NOC 62200)

Chefs are the most-demand occupation in the food sector as the profession is projected to grow by 3.6% from 2022 to 2031. With growing culinary diversity, there’s a consistent need for chefs trained in international cuisines, including South Asian, Middle Eastern, and East Asian specialities.

Food Service Supervisors (NOC 62020)

The consistent demand in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia suggests favorable opportunities for Food Service Supervisors seeking permanent residency in Canada. Their demand is particularly high in fast food, catering, and institutional settings.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Canada

Restaurant managers in Canada have a lot of job opportunities because the food service sector is in high demand for qualified workers. Based on many parameters including region, establishment type, and experience, the typical annual income for a restaurant manager in Canada is $40,905 to $148,000, according to the most recent data.

In Canada, the basic pay for a restaurant manager can vary from $73,300 to $111,000 annually, with a median income of approximately $136,000. However, depending on a number of variables, including geography, gender, experience, and skill set, compensation can differ dramatically.

Which Province is Best for Restaurant Managers in Canada

The average hourly wage for restaurant managers can vary significantly across different provinces. According to the provided image, the provinces with the highest average hourly wages for restaurant managers in Canada are:

1. Alberta: Fort McMurray tops the list with the highest average hourly wage due to the region's high demand for skilled workers.
2. British Columbia: Surrey and Vancouver rank among the top-paying cities for restaurant managers.

It's worth exploring specific restaurant chains or establishments in each province to find the most promising opportunities. Some popular restaurant chains in Canada include:

• The Canadian Brewhouse: This chain has locations across Canada and is known for its diverse menu and friendly atmosphere.
• Mitchell's Cafe situated in Fort McMurray, Alberta, is a prime example of a successful local restaurant. It offers diverse culinary options and is a favourite among the locals.

By choosing a restaurant from a chain, you have the freedom to work in various Canadian provinces. If you decide to move to a different province, you can easily do so.

Canada Immigration Pathways

There are multiple options accessible to restaurant and food service managers who wish to immigrate to Canada. A summary of the main options is provided below:

1. The Express Entry system provides a points-based immigration pathway. As a food service manager noc (NOC 0631), you can be qualified for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) if you have previous job experience in Canada.
2. Provincial Nominee Programs for managers of restaurants and food services are available in a number of provinces. Among the noteworthy choices are:

• OINP, or Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
• BC PNP, or British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program
• AINP, or Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
• SINP, or Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program

These provinces may provide simpler entry points for immigrants because they frequently have a significant need for restaurant managers and culinary services.

NOC Code & Job Descriptions For Restaurant Managers:

NOC Code: 60030

Job Duties:

• Supervising day-to-day activities
• Planning the menu and maintaining inventory control; Staff management and training
• Ensuring adherence to safety and health laws
• Budgeting and money management
• Resolving disputes and providing customer service

Life in Canada for Restaurant and Food Service Managers

Find everything from navigating living costs and finding accommodation to effective job search strategies and essential licensing requirements. We'll also explore the work-life balance you can expect and tips for cultural integration.

• Living cost
• Finding accommodation
• Job search strategies
• License and Certificate required
• Work life balance

Living Cost:

Toronto and Vancouver typically have higher prices, whereas smaller cities and rural locations typically have lower costs.

Finding Accommodation:

• Look for communities that strike a balance between cost and commuting time.
• When looking for a home, take into account temporary housing.
• Make use of trustworthy local agents and rental websites.
• Set aside money for utilities outside of your rent.

Job Search Strategies:

• Revise your resume for manager in a restaurant to reflect Canadian norms.
• Use employment search engines tailored to the hospitality sector.
• Become a member of trade associations such as the Canadian Restaurant and Food services Association Go to job fairs and industry events
• Make use of professional networking sites such as LinkedIn.

Licensing and Certification Requirements:

While there isn't a formal license needed in Canada for managers of restaurants and food services, having the following certificates can help your restaurant manager resume stand out:

• Food Handler's Certificate: required in the majority of provinces
• The provincial equivalent of Smart Serve in terms of alcohol service
• Certifications in leadership and management
• Certifications in health and safety

Work-Life Balance and Cultural Integration:

Canada, especially in the hard-charging manager food service sector, often provides a healthy work-life balance. But be ready for hard hours especially in the beginning.

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