Does an LMIA apply to all of the sponsored retail jobs?

No, but this is the most usual path to Retail Store Manager jobs. Certain positions of management might be LMIA-exempt based on the international trade agreements or particular federal/provincial programs, however, as a rule, the LMIA becomes the usual exercise of TFWP work permits.

What are the Test Results required of Language Tests?

In the case of the work permit per se, the elementary knowledge of the language is usually adequate. But with Permanent Residence through Express Entry or some forms of PNPs you will require certified Language Test Results (CELPIP or IELTS) to demonstrate at least some minimum level, usually CLB 7.

What is the mean earnings of an NOC 60020 manager?

Retail and wholesale trade manager salaries (NOC 60020) will depend on the area, though the median of the hourly wage within the Canadian region is approximately 42.74/hour, and the average annual pay is about 88,800 CAD. Such a high wage enables employers to get the LMIA process.

Canada Retail Jobs With Work Visa Sponsorship

And you dream of having a new career working in a store in Vancouver, Toronto or Calgary? The giant retail industry in Canada is in constant need of new employees, yet the Work Visa Sponsorship of such positions is a very particular matter.

The Exclusive Retail Jobs Sponsorable

Canadian immigration system values such roles which can be defined as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. In the case of the retail industry, it will mean that you have to target beyond the entry level job.

Highly Desired NOC Codes (Eligible Roles)

The following retail employment opportunities can be discussed as skilled enough to open an LMIA or to obtain a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

Retail Store Manager (NOC 60020): This is the main qualified position. Managers ensure that they plan, organize, direct, control, and assess the activities of the retail establishments. It is a TEER 0 (Management) occupation.
Retail Department Supervisor (NOC 62010): Managers of the salespersons and other employees in a department or a small shop. It is a TEER 2 occupation.
Visual Merchandiser (NOC 62130): Special jobs with more creative or technical aptitude may also be qualified, as long as the minimum salary is met.
E-commerce Manager / Retail Analyst: The jobs that have an emphasis on digital retail or data analysis are usually categorized as specialty NOCs that can be readily eligible in the LMIA process.
Important Note: TEER 4 are generally not eligible to employer-driven work permits such as the LMIA, and include General Sales Associates (NOC 64100).

Who Sponsors? Canadian Retail Employers of Major Size

Although not all positions are sponsored by the major chains, the biggest Canadian Retail Employers have the highest chances of approving an LMIA since they have proven the need of skilled management undisputable.

Grocery Chains: Loblaws and Sobeys are always seeking to sponsor Retail Department Supervisors and Store Managers because the demand is always high.
Specialty Retail: Specialty/Home Improvement: Specialty/Home Improvement: Canadian Tire and Home Depot Canada seek management talent in areas of particular products (e.g., automotive or plumbing manager).
Mass Retail: Walmart Canada and Costco Wholesale are often experiencing large-volume management requirements at the national level.
Fast-Food/QSR Management: Another entrance point is the LMIA Low-Wage Stream LMIA or High-Wage Stream LMIA, which sponsors these positions of management.

Your LMIA Work Permit Your Main Path

In the majority of cases, international workers are required to obtain an Employer-Specific Work Permit in which the employer has to obtain a positive LMIA. This report has validated that the employment of a Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) would not adversely affect the Canadian job market since there was no qualified Canadian citizen/permanent resident.

LMIA Process Step-by-Step (Employer-Driven)

Recruitment Efforts: The employer will have to put the job on the Government of Canada site of Job bank and two more sources of at least four weeks to demonstrate his/her inability to hire someone locally.
LMIA Application: The employer applies to ESDC (Employment and Social Development Canada) through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and provides the employer with a copy of their recruitment efforts and a processing fee of 1000 dollars.
Positive LMIA: In case of approval the employer is issued with a positive LMIA. It is the Job Offer Validation which is required by the applicant.
Submission of Work Permit: The foreign national (applicant) then submits the positive LMIA to IRCC (Immigration, refugees and citizenship Canada) to request his or her Employer-Specific Work Permit.

Using Retail Experience to get Permanent Residence

A sponsorship work permit is not all. The routes that Canada provides you in order to transfer your retail management experience into a Permanent Residence Pathway are several.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

One of them is the PNP. Under the provinces, the local labour requirements are naturally met by the selection of immigrants, particularly in management positions such as Retail Store Manager (NOC 60020).

Targeted PNPs: In provinces such as Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick etc) it is very common to target managers and supervisors within the retail and food service sectors.
Regional Pilots: Retail positions are also covered by the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP), and may be a great fit in cases where an individual is willing to work in a small community in Canada.

Express Entry

Having at least one year of Canadian work experience as a Retail Store Manager makes you considerably increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score in Express Entry (Federal skilled worker program). It is usually this experience that will make the difference between invitation to seek Permanent Residence or not.

FAQs

Does an LMIA apply to all of the sponsored retail jobs?

No, but this is the most usual path to Retail Store Manager jobs. Certain positions of management might be LMIA-exempt based on the international trade agreements or particular federal/provincial programs, however, as a rule, the LMIA becomes the usual exercise of TFWP work permits.
What are the Test Results required of Language Tests?

In the case of the work permit per se, the elementary knowledge of the language is usually adequate. But with Permanent Residence through Express Entry or some forms of PNPs you will require certified Language Test Results (CELPIP or IELTS) to demonstrate at least some minimum level, usually CLB 7.
What is the mean earnings of an NOC 60020 manager?

Retail and wholesale trade manager salaries (NOC 60020) will depend on the area, though the median of the hourly wage within the Canadian region is approximately 42.74/hour, and the average annual pay is about 88,800 CAD. Such a high wage enables employers to get the LMIA process.

Final Thoughts

One thing does not happen but is targeted, landing a Canada Retail Job With Work Visa Sponsorship. Disregard the idea of getting hired in general associate positions. Apply with a very high level of attention to positions of Retail Store Manager (NOC 60020), place an emphasis on your skills and experience as a manager and leader and use your experience to qualify within one of the many Permanent Residence Pathways in Canada such as the PNP.

Disclosure

The following job information has been disclosed as educational and informational purposes. There are regulations on the requirements of LMIA, Work Visa Sponsorship, and NOC Code eligibility to Canadian immigration which are controlled by IRRC and ESDC regulations. Rules, fees and processing times of a program may vary at any time. Before starting your application process, or committing any financial resources, please ensure that you do verify all the specifications and charges as per the official government portal (IRCC) or seek the assistance of a licensed Canadian Immigration professional.