The demand for order pickers in Canada has been growing steadily, fueled by the rapid expansion of e-commerce and retail industries. Order pickers play a vital role in warehouses and distribution centers, ensuring customer orders are picked, packed, and ready for shipment efficiently and accurately. With more Canadians needed in these roles, many employers are offering visa sponsorships to foreign workers to fill labor gaps. This guide will walk you through the latest order picker job opportunities in Canada, the qualifications needed, responsibilities, and how visa sponsorship can open doors for you.
Growing Demand for Order Pickers in Canada
Canada’s booming e-commerce sector has transformed the logistics and warehousing landscape over the last decade. Online shopping has become the norm, increasing the volume of orders that warehouses must fulfill daily. This surge has created an urgent need for skilled order pickers who can efficiently locate and prepare products for delivery.
Order pickers are crucial to maintaining the flow of goods from retailers to customers. Their work ensures orders are accurate, complete, and shipped on time. The importance of their role is reflected in the competitive wages and benefits offered by employers.
At the same time, Canada faces a labor shortage in warehousing and logistics sectors, particularly in provinces with major urban centers like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. To address this, many companies have started sponsoring foreign workers through Canada’s immigration and work visa programs, allowing them to legally work and settle in Canada.
Top Companies Hiring Order Pickers with Visa Sponsorship in Canada
Several well-known companies across Canada actively hire order pickers and offer visa sponsorships to qualified foreign workers. Below, we explore key job opportunities, including locations, pay, and role details.
Uline — St. Albert, Alberta
Pay: $30–$34 per hour
Job Type: Full-time
Uline’s warehouse in St. Albert offers a full-time order picker role with a highly competitive pay range. This position provides excellent career growth potential within a dynamic warehouse environment.
Responsibilities include:
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Accurately assembling and shipping orders timely
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Training on order picking and forklift equipment
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Adhering to safety standards
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Collaborating with warehouse management
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Participating in inbound operations
Requirements:
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High school diploma or equivalent
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Ability to lift packages up to 70 lbs
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Strong attention to detail and time management
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Availability for full-time work and potential overtime
Buns Master Bakery — Langley, British Columbia
Pay: $18 per hour
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
At Buns Master Bakery, order pickers maintain inventory, fulfill customer orders, and keep the workspace clean. This role requires experience and the ability to work in a physically demanding, fast-paced environment.
Key tasks include:
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Bagging, boxing, and parceling purchases
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Maintaining stock and inventory systems
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Cleaning duties such as sweeping and mopping
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Order picking
Requirements:
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Between seven months and just under one year of related work experience
The Home Depot Canada — Carleton Place, Ontario
Pay: From $18.75 per hour
Job Type: Full-time
The Home Depot offers full-time order picker roles with flexible scheduling and opportunities for career advancement. Candidates should have inventory management experience and be comfortable working in retail logistics.
Main duties include:
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Picking and verifying customer orders
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Operating lift trucks and equipment
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Customer service at the service desk
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Inventory management via computers and portable devices
Preferred skills:
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Previous forklift experience
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Computer literacy
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Good communication and problem-solving skills
TIRE HOTEL INC — Woodbridge, Ontario
Pay: $22 per hour
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
TIRE HOTEL INC offers a full-time order picker position in a fast-paced and physically demanding environment. This role involves bagging, boxing, parceling purchases, operating forklifts, and ensuring timely order fulfillment.
Responsibilities:
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Bagging, boxing, and parceling customer purchases for shipment or delivery
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Operating forklift machinery safely and efficiently
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Performing accurate order picking and inventory tasks
Requirements:
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Strong communication skills
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Reliability and ability to work in a team
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Client-focused mindset with a commitment to quality
This position offers comprehensive benefits and growth opportunities within the company.
Kaiser Foods (Alberta) Ltd. — Calgary, Alberta
Pay: $16 per hour
Job Type: Full-time
Kaiser Foods in Calgary provides full-time order picker roles in a demanding warehouse environment. The role requires organization, reliability, and teamwork to maintain efficient warehouse operations.
Key responsibilities:
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Picking and packing customer orders
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Managing stock inventory and recording incoming shipments
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Maintaining cleanliness and order in storage areas
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Pricing items and performing general cleaning duties
Requirements:
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Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
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Strong organizational skills
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Previous warehouse or order picking experience is an advantage
Kaiser Foods offers benefits and a supportive workplace culture.
Premium Uniforms Inc. — Etobicoke, Ontario
Pay: $16.55–$18.00 per hour
Job Type: Permanent, Full-time
Premium Uniforms Inc. seeks order pickers who can maintain high accuracy and efficiency in their warehouse. This role involves preparing orders for shipment, verifying inventory, and operating electric pallet jacks or forklifts.
Responsibilities:
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Packaging items to fulfill customer orders
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Receiving and verifying incoming shipments
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Using warehouse management systems for order processing
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Safely operating material handling equipment
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Performing detail-oriented order picking and inventory control
Requirements:
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Physical agility and attention to detail
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Ability to operate warehouse equipment
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Commitment to workplace safety and efficiency
The organization provides extensive benefits along with chances for career growth.
Understanding Visa Sponsorship for Order Picker Jobs in Canada
Visa sponsorship plays a crucial role in allowing international workers to lawfully secure jobs within Canada’s warehouse industry. Many employers facing labor shortages turn to temporary foreign worker programs to recruit skilled individuals internationally.
How Visa Sponsorship Works
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Employers apply through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or the International Mobility Program (IMP), depending on the job and sector.
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For many order picker positions, employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove there are no qualified Canadians or permanent residents available.
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Once the LMIA is approved, employers can provide a job offer letter to foreign candidates, who then apply for a work permit.
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Work permits linked to these programs allow workers to legally work in Canada for a specified period.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsored Workers
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Relevant experience or qualifications as specified by the employer
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Ability to meet physical and job-specific demands
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Compliance with Canadian immigration and employment laws
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Passing any required medical and security checks
Benefits of Visa Sponsorship
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Legal authorization to work and live temporarily in Canada
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Access to employer-provided benefits and protections
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Opportunity to gain Canadian work experience, which can support permanent residency pathways
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Support from employers with paperwork and relocation assistance
How to Apply for Order Picker Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Applying for order picker jobs in Canada that come with visa sponsorship can seem complex, but with a clear plan and the right information, you can navigate the process smoothly. Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you get started and increase your chances of success.
Research and Identify Suitable Employers
Start by finding companies that are actively hiring order pickers and offering visa sponsorship. Use online job boards, company websites, and government resources to locate openings.
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Popular job sites include Indeed, Job Bank Canada, and specialized recruitment platforms.
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Look for employers who have posted jobs with “visa sponsorship,” “LMIA-supported,” or “foreign worker program” keywords.
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Check government lists of employers with approved Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) to ensure legitimacy.
Prepare a Professional Resume and Cover Letter
Your resume should clearly highlight your relevant skills, experience, and physical ability to meet the demands of order picking roles.
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Include previous warehouse, logistics, or manual labor experience.
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Emphasize any forklift or equipment operation certifications.
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Emphasize your capacity to perform well in dynamic settings and your dependability.
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Write a concise cover letter tailored to each employer, expressing your interest and commitment.
Apply Directly to Job Postings
Submit your applications through the channels specified by the employer or job listing:
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Upload your resume and cover letter on job platforms.
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Apply through company career portals.
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Email your documents to recruitment contacts if provided.
Ensure you follow application instructions carefully and include all requested information.
Prepare for Interviews
If shortlisted, you may be invited for a phone or video interview.
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Practice common interview questions related to warehouse work and your experience.
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Be ready to discuss your physical fitness and availability.
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Ask questions about visa sponsorship, work permits, and relocation support.
Receive and Review Job Offer
If selected, you’ll receive a formal job offer from the employer. Review it carefully to confirm:
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Details of your role, pay rate, hours, and benefits.
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Confirmation of visa sponsorship and support.
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Terms of employment and expectations.
Do not sign or accept until you fully understand the offer.
Employer Applies for LMIA and Work Permit Sponsorship
The employer applies to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This step proves they cannot find Canadian workers for the position and need to hire foreign workers.
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Once LMIA is approved, you receive a copy of the positive LMIA.
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The employer provides you with an official job offer letter and LMIA documentation.
Apply for Your Work Permit
Using the job offer and LMIA, you apply for a Canadian work permit.
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Complete the online application through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
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Provide necessary documents: passport, job offer, LMIA, proof of qualifications, and photographs.
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Pay applicable fees.
Attend Medical and Security Checks
You may be required to undergo a medical examination and background/security checks as part of the application.
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Use approved panel physicians.
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Provide police clearance certificates if requested.
Await Work Permit Approval
Processing times vary by country and workload. Stay in contact with IRCC and respond promptly to any additional requests.
Plan Your Travel and Arrival
Once your work permit is approved, arrange your travel to Canada.
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Check visa requirements for your country if a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) is needed.
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Prepare documents for border officials, including your work permit approval and job offer.
Start Your Job and Comply with Visa Conditions
Upon arrival, report to your employer as scheduled and adhere to all employment terms and Canadian laws.
Helpful Tips for a Successful Application
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Start early: Visa and work permit processes can take weeks or months.
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Verify employer legitimacy: Always check that the employer has a positive LMIA and is approved to hire foreign workers.
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Keep all documents organized: Store copies of your application forms, communications, and approvals.
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Seek assistance: Use authorized immigration consultants or official government resources to avoid scams.
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Maintain honesty: Provide truthful information in applications and interviews.
Tips for Applying for Order Picker Jobs in Canada With Visa Sponsorship
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Prepare a professional resume highlighting relevant warehouse and order picking experience.
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Research employers known to sponsor visas and check job boards regularly.
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Be ready to demonstrate your physical fitness and ability to handle warehouse equipment safely.
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Understand the visa application process and required documentation.
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Maintain clear communication with potential employers and respond promptly to inquiries.
Conclusion
The Canadian warehousing and logistics sectors offer numerous opportunities for order pickers, fueled by the rapid growth of e-commerce and retail industries. With competitive wages, benefits, and visa sponsorship options, skilled and motivated foreign workers can build rewarding careers in this field.
This guide outlined some of the top companies hiring order pickers across Canada, detailing job requirements, responsibilities, and wages. Additionally, it explained the role of visa sponsorship and how foreign workers can access these opportunities legally.
If you’re interested in pursuing an order picker job in Canada, take time to prepare your application thoroughly, understand visa processes, and target employers offering sponsorship. With the right approach, you can secure stable employment and contribute to Canada’s vibrant supply chain ecosystem.