Since Canada’s beauty business is expanding significantly, hairstylists have a bright future. They have many options, including freelancing, starting businesses, and working in salons and spas.
Hairstylists have numerous opportunities to develop their abilities and expertise and progress in their careers. Countless spas and salons provide continuing education and training programs, and multiple industry conferences and events offer opportunities to learn about the newest methods and trends.
Foreign hairstylists aiming to relocate and work in Canada must understand the nuances of employment options and visa sponsorship. Finding a job and getting the required visa may seem like complex processes, but they can be simple with the right help and knowledge.
This guide will discuss ways to find hairstylist jobs with visa sponsorship in Canada, focusing on salary expectations, visa options, and the best Canadian provinces for hairstylists.
How to Find Hairstylist Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
When searching and applying for job opportunities in Canada, you are more likely to get visa sponsorship if you concentrate on companies that have hired foreigners before. Meanwhile, you can also try these reliable methods:
- Job Boards: Websites like Job Bank Canada, Indeed, and Workopolis help find jobs with visa sponsorship. Search with keywords like “hairstylist visa sponsorship” or “foreign hairstylist Canada” to narrow your options.
- Recruitment Agencies: Agencies specializing in hair-styling, fashion, or skilled labor placement can connect you with Canadian employers willing to sponsor foreign workers and help guide you through the visa application process.
By targeting these resources, you’ll increase your chances of finding a hair-styling role that fits your skills and offers visa sponsorship.
Salary and Benefits for Hairstylists in Canada
Hairstylists in Canada earn competitive wages that vary by experience, region, and specific job role:
- Average Salary: The average salary for a hairstylist in Canada is $38,570 per year, with an estimated total pay of $59,837 per year. Additional income can include tips, commissions, cash bonuses, and profit sharing. Hair stylists can also be compensated through chair rental agreements.
- Overtime Pay: Many hair-styling jobs offer overtime pay, which boosts overall earnings, especially during peak festive periods.
These competitive wages and benefits make hair-styling jobs a practical choice for foreign workers looking to settle in Canada.
Reasons to Work as a Hairstylist in Canada
- Creativity: As a hairstylist, you can be creative every day. Whether you give someone a new haircut, color their hair, or style it for a special occasion, there is always room for creativity in this field.
- Variety: No two days as a hairstylist are the same. You’ll work with a wide range of clients, each with unique styles and preferences, so you’ll always be kept on your toes.
- Flexibility: Many hairstylists can set their schedules so that you can work around your other commitments and obligations.
- Income Potential: Hair stylists can make a solid income if they have the necessary education and expertise. The typical yearly salary for hairstylists in Canada is $39,000, citing the Government of Canada’s job bank. It’s also important to note that many hairdressers in Ontario rent booths or work as independent artists on commission. As a result, they are categorized as self-employed, and the amount of money they make is reported in various ways, highly dependent on the volume of clients they see and the services they offer. By developing a loyal clientele and providing a range of services, hairstylists can boost their revenue. Your income potential as a hairstylist is unlimited, and you might make six figures annually.
- Personal fulfillment: Helping someone feel good about themselves is very satisfying. As a hairstylist, you’ll have the chance to accomplish this daily, whether helping someone get ready for a special occasion or giving them a haircut that will enhance their confidence.
- Ongoing learning: The beauty industry constantly evolves, with new trends and techniques always emerging. Throughout your career as a hairstylist, you’ll have the chance to learn new things and advance.
Best Canadian Provinces for Hairstylists
Some of the best Canadian provinces for hairstylists include Alberta, British Columbia, and New Brunswick:
- Alberta: Has good job prospects for hairstylists. To work as a hairstylist in Alberta, you must have a certificate recognized by Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training or be a registered apprentice. Apprentice hair stylists start at minimum wage, and their pay increases as they gain training.
- New Brunswick: Has good job prospects for hairstylist apprentices.
- British Columbia: Has good job prospects for hairstylists. They can enjoy high salaries due to the city’s booming population.
In addition, Stoney Creek, Toronto, Peterborough, Vancouver, and Lethbridge are some of Canada’s highest-paying cities for hairstylists.
Types of Visa Options for Hairstylists in Canada
Hairstylists can immigrate to Canada through several programs, including:
- Express Entry: A popular and fast way for hairstylists to immigrate to Canada. For those with significant work experience and skills, the Express Entry system offers a pathway to permanent residency. Hairstylists can qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, provided they meet the necessary criteria.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): A program that’s part of Express Entry and can be a quick way to get permanent residence after gaining work experience as a hairstylist.
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program (AIPP): This program allows employers in Atlantic Canada to hire foreign skilled workers or graduates. Through this program, hairstylists stand an excellent chance to immigrate to Canada.
- Quebec skilled worker: A program similar to the federal government’s skilled worker programs.
- Start-Up Visa Program: A federal program that offers permanent residence to the founding partners of a start-up business, such as a salon or spa.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Many provinces have immigration programs tailored to their specific labor market needs. Hairstylists may qualify for a PNP if they have a job offer in a province that recognizes them as an in-demand occupation.
The Process of Relocating to Canada as a Hairstylist
When moving to Canada as a hairstylist, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure you have the proper paperwork and credentials to work there. The following actions can be taken to ensure a seamless relocation process:
Research the Canadian Immigration System
You must first understand the Canadian Immigration System to determine your category. As a hairdresser, you may be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Considering your qualifications and work history, you must decide which immigration option suits you.
Obtain a Work Permit
Once you have chosen your preferred visa option, you must obtain a work permit. You can apply for employment or get a permit from the Canadian embassy in your country of residence or through the Canadian government’s website.
Additionally, ensure you have all the required documentation, including your career history, education certificates, and language proficiency.
Meet the Language Requirements
To work as a hairstylist in Canada, you must be fluent in either English or French. To prove your language proficiency, you will take an exam like the CELPIP or IELTS.
Verify Your Qualifications
You must verify your credentials before you can work as a hairstylist in Canada. You must contact the relevant regulatory body to work in the province where you plan to. Your credentials will be evaluated by the regulatory body to see if they satisfy Canadian standards.
Apply for a License
After reviewing your credentials, you must apply for a license to perform hair-styling in the area where you want to work.
The process for applying for a license may vary by province, but generally speaking, it involves passing a practical exam and meeting additional requirements, such as obtaining liability insurance.
Locate a Job
You can start looking for a job once you’ve obtained your license. You can search for work opportunities online or by contacting local hair salons. You can network with other hairdressers or go to industry events to expand your professional network.
Finally, it would be best if you settled down in Canada. You can find a place to live, open a bank account, and obtain a social insurance number (SIN) to be eligible for government services such as health care.
Conclusion
All things considered, working as a hairstylist is a creative, fulfilling job that enables you to work with a wide variety of clientele and truly impact people’s lives.
This can be the ideal career for you if you have a strong interest in the beauty industry and enjoy the thought of making people feel good about themselves! Explore Hairstylist Job Listings in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible to migrate to Canada as a hairstylist?
Yes. You can migrate to Canada once you have satisfied the occupational and educational requirements to become a hairstylist in Canada.
Are there any language requirements for this position?
Yes, proficiency in English is required for effective communication on the job.
Is there overtime required for this job?
Yes, candidates should be prepared for overtime, considering the nature of the business.
Can international candidates apply for this opportunity?
Absolutely! The employer accepts applications from Canadian citizens, permanent or temporary residents, and other candidates with or without a valid Canadian work permit.
