Security Guard Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners

If you want to work in Canada as a security guard, this guide is for you. In simple words, I will explain how security guard jobs work in Canada, what employers look for, how visa sponsorship works, how much you can earn, and where to apply. I will also show a clear table of common security job titles and typical salary ranges. The language is simple and direct so anyone can understand.

Security guard jobs are among the easiest ways for foreigners to find work in Canada because many employers hire for entry-level roles and train staff. But working in Canada still needs the right papers. Most foreign workers need a work permit. Sometimes an employer must first apply to show they can hire a foreign worker — this is called an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment). Other times you might be eligible for an open work permit (less common for security guards).

Provinces also require security workers to get a local licence and complete training. So, finding a job is only one step — you must also follow immigration steps and provincial rules. I explain all these steps below, with practical tips, common mistakes to avoid, and where to find real job offers. By the end you will know the main routes to work in Canada as a security guard and the realistic pay you can expect.

Why Canada Needs Foreign Security Guards

1. ✅ Labour Shortage

Canada has a growing demand for security services in shopping malls, banks, offices, schools, construction sites, airports, and residential buildings. The number of local workers interested in these jobs is not always enough, especially in big cities and remote areas. Because of this shortage, employers look abroad for workers who are willing to fill these positions.

2. ✅ Growing Population and Urban Areas

Canada’s population is increasing every year due to immigration and natural growth. More people means more houses, businesses, events, and facilities that need protection. Security guards are needed to keep people and property safe. Foreign workers help fill the gap when local workers cannot meet the demand.

3. ✅ 24/7 Security Services

Security work is not only a daytime job. Guards are needed during nights, weekends, and holidays. Many Canadians prefer other jobs and may not want to work during these odd hours. Foreign workers are often more open to take on these shifts, which makes them valuable to employers.

4. ✅ Specialized Skills and Experience

Some foreign workers come with military, police, or prior security backgrounds from their home countries. Employers value this experience because it brings discipline, training, and professionalism.

5. ✅ Support for Big Events and Tourism

Canada hosts many international events, concerts, sports games, and festivals. These events require a large number of temporary security staff. Local workers may not be enough, so employers bring in foreign guards to handle extra demand.

6. ✅ Diversity and Language Skills

Canada is a multicultural country. Foreign security guards often speak different languages and understand different cultures, which helps in serving diverse communities. For example, in cities like Toronto or Vancouver, guards who can speak more than one language are a big asset.

What is Visa Sponsorship ?

“Visa sponsorship” simply means that an employer will helps you get permission to work in another country and also sign up to house you, pay your flight money and everything financial stuffs just for you to travel down there and start work.

How Visa Sponsorship works for jobs in Canada

In Canada’s system, this usually means the employer gives you a job offer and — in many cases — applies for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). A positive LMIA tells Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that the employer has tried to hire locally but needs a foreign worker. With that positive LMIA and job offer, you can apply for an employer-specific work permit. These permits state the name of the employer and conditions of the job. In short: employer finds you → employer may get LMIA → you apply for work permit → you come to work.

Important note: some programs let you work without an LMIA (open permits, some international agreements, or special programs). But for most regular private-sector jobs, including many security roles, an LMIA is often part of the process. Always check the exact rules for your situation.

Types of Work Permits for Security Guards in Canada

• Employer-specific work permit — Most common route when an employer offers a specific job and gets an LMIA if required. The permit names the employer and the job.
• Open work permit — Lets you work for many employers and is not employer-specific. These are usually for spouses of certain skilled workers, some post-graduation situations, or special programs. Security guard jobs are normally filled by employer-specific permits.
• Temporary foreign worker pathways — Employers use these to hire short-term workers. They must often show they cannot find a Canadian worker first (LMIA).

Do Security Guard Employers Sponsor Visas?

Yes — some employers will hire foreign workers and assist with the LMIA and work permit steps. But not every employer will sponsor; many prefer to hire local workers who already have the legal right to work. Employers that commonly sponsor are larger companies that need many staff, or those in remote locations where it is hard to find local workers. Always ask the employer plainly if they are willing to support LMIA / work permit steps before you accept an offer. A trustworthy employer will explain the process and give official documents.

Licensing, Training And Provincial Requirements

Canada’s provinces handle security worker licensing. This means after you arrive and before you start many security jobs, you must get a provincial security licence and sometimes complete mandatory training.

Examples:

• Ontario — You must meet age and work eligibility, complete mandatory training and pass tests, and hold a valid licence to work as a security guard or private investigator. Failure to carry a license when asked can cause fines.
• British Columbia (BC) — BC requires a security worker licence and training (Basic Security Training or equivalent) before applying for a licence. Training requirements are set by the provincial Registrar of Security Services.

Other provinces have similar systems and may require criminal record checks, licence fees, and specific classroom or online training. Always check the province where the job is — rules change between provinces.

What Employers Want In A Security Guard

Employers usually want:

• Proof you can legally work in Canada (work permit, permanent resident status, or Canadian citizenship).
• Clean criminal record (many provinces list disqualifying offences).
• Basic English or French depending on region (ability to communicate).
• Completion of required training and licences (or willingness to complete them after hire).
• Good physical fitness, reliability, and a professional attitude.

If you lack local licence or training but have a job offer, some employers will hire conditionally and help you complete training soon after arrival.

Position and Titles For Security Jobs in Canada

Security work has different titles and roles. A single employer may post several related jobs.

• Security Guard / Security Officer — General patrol, access control, guard posts.
• Mobile Patrol Officer — Patrols multiple sites in a vehicle.
• Loss Prevention Officer — Works in retail to prevent theft.
• Armed Security Guard — Guards with a licensed firearm (requires extra training and provincial rules).
• Concierge / Front Desk Security — Manages building entrance, visitor screening.
• Event Security — Crowd control at events and concerts.
• Private Investigator — Special licence and different role; often separate category.
• Security Supervisor / Shift Lead — Oversees other guards on shift.

Salary Ranges for Security Guards in Canada

A Security Guard in Canada earns between CA$30,800 and CA$41,300 per year. On average, most security guards make about CA$35,000 to CA$40,000 yearly. How much you earn depends on your experience and where you work. Below is a simple table with common security job titles and typical salary ranges in Canada. These are estimates; pay varies by province, employer, and experience. Sources: Job Bank, Indeed, Glassdoor.

Job Title	Payment per hour (CAD)	salary per month (full-time)
Security Guard / Security Officer	$15.50 – $25.00	$2,480 – $4,000
Armed Security Guard	$16.00 – $30.50	$2,560 – $4,880
Loss Prevention Officer	$15.50 – $24.00	$2,480 – $3,840
Mobile Patrol Officer	$16.00 – $26.00	$2,560 – $4,160
Concierge / Front Desk Security	$14.00 – $22.00	$2,240 – $3,520
Event Security	$14.00 – $25.00	(often casual / per event)
Security Supervisor / Shift Lead	$18.00 – $30.00	$2,880 – $4,800

if you want Full yearly salary, You can multiply each month salary by 12 and get result.

How To Find Security Guard Jobs in Canada

1. Prepare a simple CV — Focus on past guarding, customer service, police or army experience. Include licenses and any security training.
2. Search major job sites — Use the job sites listed later in this article. Filter for location, remote-work (if any), and employer sponsorship.
3. Apply to larger companies — Big security firms (national firms) are more likely to sponsor or help with LMIA because they hire many workers.
4. Ask explicitly about sponsorship — In applications or interviews, ask “Do you support LMIA or hire foreign workers?” so you do not waste time.
5. Get a real job offer on paper — If an employer says “yes” to sponsorship, ask for a written job offer letter with job duties, wages, hours, and location — you will need this for immigration steps.
6. Employer applies for LMIA if needed — The employer may start the LMIA process. Some small employers will not want to go through this step.
7. Apply for your work permit — With LMIA and job offer, you apply to IRCC for an employer-specific work permit (or follow the instructions given by the employer/immigration consultant).

How Long It Takes To Get Security Guard Job and What To Expect

The hiring + immigration timeline can be fast or slow at same time, thats why i will like to breakdown everything to your understanding

• Finding an employer and getting a job offer: weeks to months (depends on demand and your applications).
• Employer LMIA application: 4–12+ weeks (varies by processing times).
• Work permit application: several weeks to months (depends on visa office, documentation).
  Always plan for a few months from job offer to arrival. Some programs (open permits, IEC, or spouses of certain workers) can be faster, but these are not guaranteed for security jobs. Keep realistic expectations and avoid employers who make unrealistic promises.

Expenses You Should Plan for

• Training and licensing — Some provinces require paid training courses (e.g., Ontario 40-hour course; BC Basic Security Training). You may pay between CAD $100–$400 depending on provider and province.
• Licence fees — Provinces charge licence fees (varies).
• LMIA fees — Employers pay LMIA processing fees; as a candidate you should not pay the LMIA fee, but check the agreement carefully.
• Work permit application fees and biometrics — You will pay IRCC fees for the work permit and biometrics as the applicant. Fees change, so always check IRCC site for current amounts.

Warning: Do not pay large sums to any recruiter who promises instant visa approval. Use official IRCC channels and trusted employers. If someone asks you to pay for the LMIA or to falsify documents, this is a scam.

Benefits of Working As A Security Guard in Canada

There are some of this good things that a foreigner will get to enjoy when he or she starts working as a security guard in the beautiful nation of Canada, here are:

• Entry-level access to the Canadian labour market.
• Training and licence improve your resume for other roles (supervision, facilities, loss prevention).
• Some jobs include shift premiums (evening/night rates) and benefits for full-time workers.
• Possibility to move to higher paying supervisory roles.

Challenges Someone Might Face

• Many positions are shift work (nights, weekends).
• Pay for entry-level roles can be near minimum wage in some provinces.
• Provincial licence and criminal record checks can block those with certain convictions.
• Employers willing to sponsor are fewer than general job postings; competition is real.

How To Make Your Application Stronger

• Learn and improve basic English (or French if in Quebec).
• Get any local or international security training certificates you can (first aid, CPR, prior security courses).
• Prepare clear, honest references from past employers.
• Show willingness to get provincial licence quickly after arrival.
• Be ready to start in low-level shifts to gain local experience.

How To Write Application for Security Job in Canada

Use this short style or format when applying for a job or following up an employer:

Hello [Hiring Manager name],
I am very interested in the Security Guard / Security Officer position posted. I have [X years] experience in [security/loss prevention/customer service]. I would like to know if your company supports hiring and LMIA for foreign workers or if you only hire candidates who already have the legal right to work in Canada. I can provide full documentation and am ready to complete any required training or checks.
Thank you,
[Your name] — [Email / Phone]

Remember: Keep it short and direct. Employers appreciate clarity.

Where To Apply for Security Jobs in Canada

Below are common sites where you can search security guard jobs in Canada. These links will take you to public job boards and company pages.

• Job Bank — Visit website
• Indeed Canada — visit website
• LinkedIn Job — goto website
• Glassdoor — goto site
• CanadaVisa — employer options and guides: www.canadavisa.com/
• Major security companies (apply direct):
  • G4S / Allied Universal Canada (search company careers pages)
  • Securitas Canada (careers)
  • GardaWorld (careers)

When you apply on these sites, filter by location, job type, and include keywords like “LMIA”, “visa sponsorship” or “foreign workers” to find employers who mention willingness to hire internationally.

Provincial Tips: What To Check After You Have A Job Offer

• Check provincial licence steps — If your job is in Ontario, BC, Alberta, etc., check that province’s security licence page and training requirements. Many provinces require criminal record checks and fingerprints.
• Ask employer who will pay for training — Some employers pay for required provincial training; others expect you to pay. Clarify this.
• Understand your contract — Confirm hours, wages, overtime, shift work, and benefits in writing. This will help with the work permit application as IRCC wants clear job details.

Some Mistakes To Avoid When Looking the Job

• Accepting verbal promises without a written job offer.
• Paying recruiters for LMIA or guaranteed visa approvals. Legitimate employers pay the required fees.
• Assuming all security roles include licence training — many require you to have licence already or complete training soon after hire.

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Moving From Temporary Work To Permanent Residence

Working in Canada as a temporary foreign worker can be a path to permanent residence (PR) through programs like Express Entry or provincial nominee programs. Employers sometimes support PR applications or nominate workers for provincial programs. If your goal is to stay permanently, talk to your employer about long-term opportunities and check PR pathways. This is a separate process governed by IRCC and provincial programs.

Example success path (short story)

A typical success path:

1. You apply to a national security company and get a conditional job offer.
2. Employer applies for LMIA.
3. You get work permit and travel to Canada.
4. On arrival you complete provincial training and licence (employer arranges or covers cost).
5. After 1–2 years of good work, you apply for permanent residence through a provincial nomination or Express Entry (if eligible).

This path shows the combination of employer support, immigration steps, and provincial licensing needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I get a job as a security guard in Canada from outside the country?
A: Yes, but you normally need a job offer and the employer may need an LMIA. Once you have these, you can apply for an employer-specific work permit. Some programs let people work without LMIA, but these are limited.

Q2: How much do security guards earn in Canada?
A: It varies by province and role. Typical hourly wages are roughly CAD $15–$25 for many roles, with some specialized or supervisory roles paying more. National job sites report averages around CAD $19–$21/hr. See the table above..

Q3: Do I need a provincial licence?
A: Yes, most provinces require security workers to hold a licence and to complete mandatory training. Check the exact rules for the province where you will work.

Q4: Will the employer pay for LMIA and training?
A: Employers usually pay LMIA application fees. Training payment varies: some employers pay for required training, others expect the employee to cover it. Clarify before you accept any offer..

Q5: Can I work as an armed security guard immediately?
A: No. Armed roles require additional training, provincial permissions, and strict background checks. You must meet the province’s armed-guard requirements before working with a weapon.

Q6: Are there scams when looking for sponsored jobs?
A: Yes. Avoid anyone who promises guaranteed visas for a large fee, or asks you to falsify documents. Use official IRCC resources and reputable job boards.

Final tips and checklist before you apply

• Prepare a clear CV and include any security-related certificates.
• Learn basic English or French used in your target province.
• Apply to national security companies and large employers first.
• Ask employers up front if they support LMIA or hire foreigners.
• Keep copies of all job offers, training certificates, and receipts.
• Use official IRCC information for visa application steps.

Conclusion

Security guard jobs can be a practical way to start working in Canada. There are real opportunities, but success needs the right approach: find an employer willing to sponsor, understand LMIA and work permit rules, complete provincial training and licences, and use honest, careful application practices. Pay is good for many entry-level roles, but long-term growth and supervisory positions can increase earnings. Always check official government pages for the latest immigration and licensing rules and use trusted job sites to apply.