Hairdresser Jobs in CANADA with Visa Sponsorship 2025
Canada’s booming personal care and grooming industry has created a surge in demand for skilled hairdressers and barbers, especially in urban centers and rural towns where local talent is limited. For international professionals, hairdresser jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship offer a promising gateway to a rewarding career in one of the world’s most immigrant-friendly countries.
This in-depth 2025 guide will help you understand everything you need to know about working as a hairdresser in Canada, including:
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Job responsibilities
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Visa sponsorship process
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Eligibility requirements
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LMIA-approved employers
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Salary ranges
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Benefits
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Application steps
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and more!
Why Choose Canada as a Hairdresser?
Canada is known for its stable economy, multicultural society, and transparent immigration system. With a rising demand for personal grooming services, local employers are increasingly open to hiring foreign-trained hairdressers, especially when they are skilled and experienced.
Key Advantages:
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High demand in urban and rural salons
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Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
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Competitive salary and tips
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Work-life balance
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Inclusive and welcoming work environment
Overview of the Hairdressing Industry in Canada
The beauty and personal care sector is thriving. Post-COVID, Canadians have resumed regular salon visits, and the workforce shortage—especially in small towns—has pushed employers to look abroad.
Occupational Category:
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NOC Code: 63210 (Hairstylists and Barbers)
Hairdressers are needed across:
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Beauty salons
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Hair and nail bars
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Barbershops
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Resort spas and hotels
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Senior care centres and mobile services
Job Roles and Responsibilities
As a hairdresser or barber in Canada, your responsibilities may include:
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Shampooing, cutting, trimming, and styling hair
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Coloring and chemical treatments
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Shaving and beard grooming (for barbers)
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Suggesting hairstyles based on clients’ preferences
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Sanitizing tools and maintaining hygiene
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Customer service and appointment scheduling
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Selling hair care products
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Keeping up with hair trends and techniques
Job Titles You Can Apply For
Here are some common job titles in this field:
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Hairdresser
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Hairstylist
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Barber
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Colour Technician
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Senior Stylist
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Junior Stylist
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Salon Assistant
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Hair Consultant
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Hair Care Specialist
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Hairdressing Apprentice
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for hairdresser jobs in Canada with visa sponsorship, you typically need:
Requirement | Details |
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Age | 18+ years |
Education | Secondary school or equivalent |
Experience | 1–2 years preferred |
Language | Basic English or French (CLB 5 or above) |
Certification | Red Seal (optional but preferred) |
Clean Background | Police certificate may be required |
Physical Ability | Ability to stand for long periods |
In some provinces, licensing or certification may be mandatory before you can practice.
Visa Sponsorship Options
Most international hairdressers enter Canada through an employer who provides visa sponsorship. Sponsorship is usually done via the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Main Pathways:
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Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
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Express Entry with a job offer (under FSWP or CEC)
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Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
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Atlantic Immigration Program (for East Coast regions)
Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
To hire you, your Canadian employer must obtain an LMIA, which proves that no local Canadian is available for the role.
Steps:
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Employer applies for LMIA
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Once approved, they issue you a job offer letter and LMIA number
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You apply for a work permit using those documents
Some employers are LMIA-exempt under international agreements, such as NAFTA or CETA.
Canada Work Visa for Hairdressers
You’ll likely need a closed work permit tied to the employer who sponsored your LMIA. This visa:
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Is valid for the job’s duration (typically 2 years)
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Allows full-time employment with the sponsoring salon
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Can be extended or lead to permanent residency
Work Permit Fees:
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Application: CAD $155
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Biometrics: CAD $85
Processing times vary by country but usually range from 4 to 12 weeks.
Credential Recognition for Hairdressers
Though not mandatory in all provinces, having recognized credentials boosts your chances.
Red Seal Certification:
If your country has a similar training framework, you can challenge the Red Seal exam, which allows interprovincial mobility in Canada.
Provincial Requirements:
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Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia may require licensing or proof of training hours
Consider contacting Trade Certification authorities in your destination province.
Documents Required
To apply for a hairdresser job with visa sponsorship in Canada, prepare the following:
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Valid passport
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Updated CV/resume in Canadian format
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Hairdressing diploma or training certificate
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Employment reference letters
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Police clearance certificate
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Language test result (IELTS or CELPIP)
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Passport-sized photos
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Job offer and LMIA number
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Proof of funds (if required by visa type)
Step-by-Step Application Process
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Search for Hairdresser Jobs with Sponsorship
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Apply directly with a Canadian resume
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Attend virtual interviews
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Receive a job offer and LMIA
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Apply for a Work Permit online via IRCC portal
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Attend biometrics appointment
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Get visa approval and travel to Canada
Expected Salary in Canada
Hairdressers in Canada are paid hourly, with tips significantly boosting income.
Position | Hourly Rate | Monthly Salary | Annual Salary |
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Junior Hairdresser | CAD $15 – $18 | CAD $2,400 – $2,900 | CAD $30,000 – $35,000 |
Senior Hairdresser | CAD $18 – $25 | CAD $3,000 – $4,000 | CAD $40,000 – $55,000 |
Barber | CAD $17 – $22 | CAD $2,800 – $3,500 | CAD $35,000 – $45,000 |
Some stylists also earn commission on products or services sold.
Benefits of Working as a Hairdresser in Canada
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Job Stability: High demand for personal grooming services
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Visa Sponsorship: Many employers support work permit and PR
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Pathway to PR: After 1 year of work, apply through Canadian Experience Class
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Healthcare Access: Free provincial health insurance
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Tips and Bonuses: Increase take-home pay
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Flexible Schedules: Part-time and full-time available
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Inclusive Work Culture: Diverse clientele and co-workers
Top Provinces Hiring Foreign Hairdressers
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Ontario – Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga
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British Columbia – Vancouver, Surrey, Victoria
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Alberta – Calgary, Edmonton
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Manitoba – Winnipeg
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Saskatchewan – Regina, Saskatoon
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Nova Scotia – Halifax
Each province has its own immigration streams and local demand levels.
Top Canadian Employers and Salons Offering Sponsorship
Some salons and franchise chains regularly hire international workers:
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Great Clips
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Chatters Hair Salon
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Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop
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Magicuts
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Regis Corporation (First Choice Haircutters)
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Local family-run salons in smaller towns
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Spa resorts and hotel salons
Job Portals to Find Hairdresser Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Website | Description |
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Job Bank Canada | Filter by “LMIA approved” |
Indeed Canada | Use keywords: “visa sponsorship hairdresser” |
Workopolis | Great for regional listings |
JobServe Canada | International job seekers |
LinkedIn Jobs | Network with salon owners |
Beauty Council Canada | Job listings and licensing help |
FAQs
1. Do I need a license to work as a hairdresser in Canada?
Some provinces require certification. You can start with an LMIA job offer and later complete licensing if necessary.
2. Can I bring my family on a work permit?
Yes, your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit and children for study permits.
3. Can I change employers in Canada?
Yes, but your new employer must also have an LMIA approval. You must apply for a new work permit.
4. Is knowledge of French required?
Only if you’re working in Quebec or bilingual regions. Otherwise, English is sufficient.
5. Can I apply for Permanent Residency?
Yes, after one year of full-time work under most PR pathways like Express Entry or PNP.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a passionate hairdresser looking to build a future abroad, Canada offers one of the best opportunities in 2025. With visa sponsorship options, decent salaries, and a clear path to residency, you can turn your hairstyling skills into a stable, rewarding career in Canada.
From busy downtown salons in Toronto to cozy barbershops in rural Alberta, your dream job awaits.