Have you ever imagined starting a new life in a country that offers stunning landscapes, a high standard of living, and exciting work opportunities? If so, Canada could be the perfect destination for you. With its booming construction sector and growing demand for skilled and semi-skilled labor, roofer’s helper jobs in Canada are becoming a popular entry point for international workers looking to gain valuable experience—and even a path to permanent residency.
Even better? Many Canadian roofing companies offer free visa sponsorship for foreign workers, easing the path to legal employment and eventual settlement in the country.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about working as a roofer’s helper in Canada. You’ll learn about the job role, eligibility criteria, salary expectations, immigration options, and step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
Why Work as a Roofer’s Helper in Canada?
The construction industry is one of the backbones of Canada’s economy, and as cities grow and infrastructure ages, the demand for skilled laborers—including roofing professionals—is on the rise. Roofer’s helpers are essential team members on residential, commercial, and industrial job sites, assisting with everything from lifting materials to site preparation.
This role not only offers immediate employment opportunities but also long-term career growth. Many helpers go on to become fully qualified roofers or even supervisors after gaining experience and training on the job.
And thanks to visa sponsorship opportunities, Canadian employers are actively seeking reliable international workers to fill these roles due to local labor shortages—especially in provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.
Job Description: What Does a Roofer’s Helper Do in Canada?
As a roofer’s helper, your job is to support the main roofing crew in all aspects of their work. You’ll play a key role in ensuring the job site is safe, organized, and efficient.
Key Responsibilities Include:
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Assisting with Materials Handling:
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Transporting shingles, tiles, metal sheets, underlayment, and other roofing materials to and from the worksite.
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Setting up ladders, scaffolding, and safety harnesses.
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Preparing the Work Area:
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Clearing debris and securing the perimeter of the job site.
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Assisting with tarping or covering roof areas to protect from weather during construction.
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Supporting Roof Installation and Repairs:
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Handing tools and materials to roofers.
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Holding materials in place or applying adhesives as directed.
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Job Site Cleanup:
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Cleaning up excess materials, trash, and debris during and after the job.
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Ensuring tools and equipment are properly stored and maintained.
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Basic Maintenance Duties:
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Performing minor repairs on tools and keeping workspaces clean and organized.
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Reporting damaged tools or unsafe conditions to supervisors.
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Skills and Attributes Needed:
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Physical fitness and stamina (you’ll often be working outdoors in various weather conditions)
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Attention to safety protocols
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Ability to work on roofs and at heights
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Teamwork and strong communication skills
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Willingness to learn and follow instructions
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Reliability and punctuality
Note: While previous experience in construction or roofing is beneficial, it is not always required. Many roofing companies in Canada are willing to train the right candidate, especially if they demonstrate a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.
Salary Expectations for Roofer’s Helpers in Canada
Wages for roofer’s helpers in Canada are competitive and vary depending on several factors such as location, level of experience, and the size of the company.
Average Wage Range:
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Entry-Level: CAD $18 per hour
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Experienced Helpers: Up to CAD $25 per hour
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Annual Salary Estimate: Between CAD $37,000 and $52,000
Additional Compensation:
Some roofing companies offer comprehensive compensation packages that may include:
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Health and dental insurance
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Paid sick leave and vacation time
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Uniforms and safety gear
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Bonuses or profit-sharing (depending on company performance)
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Transportation to job sites
As you gain experience, your earnings can increase significantly, and you may have opportunities to train as a licensed roofer, which opens the door to higher salaries—often $30 to $45 per hour or more.
Visa Sponsorship: How It Works for Roofer’s Helper Jobs
Due to ongoing labor shortages in Canada’s construction industry, many employers are approved to sponsor foreign workers through government programs. If you are a skilled or semi-skilled worker and receive a valid job offer from a Canadian company, you may be eligible for work visa sponsorship.
Popular Immigration and Work Programs:
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Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Employers can apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to hire foreign workers when no Canadian is available for the role. -
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Many provinces have immigration streams specifically for construction laborers and helpers. -
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
Designed to attract workers to Atlantic Canada (Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, PEI) where construction roles are in high demand. -
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
Suitable if the job is located in a smaller or rural community. -
Express Entry (Skilled Trades Stream)
With Canadian work experience as a roofer’s helper, you could eventually apply for permanent residency through this program.
How to Apply for Roofer’s Helper Jobs in Canada With Sponsorship
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Search for Job Openings
Use reputable job platforms like:-
Direct company websites
Keywords to search: “Roofer’s Helper LMIA,” “Roofer’s Helper with Visa Sponsorship,” or “Construction Laborer Foreign Worker.”
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Prepare Your Resume
Format your resume according to Canadian standards, highlighting:-
Any construction or manual labor experience
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Physical abilities
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Reliability and teamwork
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Willingness to relocate and work in all weather conditions
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Apply Directly
Contact employers or recruiting agencies that mention visa sponsorship. Send a tailored resume and cover letter expressing your interest and qualifications. -
Interview & Documentation
Be prepared for a virtual or in-person interview. Once hired, the employer will initiate the LMIA process and guide you through the work permit application.
Conclusion: Build Your Future in Canada’s Construction Industry
Working as a roofer’s helper in Canada offers much more than a job—it’s a pathway to stability, skill development, and potentially permanent residency. With competitive wages, opportunities to learn a skilled trade, and the support of visa sponsorship, it’s an ideal role for motivated individuals ready to start a new chapter abroad.
Whether you’re starting your career or transitioning from another field, Canada’s roofing industry welcomes hard-working individuals from around the world. Your journey to Canada could start with a single job application—so take the first step today.