LMIA FinderCan a Chef from Cameroon Immigrate to Canada?
Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for chefs from Cameroon looking to move to Canada.
Processing Times from Cameroon
Estimated IRCC processing times for applications from Cameroon. Times may vary.
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Visitor Visa | 43 days |
| Study Permits | 9 weeks |
| Work Permits | 9 weeks |
| Super Visa | 107 days |
| Family Sponsorship - Dependent Child | 31 months |
| Family Sponsorship - Adopted Child | Not enough data |
| Government-Assisted Refugees | Not enough data |
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Immigration Pathways for Cameroon Citizens
Express Entry
Permanent ResidenceCitizens of Cameroon can apply through Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST) based on CRS score.
Employer-Sponsored LMIA
Temporary WorkA Canadian employer can sponsor a worker from Cameroon through the LMIA process for a work permit.
Key Requirements for Cameroon Citizens
Work Experience
You usually need at least one to two years of continuous paid work experience as a chef or in a closely related role.
Language Tests
As a French-speaking applicant from Cameroon, you can take the TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. Adding an English test (IELTS or CELPIP) can significantly boost your CRS score with bilingual bonus points.
Education Assessment
You will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization like WES, IQAS, or ICAS to verify that your diploma or degree from Cameroon is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
Job Offer
While a valid job offer no longer adds CRS points (removed March 2025), it remains an eligibility requirement for some Express Entry programs and is needed for employer-sponsored work permits. There are currently 1130 active chef openings on Job Bank.
Proof of Funds
You must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. The current minimum is $15,263 for a single applicant and $28,362 for a family of 4. This requirement is waived if you have a valid Canadian job offer.
| Family Size | Minimum Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 (Single) | $15,263 |
| 2 (Couple) | $19,001 |
| 3 | $23,360 |
| 4 | $28,362 |
| 5 | $32,168 |
| 6 | $36,280 |
| 7 | $40,392 |
| Each additional member | +$4,112 |
Recent Express Entry Draws
| Draw | Date | Category | CRS Cutoff | ITAs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #453 | 2026-10-28 | Transport | 477 | 150 |
| #452 | 2026-10-27 | French | 407 | 5,000 |
| #451 | 2026-10-26 | PNP | 761 | 792 |
| #450 | 2026-10-16 | French | 435 | 5,000 |
| #449 | 2026-10-15 | CEC | 519 | 2,500 |
Eligible Programs for Chefs
Express Entry (FSW)
High MatchFederal Skilled Worker program for qualified professionals with work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program
Medium MatchProvinces nominate workers with in-demand skills. Adds 600 CRS points.
Temporary Work Permit (LMIA)
High MatchEmployer-sponsored LMIA work permit — gain Canadian experience, then transition to PR.
Atlantic Immigration Program
Medium MatchEmployer-driven program for Atlantic Canada with faster processing.
International Experience Canada
Medium MatchWorking holiday or young professional visa for eligible countries.
Chef Salaries in Canada
Provincial wage data for chefs — useful for salary expectations when immigrating from Cameroon. Source: ESDC.
| Province | Median | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $23.00/hr | $16.03 | $32.69 |
| Alberta | $22.66/hr | $16.64 | $34.01 |
| British Columbia | $24.10/hr | $18.20 | $35.15 |
| Manitoba | $21.24/hr | $16.38 | $33.00 |
| New Brunswick | $19.40/hr | $15.72 | $26.78 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $22.35/hr | $16.35 | $38.68 |
| Northwest Territories | — | — | — |
| Nova Scotia | $20.10/hr | $16.50 | $29.13 |
| Nunavut | — | — | — |
| Ontario | $21.76/hr | $17.61 | $34.05 |
| Prince Edward Island | $20.00/hr | $15.00 | $28.85 |
| Quebec | $23.89/hr | $17.39 | $34.48 |
| Saskatchewan | $20.24/hr | $15.39 | $39.62 |
| Yukon | — | — | — |
Top Provinces Hiring Chefs
Current Chef Openings
Chef
$30.00 hourlyTa Ke Sushi · Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Chef De Partie
$36.60 hourlyBrowns Socialhouse · Kamloops, British Columbia
Pastry Chef
$30.00 hourlyBoulangerie Seoul · Fredericton, New Brunswick
Chef
$27.00 hourlyCaramba Restaurant · Whistler, British Columbia
Chef
$38.50 hourlyDhaliwal Sweet · Surrey, British Columbia
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