LMIA FinderCan a Specialist Chef from South Korea Immigrate to Canada?
Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for specialist chefs from South Korea looking to move to Canada.
Immigration Pathways for South Korea Citizens
International Experience Canada (IEC)
Working Holiday / Young ProfessionalCitizens of South Korea are eligible for IEC. Apply for a working holiday visa (up to 2 years) or young professional permit.
Express Entry
Permanent ResidenceCitizens of South Korea 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 South Korea through the LMIA process for a work permit.
Key Requirements
Work Experience
You usually need at least one to two years of continuous paid work experience as a specialist chef or in a closely related role.
Language Tests
You must prove your English or French skills by taking an approved language test. IELTS General Training or CELPIP are accepted for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. A CLB 7 or higher in all abilities is recommended for Express Entry.
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 South Korea 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 47 active specialist 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 |
IEC Working Holiday (South Korea)
Citizens of South Korea aged 18-35 can apply for an International Experience Canada working holiday visa (up to 2 years). This lets you gain Canadian work experience, which counts toward Express Entry CRS points and CEC eligibility.
Eligible Programs for Specialist 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.
Top Provinces Hiring Specialist Chefs
Current Specialist Chef Openings
Specialist Chef
$36.00 hourlyO2's Tap House and Grill · Edmonton, Alberta
Specialist Chef
$37.00 hourlyAlpha's Shawarma · Toronto, Ontario
Specialist Chef
$38.40 hourlyHk Bbq Master · Richmond, British Columbia
Specialist Chef
$37.00 hourlyAnjappar Chettinad Restaurant · Brampton, Ontario
Specialist Chef
$36.50 to $37.50 hourly (to be negotiated)Paramount · Woodbridge, Ontario
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