Earn $17 per Hour as a Waiter or Waitress in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with Visa Sponsorships

Toronto, Ontario is one of Canada’s most bustling and multicultural cities, home to a vibrant hospitality industry. Restaurants, cafes, and fine-dining establishments are constantly seeking skilled waiters and waitresses to provide top-notch customer service.

With wages around $17 per hour, these roles also offer a potential path to permanent residency through visa sponsorships, making this an appealing opportunity for international job seekers.

Overview of Waiter/Waitress Jobs

Waiter and waitress roles involve providing food and beverage services to customers in restaurants, cafes, hotels, and event venues. These jobs are fast-paced and customer-oriented, requiring strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail.

General Duties and Responsibilities

• Greeting and Seating Guests: Welcoming customers, escorting them to their tables, and providing menus.
• Taking Orders: Accurately recording food and beverage orders and delivering them to the kitchen or bar staff.
• Serving Food and Beverages: Promptly bringing food and drinks to the table, ensuring the order is correct and meets the customer’s expectations.
• Handling Payments: Processing cash or credit transactions, and ensuring that customers are billed correctly.
• Maintaining Cleanliness: Keeping tables, dining areas, and service stations clean and organized.
• Upselling and Menu Knowledge: Suggesting menu items, specials, or promotions to enhance the dining experience and boost sales.
• Resolving Customer Complaints: Addressing issues such as incorrect orders or slow service in a polite and efficient manner.
• Collaborating with Staff: Working closely with kitchen staff, bartenders, and other servers to ensure smooth service.
• Following Health and Safety Standards: Adhering to food safety regulations and maintaining hygiene at all times.

Skills and Qualifications Required for Waiter/Waitress Jobs in Toronto

• Experience: While many waiter/waitress positions in Toronto offer on-the-job training, having previous experience in hospitality is a plus. Experience in high-volume or fast-paced dining environments is particularly valued.
• High School Diploma (Preferred): Some establishments may require at least a high school diploma or equivalent, though this is not always mandatory.
• Excellent Communication Skills: Waiters and waitresses must be able to communicate clearly and efficiently with both customers and colleagues. This includes taking orders, recommending menu items, and responding to customer inquiries.
• Customer Service Orientation: Providing a positive dining experience is key. Waitstaff should be attentive, friendly, and ready to meet customer needs.
• Multitasking Ability: The job often involves managing multiple tables, delivering food and drinks, and addressing customer concerns simultaneously. Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize tasks are crucial.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Waitstaff need to think quickly and find solutions to customer issues, whether it’s resolving a complaint or dealing with unexpected situations.
• Physical Stamina: Waiters and waitresses spend long hours on their feet and are required to carry trays, deliver meals, and move quickly throughout the dining area.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring that orders are correct, food is served properly, and dietary restrictions are followed requires precision and attention to detail.
• Teamwork: Collaboration with the kitchen staff, bartenders, and fellow waiters is essential to delivering excellent service in a busy restaurant environment.
• Basic Math Skills: Handling payments, calculating bills, and processing tips accurately are necessary parts of the job.

Visa Sponsorship Opportunities for Waiters and Waitresses in Toronto

The hospitality sector in Canada, including Toronto, offers opportunities for visa sponsorship for foreign nationals. Here are some pathways that could lead to work permits and, eventually, permanent residency:

• Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)

Employers in the hospitality industry can hire foreign workers under the TFWP if they can’t find suitable Canadian candidates. For waitstaff, sponsorship is usually tied to an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), which proves the need for foreign labor.

• International Mobility Program (IMP)

Some hospitality employers may hire foreign nationals under the IMP, which does not require an LMIA. Special categories within this program include young professionals and seasonal workers.

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – Ontario

Under Ontario’s PNP, certain hospitality jobs, including waiter/waitress roles, can qualify for permanent residency after meeting work experience and other criteria. Some streams are employer-driven, meaning employers need to sponsor the candidate.

Latest Waiter/Waitress Job Openings in Toronto

Here are some current job opportunities in Toronto for waiters and waitresses with potential visa sponsorship:

1. Waiter at Fine Dining Restaurant in Downtown Toronto
   • Pay Rate: $17/hour
   • Visa Sponsorship: Available for international candidates.
   • Duties: Fine dining service, menu recommendations, wine service.
   • Location: Toronto, ON
2. Server at Busy Café in North York
   • Pay Rate: $16.50/hour
   • Visa Sponsorship: Sponsorship offered through TFWP.
   • Duties: Taking orders, serving food, handling payments.
   • Location: North York, Toronto, ON
3. Waitress at Hotel Restaurant
   • Pay Rate: $17/hour
   • Visa Sponsorship: Employer sponsorship available.
   • Duties: Room service, breakfast service, banquet event service.
   • Location: Toronto, ON

For individuals seeking employment in the hospitality industry, working as a waiter or waitress in Toronto offers a great entry point with an average hourly pay of $17. Visa sponsorship programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and Provincial Nominee Program make it possible for international job seekers to work in Canada.

For further information and to proceed with your application, you can proceed to visit the following online job boards for current job openings

• Indeed
• Glassdoor
• ZipRecruiter
• Monster