You can now get barbering jobs as a foreigner in Canada with visa sponsorship.
Grooming and barbering has continued to be one of the pillars of any society’s beauty industry and it will not stop soon. Even military barracks have barbering salons where anyone could go to have a chat and a nice cut.
If you’ve always wondered if your barbering skills can take you beyond the shores of Nigeria. The answer is yes. Your dexterity in delivering great haircuts, hair coloring, shaving, beard shaping, trimming, and fading, might just be the ticket to a rewarding job in Canada.
This vast country has a growing demand for skilled barbers. Statista reports that as of 2024, Canada’s shaving market has generated a whooping US$0.45bn, little wonder the industry is employing more professionals.
Here are five barbering jobs in Canada that offer visa sponsorship, giving you a golden opportunity to start a new life in this multicultural country.
Why Does Canada Need Foreign Workers?
As Canada’s multicultural population continues to grow, it’s natural to have an increase in the demand for essential services.
These days, it’s not uncommon to find salons overbooked and clients having to wait for days for their turn.
Furthermore, local talent often doesn’t meet this demand anymore as there are more older people than younger people in the population.
Reasons like this prompts businesses to look abroad. Once employers find considerable proof of your talent, they offer you employment.
From there, you can apply for a work visa through the employer-sponsored route or ask your new employers to facilitate your relocation from their end.
Also Read: Caregiver Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Barbering Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Here are five barbering jobs in Canada that have the most potential for giving you a visa sponsorship.
1. Stylist/Barber
A Stylist/Barber in Canada does more than just cutting hair. The role includes providing tailored haircuts, styling services, beard trims, and hot towel shaves.
As a stylist, you’ll also advise clients on hair care, trends, and grooming products. In Canada, barbers are expected to create a welcoming environment and build long-term relationships with clients.
On average, a Stylist/Barber earns between CAD 30,000 to CAD 46,000 annually. In high-demand urban areas, earnings can go up to CAD 60,000 or more with tips, commissions and bonuses.
Companies you can apply to include Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop, Chatters Limited Partnership, Great Clips, Levi Strauss, Club Monaco, Sports Clip.
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Stylist/Barber (one to two years of experience).
- Strong knowledge of hair cutting techniques like fading, trimming, etc.
- Ability to communicate well and offer excellent customer service.
- Ability to maintain sanitation and sterilization of clippers, combs and other tools
- A diploma or license in barbering from a recognized institution is often required.
- Ability to upsell and cross sell hair care products to clients.
2. Senior Barber
A Senior Barber typically oversees junior staff, manages client bookings, and ensures that the barbershop provides topnotch services.
Other tasks you may perform as a senior barber is training new barbers and staying updated with the latest industry trends and techniques.
In Canada, Senior Barbers can earn a base pay of CAD 39,000 to CAD 50,000 annually. But this could be more depending on their experience and commissions and tips.
Companies hiring include Banana Republic, Great Clips, First Choice haircutters, Regis Corporation etc.
Requirements
- Extensive experience in barbering and men’s grooming.
- Leadership and team management skills.
- Expertise in various haircuts and styles.
- A diploma or certification in barbering.
3. Generalist Stylist
Generalist Stylists perform a variety of services, including haircuts, styling, coloring, and hair treatments. They are also good with beard and mustache trim and servicing, facials, and professional braiding.
As a generalist barber, you must be skilled in working with different hair types and styles, offering personalized services to meet each client’s needs. Plus, you may also need to help barbershop owners upsell products to clients.
The estimated total salary for a Generalist Stylist ranges is about CAD $88,153, with an average salary of $36,336 per year. Note that there may be a potential increase based on experience and client base.
Some of the companies you can apply to and negotiate for visa sponsorship include Maverick Studio for Men, Telus, Wakefield Canada, Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop etc.
Requirements
- Broad experience in various hairstyling techniques.
- Excellent customer service and communication skills.
- Flexibility and creativity.
- A valid barber’s license.
4. Barber Instructor
Beyond the basic skill of haircuts and shaving, barbering also has an academic side. Barber Instructors train future barbers in cutting, styling, and grooming techniques.
The core tasks of these professionals include creating lesson plans, providing hands-on training, and ensuring that students understand industry standards and hygiene practices.
Barber Instructors are some of the highest paid barbers in Canada. They earn between CAD $38,000 to CAD $95,000 per year, with potential for more in prestigious institutions.
Check out for openings in hair companies and schools like MC College, Marvel Beauty Schools, and Aveda Institute Canada. These organizations have more potential of offering a visa sponsorship if you have a strong professional profile.
Requirements
- Extensive experience in barbering (three years or more).
- Leadership and team management skills.
- Expertise in various haircuts and styles.
- A diploma or certification or diploma in barbering along with a teaching qualification.
5. Barber Shop Manager
Barber Shop Managers oversee daily operations, manage staff, handle customer service issues, and ensure the barbershop runs smoothly.
Keep in mind that this job may also involve marketing and promoting the shop to attract new clients.
In Canada, barber shop managers earn between CAD $38,132 for entry level managers to $62,871 for senior managers.
Reach out companies like Great Clips, Sports Clips, First Choice Haircutters, and Regis Corporation to apply. Remember to ask for visa sponsorship during the interview stage.
Requirements
- Strong leadership and organizational skills.
- Experience in managing a barbershop or salon.
- Knowledge of the barbering industry.
- An understanding of hair grooming products and tools.
Also Read: The Best Security Guard Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
How to Apply for Barbering Jobs in Canada from Nigeria
Follow the steps below to apply for a visa sponsorship job to Canada from Nigeria.
1. Research, research, research
When it comes to landing any job at all, making a thorough research is the first step in the entire process. You can start with the companies we listed in the article.
Afterwards go on job boards like Glassdoor, LinkedIn and Glassdoor to search for more companies too. Ensure you also filter for those that come with visa sponsorship by default.
2. Apply online
The next step is to start paying right away. Because most of the vacancies are time bound, you want to be sure that you apply before the opportunity goes away.
For applications, you can either apply directly through job boards or to the company’s website or emails directly. In addition, make sure your resume highlights relevant experience and qualifications the employer is hiring for.
3. Engage recruitment agencies
What if you do not have so much time on your hands to search for hiring companies? That’s okay. This is where recruitment agencies come in.
Engage with Canadian staffing agencies that specialize in securing placements to help you find employers that offer visa sponsorship.
4. Attend interview sessions
After applying to different organizations, you’ll likely get some invitations to attend interviews. This stage is critical and you must be ready with your answers and pictures and videos of previous barbering jobs to impress your interviewer.
Also, remember to ask for their visa sponsorship policy. If they facilitate visa sponsorship, ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your employment and the sponsorship in question before accepting the offer.
5. Visa application
After securing an offer, follow the Canadian immigration guidelines to apply for a work visa. Visit the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal to apply for a visa.
Ask your employer to provide you with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to support your visa application. As soon as your visa is approved, make necessary preparations for your move to Canada, including accommodation and initial travel arrangements.
Also Read: Factory Worker Jobs in Canada with Visa Sponsorship
Secure a Barbering Job with Visa Sponsorship in Canada
Canada’s barbering industry is thriving, and skilled professionals are in high demand.
To show the government’s support for this skill, the hairdressers and barbers profession is considered skill level B, and falls under National Occupation Code (NOC) 6341.
While you can generally apply under Express Entry, it’s much better and easier to come in through the visa sponsorship route.
So, sharpen your skills, get relevant certifications and prepare to impress your prospective employers. Who knows, you may be in Canada before you ever imagine. Start applying today!
