Canadian Offshore Jobs With TFWP 2025

by Ayesha Mehbob Foreigner Jobs

Skilled workers from around the world continue to find lucrative opportunities in Canada’s robust oil and gas industry, particularly in offshore positions. Offshore jobs in Canada are predominantly associated with renewable energy sectors, such as offshore wind farms, and the oil and gas industry.

What are Offshore Jobs?

Typically, offshore jobs involve labor on oil rigs, ships, or other marine environments and are located outside of a country’s territorial boundaries.

The positions in question encompass a variety of managerial, technical, engineering, and support responsibilities. A succinct summary of the components of offshore employment in Canada is provided below:

Types of Offshore Jobs Available in Canada:

The following positions are the primary focus of the Canadian offshore sector:

  • Engineering: Positions are available for petroleum, mechanical, and subsea engineers to design, implement, and maintain offshore infrastructure.
  • Geoscientists: The roles of geologists and geophysicists are crucial for the evaluation of resources and the exploration of these resources.
  • Opportunities for welders, electricians, pipefitters, and other professionals who are involved in construction, maintenance, and repair.
  • Rig Workers: Positions for personnel who operate the apparatus, drillers, and derrick operators.

The majority of Canada’s offshore employment opportunities are situated along the eastern coast, specifically in the regions of Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador. Canada’s offshore oil and gas exploration and exploitation are centered in these regions.

The high level of expertise and certification required frequently results in shortages in specialized fields, including underwater welding, advanced drilling technology, and marine safety. Specific technical qualifications, safety certifications, and occasionally advanced degrees in pertinent disciplines are frequently necessary for offshore employment. Safety and emergency response necessitate ongoing training.

The compensation for offshore employment is typically higher than that of equivalent onshore jobs due to the demanding nature of the work and the skills required. Hazard pay, comprehensive health benefits, and occasionally incentives contingent upon oil and gas production are frequently included in the benefits package.

Therefore, for international job seekers, comprehending the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) in 2024 may serve as the foundation for a prosperous career in this field.

Check Also: Jobs at Canadian Air Transport Security Authority

Benefits of Canadian Offshore Jobs With TFWP

  • Job Opportunities in High-Demand Sectors: Particularly in the energy and gas sectors, offshore jobs in Canada are frequently in high demand. In the event of a labor shortage in the local market, the TFWP enables Canadian employers to employ foreign laborers for these positions.
  • Competitive Wages: The skilled nature of the work and the challenges associated with offshore environments are the primary reasons why offshore employment, particularly in sectors such as oil drilling, engineering, and marine operations, offer competitive wages.
  • Temporary Work Permits: Workers who enter Canada through the TFWP are issued temporary work permits that permit them to work legally in Canada for a designated period. This is advantageous for individuals who are interested in acquiring international work experience in a reputable industry.
  • Permanent Residency Pathway: Depending on their work experience and qualifications, workers who enter Canada under the TFWP may subsequently qualify for permanent residency through programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or provincial immigration services.
  • Acquiring Valuable Skills: Specialized skills are frequently necessary for offshore positions. Foreign workers can acquire valuable expertise in sectors such as engineering, marine operations, oil and gas extraction, and environmental safety by working in these positions, which can be advantageous for future career opportunities.
  • Work Benefits: A significant number of offshore employers provide benefits packages that encompass health insurance, travel allowances, and accommodations, thereby facilitating the adjustment of foreign workers to the work environment.
  • Cultural Exchange: Offshore roles frequently entail collaboration with a diverse team of professionals from various regions of the globe, providing a valuable opportunity to establish a global network and engage in cultural exchange programs.
  • Access to Canada’s Social Services: Workers who are employed under the TFWP are entitled to a variety of social services in Canada, including healthcare, to ensure that they have the necessary support while working in the country.

Eligibility Criteria for Offshore Jobs via Canadian TFWP

The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) involves the fulfillment of several critical criteria to qualify for offshore employment in Canada:

1#Job Offer That Is Valid

A valid employment offer from a Canadian employer is required for an offshore position, which must adhere to local labor standards.

2#Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)

To demonstrate the necessity of a foreign worker and the absence of Canadian candidates, your employer must obtain a positive LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

3#General Work Permit Requirements

Furthermore, you must satisfy the general requirements for a Canadian work permit:

  • Education: Qualifications that are pertinent to the offshore position.
  • Work Experience: Adequate experience in the pertinent discipline.
  • Language Proficiency: Fluency in either French or English.
  • Physically demanding positions may necessitate a medical examination.
  • Background Check: It is essential to have a clear criminal record.

Where to Find Offshore Jobs in Canada?

There are numerous resources available to you to secure offshore employment in Canada, particularly in industries such as oil and gas:

Online job boards

Company websites

Job vacancies are frequently posted on the websites of major energy companies, ExxonMobil Canada, Suncor Energy, and Canadian Natural Resources 

Recruitment Agencies Specializing in Offshore Jobs in Canada

Several recruitment agencies focus on placing workers in offshore and oil and gas positions in Canada. These include:

  • Airswift: A global workforce provider specializing in the energy, process, and infrastructure sectors with operations in Canada.
  • ORSI (Offshore Recruiting Services Inc.): Specializes in marine, drilling, subsea construction, and catering personnel for offshore projects.
  • SNC Lavalin: While primarily an engineering and construction firm, they also recruit for offshore oil and gas positions.
  • Kelly Services: Provides workforce solutions across various industries, including those relevant to offshore employment.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Who is eligible for TFWP in Canada?

    To qualify for the TFWP, an applicant must (1) have a job offer from a Canadian employer who has offered him or her a temporary position and obtained permission from the Canadian government to hire a foreign national via an LMIA and (2) not be inadmissible to Canada for any reason (medical, criminal, financial).

  2. What is the difference between TFWP and IMP?

    All work permits issued under the TFWP are employer-specific, while those under the IMP are either open or employer-specific. Both programs are key options for employers with short-term labor needs.

  3. How much bank balance is required for a Canada work visa?

    For a work visa, you typically need to show proof of funds to cover your living expenses in Canada until you start earning an income. As a rule of thumb, it’s advisable to have at least CAD 10,000 in your bank account.