Assistant Electrician

About

Work as an assistant electrician for Canadian construction companies, contractors, or maintenance firms.

This position is eligible under two Canadian work permit programs:

  • Francophone Mobility Work Permit: For bilingual applicants. This option does not require an LMIA, making the process faster and simpler.


  • Regular LMIA Work Permit: For applicants who do not qualify for Francophone Mobility. This requires a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from the employer. French is not required, but English is required.

Assistant electrician roles are a great way to gain Canadian work experience in the electrical trade. While this role itself may not be PR-eligible, it can help you progress to licensed electrician positions in Canada that do lead to permanent residency pathways.

Responsibilities

As an assistant electrician in Canada, you will:

Help licensed electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems

Carry tools, materials, and equipment to work areas

Assist in running wires, cables, and conduits under supervision

Drill holes, mount boxes, and support fixtures for installations

Keep the worksite safe, clean, and organized

Follow safety guidelines and wear protective gear at all times

Perform basic tests and checks under supervision

Learn Canadian electrical standards and practices on the job

Requirements

Language:

Francophone Mobility: Good English + B1 level French test (or proof of French-language education)

LMIA Work Permit: Good English (French not required, but an asset)

Education: Minimum high school diploma; vocational training in electrical work is an asset

Experience: Previous experience as an electrician

Skills:

Basic understanding of electrical systems and tools

Ability to follow instructions and work under supervision

Physical stamina to lift, carry, and move equipment

Safety awareness and attention to detail

Teamwork, reliability, and punctuality

Application Process

Applicants may qualify under Francophone Mobility (no LMIA required) or LMIA Work Permit (employer applies for LMIA)

Candidates must pass a French language test for Francophone Mobility (exceptions apply if you studied in French)

Once hired, immigration consultants will assist with the work permit process

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of companies are hiring for these roles?

Construction firms, electrical contractors, renovation companies, and maintenance service providers across Canada hire assistant electricians.

What’s the difference between Francophone Mobility and LMIA?

Francophone Mobility: For French-speaking applicants. Faster process, no LMIA required, less paperwork for employers, lower service fees.
 

LMIA Work Permit: For non-Francophone applicants. Requires employer to prove no Canadian worker is available. More complex, takes longer, and usually involves higher service fees.

How long is the work permit valid for?

Work permits are usually issued for 1–3 years, depending on your job offer. They can often be renewed if your employer extends your contract.

 

Can I change employers after coming to Canada?

Yes, but you will need to apply for a new work permit tied to your new employer.

 

Will you help me with the work permit process?

Absolutely. Our team assists with job matching, paperwork, the French test (for Francophone applicants), LMIA processes, and your entire work permit application.

 

How can I become a licensed electrician in Canada?

To work as a licensed electrician in Canada, you must:
 

  1. Gain Canadian work experience (for example, as an assistant electrician or apprentice).
     
  2. Register in an apprenticeship program with your province’s trade authority.
     
  3. Accumulate the required on-the-job hours and technical training.
     
  4. Pass a certification exam (Red Seal or provincial exam) to become a journeyperson electrician.
     

Foreign experience can help you enter the trade, but you must complete the Canadian licensing process to legally work as an electrician.

 

How long does the process take?

The process — from job offer to receiving your work permit — can take up to 1 year, depending on whether you apply under Francophone Mobility or LMIA, your profile, employer response time, and visa processing times.