Using Staffing Agencies to Find Work Quickly in Canada: A Newcomer's Guide

When you first arrive in Canada, finding work quickly is often a top priority. Bills don't wait for the perfect job to come along, and many newcomers need income within their first few weeks. Temporary staffing agencies — also called employment agencies, temp agencies, or recruitment firms — can be one of the fastest ways to start earning money while you continue your search for permanent employment in your field.

Staffing agencies serve as intermediaries between employers and workers. They recruit, screen, and place workers in temporary, contract, or temp-to-permanent positions across many industries. For newcomers, temp work offers several advantages: you earn income immediately, gain Canadian work experience, build references, and get exposure to different workplaces and industries. This guide explains how staffing agencies work in Canada, which ones are reputable, and how to use temporary work strategically.

How Staffing Agencies Work in Canada

The Basic Model

Here's how the relationship works:

1. You register with the agency — This involves submitting your resume, completing an application, and often attending an in-person or virtual interview and skills testing.
2. The agency matches you with assignments — Based on your skills, availability, and location, the agency contacts you when they have suitable work.
3. You work at the client's workplace — You physically work at the agency's client company, following their directions and schedule.
4. The agency pays you — You are an employee of the staffing agency, not the client company. The agency pays your wages, remits taxes, and provides any required benefits.
5. The client pays the agency — The client company pays the agency a markup (typically 30–60% above your wage) for the service.

Important: Legitimate staffing agencies in Canada NEVER charge job seekers a fee. If an agency asks you to pay for job placement, it is likely a scam. In Ontario, the Employment Standards Act prohibits temporary help agencies from charging workers fees.

Types of Placements

• Temporary (day-to-day or short-term) — Assignments lasting a single day to a few weeks. Common in warehousing, event staffing, and general labour.
• Contract (fixed-term) — Assignments with a defined duration, usually 3–12 months. Common in IT, finance, administration, and project-based work.
• Temp-to-permanent — You start as a temp and, if the company likes your work, they offer you a permanent position. This is one of the most valuable placement types for newcomers.
• Permanent placement — The agency recruits you for a permanent position with the client. The client pays the agency a finder's fee.

Reputable Staffing Agencies in Canada

Large National Agencies

• Randstad Canada — Canada's largest staffing firm. Places workers in administrative, industrial, IT, engineering, finance, and professional roles. Offices across the country.
• Robert Half — Specializes in finance, accounting, technology, administrative, and legal placements. Typically higher-skilled, higher-paying roles.
• Adecco Canada — Large international agency placing workers in industrial, office, and professional roles nationwide.
• Hays Canada — Specializes in professional and skilled recruitment across IT, engineering, finance, construction, and healthcare.
• ManpowerGroup — Places workers in manufacturing, logistics, administrative, and professional roles.
• Express Employment Professionals — Focuses on industrial, administrative, and professional placements with offices in most Canadian cities.

Specialized Agencies

• TEKsystems — IT and technology staffing
• Procom — IT and engineering contract staffing
• Accountemps (Robert Half) — Accounting and finance temporary staffing
• David Aplin Group — Professional staffing across Western Canada
• Aerotek — Engineering, trades, and industrial staffing
• Kelly Services — Office, industrial, scientific, and engineering staffing

What to Expect: Pay Rates

Temp agency pay rates vary by role, location, and industry. Here are typical ranges for common temp positions in major Canadian cities (2026):

General Labour and Warehouse

• General labourer — $17–$22/hour
• Warehouse picker/packer — $17–$21/hour
• Forklift operator — $19–$25/hour
• Manufacturing assembly — $17–$23/hour

Administrative and Office

• Receptionist — $18–$23/hour
• Data entry clerk — $18–$24/hour
• Administrative assistant — $20–$28/hour
• Customer service representative — $18–$25/hour

Professional and Skilled

• Accountant/bookkeeper — $25–$45/hour
• IT support / help desk — $22–$35/hour
• Project coordinator — $25–$40/hour
• Software developer (contract) — $45–$85/hour
• Registered nurse (agency) — $35–$55/hour

Note: Temp agency pay may be slightly lower than direct-hire rates for the same position, as the agency takes a portion. However, you gain flexibility, quick placement, and the opportunity to try different workplaces.

How to Register with a Staffing Agency

1. Prepare your documents — You'll need a Canadian-format resume, valid Social Insurance Number (SIN), government-issued photo ID, and proof of eligibility to work in Canada (PR card, work permit, or citizenship).
2. Research agencies in your area — Use the Job Bank and online searches to identify agencies in your city that specialize in your skills.
3. Register with multiple agencies — Don't limit yourself to one. Register with 3–5 agencies to maximize your chances of getting assignments quickly.
4. Complete skills assessments — Agencies may test your typing speed, software proficiency (Excel, Word), language skills, or trade-specific abilities.
5. Be responsive — When an agency calls with an assignment, respond quickly. Agencies prioritize workers who are reliable and available.

Your Rights as a Temp Worker

Temp workers in Canada have significant legal protections:

See also: How to Get Your SIN Number in Canada

See also: Replace Lost PR Card Guide

• Minimum wage — You must be paid at least the provincial minimum wage ($16.55/hour in Ontario, $17.40 in BC, $15.00 in Alberta as of 2026)
• Overtime pay — Same overtime rules apply as for permanent employees (typically 1.5x after 44 hours/week in Ontario, 40 hours/week in BC and Alberta)
• Workplace safety — You have the right to a safe workplace, safety training, and the right to refuse unsafe work
• No fees — Agencies cannot charge you placement fees, resume fees, or any other charges
• Equal treatment — In some jurisdictions, temp workers performing the same work as permanent employees are entitled to equal pay
• Termination notice or pay — If your assignment is terminated, you may be entitled to notice or pay in lieu of notice depending on the length of your assignment

Red Flags to Watch Out For

• Agencies that charge fees — Never pay for job placement. This is illegal in most provinces.
• Cash-only payments — Legitimate agencies pay by cheque or direct deposit and provide pay stubs with tax deductions.
• No written agreement — You should receive a written assignment agreement outlining pay rate, hours, duration, and work location.
• Pressure to accept unsafe work — You always have the right to refuse unsafe work, regardless of your employment arrangement.
• Unrealistic promises — Be cautious of agencies that guarantee high pay or specific positions before you've even registered.

Using Temp Work Strategically

1. Build Canadian references — Even a few weeks of temp work gives you Canadian supervisors who can vouch for your work ethic and skills.
2. Explore industries — Temp work lets you experience different workplaces and sectors, helping you identify where you want to build your career.
3. Convert to permanent — Consistently excellent work in temp-to-perm assignments frequently leads to permanent offers. Treat every assignment as a working interview.
4. Continue your job search — Don't stop looking for permanent positions in your field while doing temp work. Use evenings and days off to apply and network.
5. Develop your resume — Use our resume builder to add your Canadian temp experience to your resume and strengthen your applications for permanent roles.

Staffing agencies can be an excellent bridge between arrival in Canada and permanent employment in your field. By understanding how they work, choosing reputable agencies, and using temp assignments strategically, you can earn income, build experience, and open doors to long-term career opportunities. For personalized job search guidance, try our AI chat assistant.

See also: Understanding Your Canadian Pay Stub