Food Delivery Rider Jobs in Canada for Immigrants: Food delivery rider jobs with platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and SkipTheDishes are a visible and flexible way to earn money in Canada. For new immigrants, this work can seem like an easy way to start earning immediately. However, it’s crucial to understand the legal, tax, and practical realities of this work, especially regarding your immigration status.
Advertisement
Table of Contents
Can Immigrants Work as Food Delivery Riders in Canada?
The short answer is: It depends entirely on your immigration status and type of work permit.
1. For Permanent Residents (PR) and Citizens
Yes, without restriction. You can work freely as an independent contractor for any delivery platform.
2. For Those on an Open Work Permit (e.g., Post-Graduation Work Permit, Spousal Open Work Permit)
Yes, you can legally work as a delivery rider. An open work permit allows you to work for any employer in Canada, and gig work qualifies as self-employment.
3. For Those on a Closed (Employer-Specific) Work Permit
Likely NO. Your work permit restricts you to working for one specific employer at a specific location. Working independently for a delivery platform would violate your permit conditions and could lead to its cancellation and removal from Canada.
4. For International Students on a Study Permit
Yes, but with strict limits. As of 2024, study permit holders can work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions. Food delivery gig work counts against these 20 hours. You must track your hours meticulously. You can work full-time during scheduled breaks.
5. For Visitors or Those on Tourist Visas
NO. You are not authorized to work in any capacity, including gig economy jobs.
The Legal Structure: You Are an Independent Contractor
It is critical to understand that as a delivery rider, you are not an employee of Uber Eats or DoorDash. You are an independent contractor (self-employed). This has major implications:
No Work Visa Sponsorship: These platforms do not and will not sponsor work permits or LMIA applications. You must already have the legal right to work in Canada to sign up.
Tax Responsibility: Platforms will not deduct taxes from your earnings. You are responsible for tracking your income, claiming expenses (bike, phone, data, gear), and paying your own income tax and Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions when you file your annual return.
No Benefits: You do not receive health benefits, paid sick leave, or employment insurance (EI) through the platform.
Step-by-Step: How to Start as a Delivery Rider in Canada
Prerequisite: You must have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN) and the legal right to work.
Choose Your Mode of Transport: Most common are bicycle (in dense cities) or car. Some platforms allow scooters or e-bikes.
Sign Up with Platforms: Download the apps (Uber Eats, DoorDash, SkipTheDishes) and complete the online application. You will need:
Canadian address and phone number.
SIN.
Valid driver’s license (if using a car) and vehicle insurance.
A clean background check may be required.
Get the Necessary Gear: A smartphone with a data plan, a thermal delivery bag (often provided after first delivery or must be purchased), weather-appropriate clothing, and a sturdy bike/car.
Understand the System: Learn how the apps work—accepting orders, delivery routes, peak pay times, and customer ratings.
Income Reality: What Can You Earn?
Earnings are highly variable and not guaranteed.
Pay Structure: You earn a delivery fee + tip per order. Promotions and “surge pricing” during busy times can increase earnings.
Average Earnings: Riders can typically earn between CAD $18 to $30 per hour before expenses, but this depends heavily on your city, hours worked, and mode of transport.
Major Expenses: You must deduct costs for fuel (if driving), bike maintenance, phone bill, data plan, and taxes. Your net take-home pay will be significantly lower than your gross earnings.
Key Challenges and Considerations
Weather: You will work in rain, snow, and extreme cold. This is a major factor in Canada.
Safety: There are risks of accidents, injuries, and occasional unsafe neighbourhoods, especially at night.
Income Instability: No guaranteed hours or minimum wage. Some weeks may be very slow.
Impact on Immigration: While it is legal work for those with proper authorization, self-employed gig work generally does NOT count as skilled work experience for programs like the Canadian Experience Class (Express Entry). It may not help you qualify for permanent residency directly.
A Better Long-Term Strategy for Immigrants
While delivery work can provide immediate cash flow, it should not be your only plan. Use it as a temporary income source while you:
Search for a job in your skilled field that offers LMIA sponsorship or qualifies for PR programs.
Enhance your credentials with Canadian certifications or language training.
Network and build Canadian references for your resume.
Final Practical Advice for Immigrant Riders
Verify Your Eligibility: Double-check your work permit conditions. If it says “Employer-Specific,” you cannot do this work.
Track Everything: From day one, use an app or spreadsheet to track all income, tips, and business-related expenses for tax purposes.
Get Proper Insurance: If using a car, inform your insurer you are using it for food delivery. Personal insurance may not cover you in an accident during a delivery.
Prioritize Safety: Invest in good lights, a helmet, and winter gear. Be aware of your surroundings.
Have a Backup Plan: Treat food delivery as a flexible side job, not a career, and actively work towards securing skilled employment aligned with your long-term immigration goals.
Food Delivery Rider Jobs in Canada for Immigrants: Food delivery rider jobs offer a flexible entry point to the Canadian labour market for immigrants with the correct open work or study permits. However, it is essential to enter with clear eyes: understand the legalities, the tax responsibilities, and the fact that this work alone is unlikely to fulfill skilled work experience requirements for permanent residency. Use it as a stepping stone, not the final destination.
