LMIA‑Approved Seafood Processing Employers in New Brunswick — Complete 2026 Guide
Meta description: Discover 4 LMIA‑approved seafood employers in New Brunswick — Baie Ste. Anne Seafoods, Westmorland Fisheries, Phillips Bridge Seafood, and Amco Fisheries. Eligibility, wages, duties, and how to apply from abroad.
Overview
New Brunswick’s seafood industry is a major source of LMIA‑approved temporary foreign worker positions. Below are detailed profiles of four employers with a proven history of hiring internationally. All positions fall under NOC 94142 — Fish and Seafood Plant Workers and operate under the Low‑Wage LMIA Stream.
⚠️ Important: Approved position numbers represent historical LMIAs, not current vacancies. Always confirm active postings before applying.
Employer 1 — Baie Ste. Anne Seafoods (2014) Inc.
Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Escuminac, New Brunswick |
| Approved LMIAs | 1 |
| Approved Positions | 175 (historical) |
| Products | Snow crab, Atlantic herring, herring roe, processed lobster, deep‑sea scallops, smelt |
| Markets | North America, Asia, Europe |
| Job Titles | Fish Plant Worker, Handyperson, Production Supervisor |
| Wage Range (NB) | $15.90 – $19.25/hour; median ~$16.97/hour |
Duties
- Cutting, cleaning, and trimming fish & seafood by hand
- Removing meat from lobster and shellfish
- Sorting by size, weight, and quality
- Operating processing, cutting, and packaging machinery
- Weighing, labelling, and recording production data
- Cleaning and sanitizing equipment and work areas
- Following food safety & hygiene standards
Requirements
- No degree or diploma mandatory; on‑the‑job training provided
- Some secondary education may be preferred
- Physical stamina — standing, lifting, repetitive work in cold/wet environments
- English language ability
- Valid passport & medical clearance
Employer 2 — Westmorland Fisheries Ltd.
Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Cap‑Pelé, New Brunswick |
| Approved LMIAs | 2 |
| Approved Positions | 230 (historical) |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Focus | Atlantic lobster processing |
| Markets | North America, Europe, Asia |
| Current Openings (2026) | Lobster Processor — $18.40 – $21.25/hour (June 2026 posting: 50 vacancies) |
| Wage Range | $15.90 – $21.25/hour depending on role & shift |
Highlights
- Actively hiring in 2026 — official careers page and Job Bank listings confirm current vacancies
- No degree required; training provided
- Shifts include mornings, evenings, nights, weekends & overtime
- Benefits: EI, CPP, health coverage, dental, vision, paid sick days, pension plan
Employer 3 — Phillips Bridge Seafood ULC
Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Locations | Cap‑Pelé, NB; Bloomfield & Borden‑Carleton, PEI |
| Approved LMIAs | 2 |
| Approved Positions | 178 (historical) |
| Focus | Lobster processing — fresh & frozen products |
| Latest Posting | Jan 29, 2026 — Fish Plant Worker (PEI location) |
| Requirements | No degree; will train; cold/wet/physically demanding conditions |
| NB Wage Range | $15.90 – $19.25/hour |
Important Note
The company operates in two provinces — carefully confirm whether the vacancy is in New Brunswick or Prince Edward Island, as LMIA processes differ.
Employer 4 — Amco Fisheries Ltd
Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | New Brunswick (unspecified coastal location) |
| Stream | Low‑Wage LMIA |
| Position | Fish‑Processing Plant Worker |
| Education | No degree/certificate required |
| Experience | No experience necessary — employer provides training |
| Language | English or French |
| Wage | Prevailing provincial rates apply |
What Is NOC 94142 — Fish & Seafood Plant Worker?
Official duties include:
- Machine operators: Set up & run equipment to clean, cut, cook, smoke, brine, dehydrate, or package seafood
- Hand workers: Cut, trim, scrape, fillet, and prepare fish & shellfish; remove lobster/crustacean meat
- Quality control: Inspect products & packaging; weigh, sort, and record production
- Sanitation: Clean machinery, tools, and work areas to food safety standards
Working conditions:
- Cold, wet, refrigerated environments
- Standing for full shifts; repetitive motions; lifting up to ~20 kg
- Rotating shifts including nights & weekends
- Protective gear provided
Low‑Wage LMIA Stream — Key Rules (2026)
Table
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| NB Wage Threshold | $31.73/hour (effective July 17, 2026) — below this = Low‑Wage stream |
| Workforce Cap — Standard | 10% of location workforce |
| NB Temporary Measure (April 23, 2026) | Eligible employers may be approved for 15% cap instead of 10% |
| Food Manufacturing Sector | Eligible for 20% cap under general program rules |
| Employer Responsibilities | Recruit locally first; pay prevailing wage; provide affordable housing; arrange round‑trip transportation; cover medical insurance; ensure safe work |
| LMIA Fee | $1,000/position — paid by employer only |
| Work Permit | Employer‑specific; typically 1–2 years duration |
| PR Pathway | Not automatic — separate application via NBPNP or Express Entry required |
How to Apply — Step‑by‑Step
Step 1: Search for Active Vacancies
- Search each employer name on Canada Career Site or official company careers pages
- Check posting date, location, wage, and whether international candidates are accepted
- ⚠️ Historical numbers (175, 230, 178) do not mean current availability
Step 2: Prepare Your Resume
- Use Canadian format — reverse‑chronological, clear section headings
- Highlight:
- Seafood/food processing, factory, or production work
- Packaging, sorting, quality control, sanitation
- Machine operation or physical labour
- Reliability, attendance, ability to work shifts
- No seafood experience? Emphasize transferable skills from agriculture, manufacturing, warehouse, or cleaning roles
Step 3: Apply Directly to the Employer
- Follow instructions in the specific job posting
- Never pay anyone for an interview, job offer, or LMIA
- If shortlisted, you will be contacted directly by the employer
Step 4: Employer Applies for LMIA
- Employer advertises locally for minimum 8 consecutive weeks
- Submits LMIA application to Service Canada — you do not apply
- If approved, employer receives positive LMIA
Step 5: Receive Your Documents
- Positive LMIA confirmation
- Signed employment contract
- Formal job offer letter
Step 6: Apply for Work Permit
- Submit employer‑specific work permit application to IRCC
- Include: passport, LMIA documents, contract, medical exam results, biometrics
- ⚠️ Positive LMIA ≠ guaranteed work permit
Step 7: Travel & Settle
- Employer arranges/pays round‑trip transportation
- Affordable housing provided or arranged
- Begin work on agreed start date
Scam Prevention — Critical Checklist
Table
| ✅ Safe Practice | ⚠️ Red Flag |
|---|---|
| Apply through official company portals only | Asked to pay money upfront for “processing” or “guarantee” |
| Confirm employer directly via independent sources | “Guaranteed visa” or “direct hiring agent” claims |
| Receive written contract before any payment | Pressure to pay via personal accounts or crypto |
| LMIA fee = employer’s responsibility — never yours | Fake or copied employer websites |
| Check posting dates & current vacancies | No written contract provided |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do these numbers (175/230/178) mean jobs are available now?
No. They represent historical LMIA approvals. Always check current postings. Westmorland Fisheries confirmed active openings in June 2026; others should be verified directly.
2. Do I need experience or education?
No degree required. Previous factory or processing experience helps, but most employers provide training.
3. Can I apply from Pakistan?
Yes. The Low‑Wage Stream accepts workers from any country. You do not need to be in Canada first.
4. What is the wage?
NB median ~$16.97/hour; Westmorland currently advertises $18.40–$21.25/hour. Confirm exact rate in the active job posting.
5. Does this lead to permanent residence?
Not directly. It gives you temporary work authorization. After qualifying work experience, you may apply for permanent residence through the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) or Express Entry.
6. Which employer should I apply to?
Start with Westmorland Fisheries — they have confirmed active postings and higher advertised wages. Then check Baie Ste. Anne Seafoods and Phillips Bridge Seafood regularly.
