Canada remains one of the top destinations for skilled professionals in 2025, thanks to its competitive salaries, world-class standard of living, and multiple visa sponsorship opportunities.
Every year, thousands of immigrants secure high-paying jobs in Canada through the Skilled Worker Visa Program, which is part of the country’s Economic Class immigration streams.
With an average salary exceeding $80,000 for mid-level to senior professionals and entry-level salaries starting from $45,000, Canada is actively seeking foreign workers to fill shortages across industries such as healthcare, engineering, IT, construction, and finance.
The Canadian labor market is currently facing a shortage of over one million job openings, making this year a golden opportunity for international applicants. Unlike other countries, Canada offers immigrants a clear pathway to permanent residency through the Express Entry system, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Provincial Nominee Programs.
This means that applying for a Skilled Worker Visa does not only give you the right to work legally in Canada, but also opens the door to permanent settlement for you and your family.
Reports from Statistics Canada indicate that skilled worker wages have increased by 12 percent in the last three years, particularly in sectors such as construction, health sciences, and information technology.
For instance, IT professionals now earn between CAD 75,000 and CAD 120,000 per year, while construction project managers and engineers command salaries upwards of CAD 95,000. Nurses and healthcare assistants also benefit from salary scales ranging between CAD 60,000 and CAD 105,000, depending on their province of employment.
Applicants considering Canada in 2025 should understand that the government is not only targeting highly qualified professionals, but also mid-level and semi-skilled workers. This inclusivity makes the Skilled Worker Visa an attractive option for both recent graduates and experienced professionals.
Another major benefit is that Canadian employers are actively sponsoring foreign workers to fill critical shortages, meaning that securing a job offer could drastically speed up your visa approval process.
To put things into perspective, Canada allocated over 465,000 permanent resident slots in 2023, with 60 percent of them going to skilled worker applicants. In 2025, this number has further increased to over 485,000, ensuring that more foreign workers will benefit from visa support.
The federal government, alongside provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta, is committed to boosting immigration intake to maintain the country’s workforce competitiveness.
For applicants who are serious about relocating, understanding the requirements, salary expectations, and best regions to work in is essential before beginning the visa process.
In the next sections, we will explore the skills required, the provinces offering the highest pay, expected salary ranges, and the different visa types available to skilled workers in Canada.
Entry-level Skills and Experience Required
Before applying for a Skilled Worker Visa in Canada, applicants must be aware of the minimum requirements set by the immigration authorities.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program, which is the primary pathway for skilled migration, uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) that evaluates factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Entry-level applicants need at least one year of continuous full-time experience (or part-time equivalent) in a skilled occupation under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
The NOC divides jobs into categories such as management, professional, technical, and trade occupations. For example, NOC TEER 1 includes professions such as software engineers and doctors, while TEER 2 covers technicians, health aides, and skilled trade workers.
Language proficiency is another key requirement. Candidates must prove their English or French skills by taking tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF. For entry-level applications, the minimum language benchmark is CLB 7, which is equivalent to an IELTS score of 6 in each band. However, higher scores increase CRS points and improve chances of selection.
Education also plays a critical role. While a bachelor’s degree or higher is ideal, applicants with diplomas and trade certifications are equally eligible if their skills match in-demand occupations.
Foreign credentials must be evaluated by designated organizations such as WES (World Education Services) to confirm equivalence to Canadian standards.
Employers in Canada generally seek applicants with the following entry-level skills:
- Strong communication skills in English or French.
- Ability to adapt to new work environments and multicultural teams.
- Relevant technical training or certifications in their field.
- Basic IT proficiency, since most industries rely on digital platforms.
- Soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving.
Experience requirements vary depending on the sector. For instance, construction companies may accept candidates with two years of work experience as welders, plumbers, or electricians, while IT firms may require three years of proven experience in programming or network administration.
Healthcare roles such as nurses and medical assistants require recognized certifications and licensing, which can sometimes be obtained through bridging programs in Canada.
Importantly, entry-level candidates without a job offer can still apply through Express Entry. However, securing a job offer from a Canadian employer adds 50 to 200 points to the CRS score, significantly improving the chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
In 2025, demand is especially high for truck drivers, welders, software developers, nurses, early childhood educators, and healthcare support staff. These positions often come with employer sponsorship, meaning that workers can relocate faster compared to other immigration streams.
Regions with the Highest Payment Structures
Salaries for skilled workers in Canada vary significantly depending on the province or territory. While the national average is around CAD 80,000 per year, certain regions consistently offer higher pay due to labor shortages, cost of living, and industry presence.
Ontario, particularly the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), leads the country in terms of employment opportunities and salary levels. IT professionals in Toronto earn an average of CAD 95,000 annually, while financial analysts and banking experts can expect salaries exceeding CAD 100,000.
Construction managers and engineers in Ontario also enjoy competitive wages between CAD 85,000 and CAD 120,000, depending on their specialization.
British Columbia is another top-paying region, particularly in Vancouver and Victoria. The province has one of the fastest-growing economies in Canada, driven by technology, healthcare, and real estate development.
Skilled workers in IT earn between CAD 90,000 and CAD 130,000 annually, while healthcare workers such as registered nurses average CAD 80,000 to CAD 100,000. Construction jobs in Vancouver also pay significantly higher than the national average due to rising infrastructure and housing demands.
Alberta remains a hotspot for skilled trade workers and energy professionals. Salaries in Calgary and Edmonton are among the highest in the country.
For example, petroleum engineers earn upwards of CAD 110,000 annually, while welders and pipefitters average CAD 75,000 to CAD 95,000. Alberta’s construction industry also pays well, with project managers earning between CAD 90,000 and CAD 115,000.
Quebec, despite its lower cost of living, offers competitive wages in healthcare, IT, and manufacturing. Skilled nurses in Montreal earn between CAD 70,000 and CAD 95,000, while software developers average CAD 85,000.
Quebec also has unique immigration streams that favor French-speaking applicants, giving them an advantage in securing both jobs and permanent residency.
The Atlantic provinces such as Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland also present opportunities, although wages are slightly lower compared to Ontario and Alberta. However, due to lower living expenses and strong demand for healthcare and trade workers, these regions are ideal for entry-level applicants looking to establish themselves in Canada.
To give a clearer perspective, let us compare average annual salaries in key provinces:
- Ontario: CAD 85,000 – CAD 120,000
- British Columbia: CAD 90,000 – CAD 130,000
- Alberta: CAD 75,000 – CAD 115,000
- Quebec: CAD 70,000 – CAD 95,000
- Atlantic Provinces: CAD 65,000 – CAD 85,000
These figures highlight why applicants should carefully select their target province when applying for jobs in Canada. Choosing regions with high demand and better pay not only improves financial stability but also strengthens visa approval chances under the Provincial Nominee Programs.
Salary Expectations for Skilled Workers in Canada
Salary expectations for skilled workers in Canada are a major attraction for international applicants. The country’s strong labor laws, combined with a robust economy, ensure that workers are compensated fairly.
While salaries vary by industry and region, the overall median wage for skilled immigrants in 2025 stands at CAD 80,500 annually, according to recent government labor market reports.
Entry-level skilled workers can expect salaries ranging between CAD 45,000 and CAD 65,000, depending on their profession and province of employment.
Mid-level professionals typically earn CAD 70,000 to CAD 95,000, while senior-level experts and managers take home between CAD 100,000 and CAD 140,000 per year. Some highly specialized roles, such as IT architects and petroleum engineers, even exceed CAD 150,000 annually.
For instance, registered nurses, one of the most in-demand roles, start at CAD 60,000 and can grow their earnings to CAD 100,000 with experience.
Construction professionals such as project engineers and supervisors begin at CAD 65,000 and may progress to CAD 115,000. IT developers and cybersecurity analysts average CAD 90,000, with experienced professionals earning well above CAD 120,000.
The following breakdown provides insight into average salaries across industries:
- Healthcare workers: CAD 60,000 – CAD 105,000
- IT professionals: CAD 75,000 – CAD 125,000
- Construction and skilled trades: CAD 55,000 – CAD 115,000
- Finance and banking: CAD 80,000 – CAD 130,000
- Engineering and energy: CAD 85,000 – CAD 150,000
It is important to note that Canadian salaries are complemented by additional benefits such as health insurance, pension contributions, paid leave, and in some cases, housing allowances. Many employers also provide relocation assistance and visa sponsorship, reducing the financial burden on newcomers.
Another factor to consider is overtime and shift allowances, especially in healthcare and trade sectors. Nurses and technicians often receive additional payments for night shifts, weekend work, and overtime, which can increase annual income by 10 to 20 percent.
For applicants evaluating salary expectations, it is advisable to compare gross income with cost of living. While salaries in Toronto and Vancouver are among the highest, housing and living costs are also significantly higher compared to smaller cities such as Halifax, Winnipeg, or Regina.
Skilled workers relocating with families may prefer mid-sized cities where salaries remain competitive, but living costs are more affordable.
Visa Types and Options for Skilled Workers in Canada
Canada has designed multiple visa and immigration pathways to attract skilled workers in 2025, with each option tailored to meet the needs of employers and international applicants. Understanding these visa types is essential for anyone looking to secure employment and eventually permanent residency in Canada.
The most popular program is Express Entry, which manages applications under three major streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Among these, the FSWP is the most suitable for foreign skilled professionals without prior Canadian work experience. The system uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to rank applicants based on education, work experience, age, and language proficiency.
In 2025, CRS cut-off scores range from 470 to 490 points, but applicants with job offers or provincial nominations have a much higher chance of success.
Another significant option is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan nominate foreign workers based on regional labor market demands.
For instance, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) has a tech draw for IT professionals, while Saskatchewan’s PNP prioritizes healthcare and construction workers. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to an Express Entry profile, guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
For skilled tradespeople, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) provides a direct path. This is suitable for electricians, welders, plumbers, heavy equipment operators, and similar professions.
The program requires at least two years of work experience in the trade and a valid job offer or certificate of qualification from a Canadian province.
In addition to these, Canada also offers Work Permits with Employer Sponsorship. Through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process, employers can hire foreign workers if no Canadian citizens are available to fill the role.
This is common in industries like healthcare, logistics, and construction. While an LMIA can take time to process, once approved, the applicant can enter Canada quickly and begin working legally.
For French-speaking applicants, there are dedicated immigration streams under the Francophone Mobility Program, which provide added advantages when applying outside Quebec. This supports Canada’s bilingual framework and allows French-speaking skilled workers to integrate more smoothly.
Applicants should carefully choose their visa pathway based on their profession, language proficiency, and long-term goals.
While temporary work permits offer quicker relocation, Express Entry and PNP provide a more direct route to permanent residency. Many skilled workers begin on a temporary permit and transition to permanent residency within two to three years.
How to Secure Construction Skilled Worker Jobs in Canada
Construction remains one of the fastest-growing industries in Canada, with thousands of skilled worker positions open across provinces.
In 2025, the federal government projects that over 300,000 construction jobs will need to be filled within the next five years, driven by housing demand, infrastructure upgrades, and commercial development. This makes construction one of the best industries for skilled immigrants to target.
To secure construction jobs in Canada, applicants should first ensure their skills align with the country’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) list.
High-demand roles include electricians, carpenters, plumbers, heavy equipment operators, welders, and project managers. Each of these roles falls under TEER categories that qualify for skilled worker visas.
The process typically begins with obtaining a job offer from a Canadian employer. Many construction companies actively sponsor foreign workers through LMIA-supported positions.
Applicants can search for vacancies on government websites, construction recruitment agencies, and specialized job portals. Having a strong resume with detailed trade certifications, previous project experience, and references increases the chances of being shortlisted.
For applicants without Canadian certifications, Red Seal Trade Certification is a valuable credential that validates a worker’s skills across provinces. While it is not mandatory to start working, it often leads to higher wages and better job security.
Some provinces offer bridging programs where foreign-trained workers can upgrade their qualifications to meet Canadian standards.
The average salaries in construction are competitive. Entry-level roles such as carpenters and masons earn CAD 50,000 to CAD 65,000 annually, while more specialized positions such as welders and electricians range from CAD 70,000 to CAD 90,000.
Project managers, supervisors, and civil engineers often earn CAD 95,000 to CAD 120,000, especially in provinces like Alberta and British Columbia where demand is high.
Applicants should also be aware of health and safety training requirements. Many employers request proof of occupational safety courses such as WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) or First Aid certifications. These can be completed before or after arrival in Canada.
To maximize success, candidates should:
- Apply directly to large construction companies with ongoing projects.
- Highlight international project experience and trade certifications.
- Explore PNP streams targeting construction occupations, such as in Saskatchewan and Alberta.
- Network with recruiters and attend online job fairs for Canadian construction firms.
With government investments exceeding CAD 10 billion in new infrastructure projects, construction remains one of the most stable and lucrative industries for foreign skilled workers.
Companies Hiring Skilled Workers in Canada
Several Canadian companies are consistently hiring skilled workers across multiple industries, offering visa sponsorship and relocation assistance to qualified candidates. In 2025, some of the leading employers include multinational corporations, healthcare providers, IT firms, and construction giants.
Healthcare Sector
Maple Healthcare, Alberta Health Services, and Trillium Health Partners are among the largest recruiters of foreign nurses, doctors, and medical technicians. They often sponsor visas for international workers due to critical shortages.
Construction and Engineering
PCL Construction, Aecon Group, and EllisDon are leading employers in Canada’s construction industry, offering positions ranging from electricians to project managers. These companies frequently use LMIA approvals to hire foreign workers.
SNC-Lavalin and WSP Global are major engineering firms that recruit civil engineers, mechanical engineers, and architects, with salaries exceeding CAD 90,000.
Information Technology
Shopify, CGI Group, and OpenText are top Canadian IT employers hiring software developers, network engineers, and cybersecurity experts. Salaries for IT specialists often exceed CAD 100,000, making this one of the highest-paying fields for immigrants.
Amazon Canada and IBM Canada also have major tech hubs in Toronto and Vancouver, recruiting skilled international workers.
Energy and Manufacturing
Enbridge, Suncor Energy, and TransCanada recruit petroleum engineers, electricians, and skilled trade workers in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Bombardier and Magna International are manufacturing giants seeking skilled mechanics, technicians, and assembly workers.
Employers that hire foreign workers typically provide relocation packages including airfare, housing support, and settlement services. Many also sponsor spouses and dependent children under family visa provisions, making relocation easier for applicants with families.
It is worth noting that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also play a key role in hiring skilled workers.
Companies in rural provinces often have difficulty filling vacancies locally and are more open to hiring foreign applicants. This creates opportunities for tradespeople, healthcare aides, and truck drivers to secure jobs with visa sponsorship.
Employment Websites to Find Skilled Worker Jobs in Canada
Finding reliable job opportunities in Canada requires using trusted platforms where employers actively post vacancies for skilled workers. In 2025, the following employment websites are the most effective for securing visa-supported jobs:
- Job Bank Canada: The official government platform listing thousands of vacancies across industries. Many positions on Job Bank specify if they are open to foreign workers and indicate LMIA approval status.
- Indeed Canada: A popular job search engine where employers regularly advertise jobs requiring international talent. Candidates can filter roles that mention visa sponsorship.
- Workopolis and Monster Canada: Both platforms specialize in full-time and contract skilled worker positions across multiple provinces.
- LinkedIn: Increasingly used by Canadian employers to recruit international workers. Applicants should optimize their profiles and directly network with hiring managers.
- Glassdoor: Useful for not only finding jobs but also reviewing company cultures, salaries, and employee experiences.
- Specialized Trade Job Boards: For construction and skilled trades, platforms such as SkilledTradesCanada and ConstructionJobsCanada provide sector-specific opportunities.
- Healthcare Job Portals: Websites such as HealthCareJobs.ca list positions for nurses, medical technicians, and healthcare aides, many of which come with sponsorship.
Applicants should always tailor their resumes to Canadian standards. This means avoiding long CV formats and instead using a concise, skills-focused resume with measurable achievements. Cover letters should also emphasize adaptability, willingness to relocate, and prior international work experience.
Another key strategy is using immigration-focused recruitment agencies. Companies like Hays Canada and Randstad specialize in connecting foreign workers with employers willing to sponsor visas. These agencies often guide applicants through the LMIA process, making relocation easier.
Consistency is crucial. Many applicants submit over 100 applications before receiving interview calls. The best approach is to apply widely across different platforms, follow up with recruiters, and keep profiles updated on LinkedIn and Job Bank.