Canada offers abundant opportunities for skilled international workers seeking stable and rewarding employment along with a high quality of life.

By utilizing the many visa pathways available, you can build a successful career in Canada while also gaining permanent residency.

This article will provide you with an in-depth overview of some of the highest paying jobs in Canada that offer visa sponsorship, along with guidance on how to apply.

Healthcare Jobs

Canada faces acute healthcare staffing shortages across many regions and specialties. As a result, healthcare occupations rank among the most in-demand and offer some of the best pathways to permanent residency via employer sponsorship.

Physicians

Physicians are always in high demand nationwide. The average annual salary for a family physician is around CAD $252,000 while specialists can earn over CAD $400,000.

All provincial medical licensing bodies participate in the physician recruitment process, making it possible to apply directly to a specific province or region.

Provinces like Quebec, Ontario and Saskatchewan actively recruit international medical graduates. Visit the local medical college website to view current openings and eligibility requirements which may include credential assessment and language proficiency testing.

Nurses

As one of the most stable career choices, the nursing profession provides several opportunities for foreign-trained nurses.

Registered nurses (RN) have an average annual salary of CAD $75,780. Many hospitals, long-term care facilities and community health centres directly sponsor RNs from abroad.

You can search listings on job bank websites of individual provinces or apply directly to licensed facilities demonstrating immediate staffing needs. All licensed Canadian nurses are eligible to work nationwide as labour mobility laws apply across provinces.

In-Demand Healthcare Specialists

Other allied health specialties consistently on provincial nomination lists for permanent residency include Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Pharmacists, Medical Lab Technologists and Radiological Technologists.

Annual salaries range from CAD $73,740 to over CAD $100,000 depending on education, experience and specialization.

Sponsored job offers are abundant from community health centres, private clinics and hospital networks. You will need credentials assessment and licensing from the relevant regulatory college to qualify.

Information Technology

Canada welcomes skilled technology professionals to fuel further innovation and digital transformation across all sectors of the economy. Technology jobs are distributed widely with opportunities in major urban centres and smaller communities alike.

Software Developers and Engineers

Software and applications developers are among the most recruited roles, with an average salary of CAD $77,470. Canada especially needs expertise in fields like AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, full-stack development and more.

Leading firms provide relocation, sign-on bonuses and sponsorship support. Examples include Shopify, Hootsuite, Kinaxis and Slack. Consider direct applications through company websites or working with global recruitment specialists.

IT Managers and Specialists

Other vital technology functions include database and business analysts, network engineers, project managers and quality assurance testing specialists with salaries ranging from CAD $75,000 to over CAD $100,000.

Government and banks actively recruit for cybersecurity expertise while telecom firms need networking professionals. Explore options on job sites dedicated to technology careers. Participating employers would gladly assist with all aspects of the work visa process.

Trades

While not always perceived as high-skilled, trades indeed offer lucrative careers as a skilled international immigrant. Canadian provinces face shortages across many construction and industrial trades and are consistently utilizing immigration programs to recruit qualified workers from abroad.

Industrial Electricians

As Canada expands infrastructure and resource projects, electricians are in exceptionally high demand with a median salary of CAD $47.31 per hour or CAD $98,400 annually.

Upon certification assessment, electricians gain access to national accreditation making them eligible for any industry job nationwide. Sponsoring employers range from utilities companies to major construction firms.

Plumbers, Pipefitters and Steamfitters

piping trades service all types of projects from buildings to oil and gas facilities. Salaries average CAD $41.07 hourly or CAD $85,260 per year.

With aging workforces needing replacement, unions are boosting international recruitment initiatives in cooperation with provincial nominee programs.

Mining and Resource Industries

Resource-rich Canada has long sponsored foreign talent for roles within mining, energy, forestry and more. Resource sector jobs often come with additional benefits like room and board in remote project sites.

Mining Engineers

Critical for mine planning, production and safety, mining engineers earn CAD $91,685 on average. Major employers gold, copper, nickel and coal mine operations are continuously hiring internationally trained engineers and provide full relocation support through Labour Market Impact Assessments.

Heavy Equipment Operators

As the backbone of heavy industry, operators of excavators, cranes, haul trucks and more earn average hourly wages between CAD $28-$40.

Whether oil sands, lumber mills or diamond mines, these large employers treat immigration applications as a high priority given current shortages.

Agriculture

Although less mentioned than other sectors, agriculture is a significant employer across Canadian prairies and also offers numerous skilled foreign worker opportunities.

Farm Managers

Managing day-to-day operations on dairy, poultry, hay or vegetable farms, managers earn approximately CAD $63,330 annually with additional perks like housing. Government programs encourage international recruitment as 60% of farmers will retire in the next decade.

Agricultural Technicians and Mechanics

With salaries around CAD $21-30/hour, technicians maintain equipment, organize crops/livestock and ensure optimal farm production.

The low density of domestic applicants makes this field attractive to immigration streams of provinces like Saskatchewan.

Applying for Visa-Sponsored Jobs in Canada

To successfully gain Canadian permanent residency through employment, you must thoroughly research programs and follow each stage of the application process correctly:

1. Research job opportunities – Carefully examine in-demand occupations across regions and determine which suit your qualifications through sources listed in this guide. Make direct job applications where possible.
2. Obtain credential assessments – For regulated professions, get prior education and experience evaluated by credential assessment organizations approved by provincial regulatory bodies.
3. Initiate Labour Market Impact Assessment – For jobs requiring this, have the employer submit a LMIA application to prove no Canadians available to fill the position.
4. Submit Express Entry profile – Under Federal Skilled Worker or other streams, create an online profile highlighting your skilled work experience, language ability, education to get a Comprehensive Ranking System score.
5. Receive a job offer – Upon securing an eligible visa-sponsored position from an LMIA-approved employer, submit proof with your profile to boost score.
6. Get Invited to Apply – If score reaches minimum threshold, you will receive an invitation to formally apply for permanent residency.
7. Get Approved – Submit application package and go through final eligibility checks and medical/security screenings before receiving your residency approval.

With diligent planning and by adhering to each mandatory stage, securing permanent residency alongside worthwhile, sponsored employment in Canada is entirely feasible for skilled foreign candidates.

Always consult official government sources to verify program rules. With increased immigration targets, now is an ideal time to capitalize on the many rewarding careers available.