Canada continues to attract workers from around the world because salaries remain strong, the economy is growing, and the country welcomes skilled immigrants. In 2025, most work visa holders earn between CAD 42,000 and CAD 120,000 depending on their profession and province. The government has already projected labour shortages across health care, construction, transportation, IT, hospitality, agriculture, and education, creating more opportunities for foreign workers.
If you want to move to Canada in 2025, this guide explains the jobs in demand, the salary breakdown, and the full visa application steps. Everything is written in clear, simple language to help you understand exactly how the process works and what you need to prepare.
Why Canada Needs Foreign Workers in 2025
Canada is facing an ageing population, low birth rates, and a high number of retirees. This has created labour shortages in almost every province. The country needs workers to fill essential jobs so the economy can continue running smoothly.
Many employers now rely on foreign workers because there are not enough Canadians available. This makes 2025 one of the best years for anyone planning to move to Canada through a work visa pathway.
Average Salaries in Canada for Work Visa Holders (2025)
Here is a simple salary table so you have a clear idea of what different roles pay in Canada in 2025:
| Job Sector | Average Salary per Year (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | 55,000 to 120,000 |
| IT and Technology | 70,000 to 130,000 |
| Skilled Trades (Electricians, Plumbers, Welders) | 60,000 to 95,000 |
| Construction Labour | 45,000 to 72,000 |
| Truck Drivers | 55,000 to 85,000 |
| Warehouse and Logistics | 40,000 to 65,000 |
| Agriculture Workers | 32,000 to 55,000 |
| Hospitality and Food Services | 32,000 to 50,000 |
| Administrative and Office Roles | 38,000 to 60,000 |
| Finance and Accounting | 55,000 to 110,000 |
| Engineering | 70,000 to 120,000 |
Your salary will depend on your location, employer, and experience.
Cost of Living in Popular Canadian Provinces (2025)
Below is a simple comparison of average monthly living costs in major provinces. This helps you understand how far your salary can go.
| Province | Average Rent (1-bedroom) | Monthly Expenses (Food, Transport, Bills) |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 1,600 to 2,300 | 900 to 1,200 |
| British Columbia | 1,700 to 2,400 | 900 to 1,200 |
| Alberta | 1,200 to 1,600 | 750 to 1,000 |
| Manitoba | 1,000 to 1,400 | 700 to 950 |
| Saskatchewan | 950 to 1,300 | 650 to 900 |
| Nova Scotia | 1,200 to 1,700 | 750 to 1,000 |
| New Brunswick | 900 to 1,300 | 700 to 950 |
Provinces in Atlantic Canada and the Prairies usually have lower rent and living costs, making them good options for new immigrants.
Jobs in High Demand for 2025
Canada publishes a list of shortage occupations every year. Below are the jobs consistently in demand across the country.
Healthcare
Canada urgently needs health professionals. Roles include:
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Nurses
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Personal support workers
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Healthcare aides
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Physiotherapists
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Medical lab technicians
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Caregivers
Salary range: CAD 55,000 to 110,000
This is one of the strongest pathways because hospitals and care homes face staff shortages.
Information Technology (IT)
Tech workers are needed in almost every province. Roles include:
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Software developers
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Cyber security analysts
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Data analysts
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IT support technicians
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Cloud engineers
Salary range: CAD 70,000 to 130,000
IT jobs often lead to permanent residency because provinces want long term talent.
Construction and Skilled Trades
Canada is building new homes, roads, and hospitals. Workers needed include:
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Electricians
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Carpenters
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Welders
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Plumbers
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Heavy machinery operators
Salary range: CAD 45,000 to 95,000
Skilled trades workers are among the most in demand nationwide.
Transportation and Trucking
Trucking remains a major shortage area. Roles include:
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Long haul drivers
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Delivery drivers
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Transport supervisors
Salary range: CAD 55,000 to 85,000
Many provinces offer fast PR pathways for truck drivers.
Agriculture and Food Production
Workers are needed for:
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Farm labour
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Meat processing
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Fruit picking
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Dairy farm roles
Salary range: CAD 32,000 to 55,000
Agriculture programs hire thousands of foreign workers annually.
Hospitality and Tourism
Hotels and restaurants require:
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Chefs
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Cooks
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Servers
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Housekeepers
Salary range: CAD 32,000 to 50,000
This sector is recovering and growing again since travel reopened.
Business, Finance and Administration
There is demand for:
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Accountants
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Financial analysts
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Office administrators
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Customer service reps
Salary range: CAD 40,000 to 110,000
These roles are common across all provinces.
Canada Work Visa Pathways for 2025
There are several ways to legally work in Canada. Here are the most popular and easiest to understand.
1. Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
This is the most common work visa. You need:
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A job offer
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A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from your employer
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A work permit
LMIA proves that the employer could not find a Canadian citizen to do the job.
2. International Mobility Program (IMP)
This program does not require LMIA. It is for:
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Intra-company transfers
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Spousal open work permits
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Some trade agreements (like USMCA)
This pathway is easier because employers do not need government approval.
3. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Work Visas
Every province in Canada has its own immigration program. If a province needs your skill, they can nominate you for PR.
Examples:
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Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
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Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
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British Columbia PNP
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Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
These programs allow both work permits and direct PR streams.
4. Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Route)
This is a points based system. You earn points for:
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Age
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Education
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Work experience
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English or French test results
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Job offer (optional)
Many people qualify for PR without a work permit.
5. Canada Government Pilot Programs
Several pilots focus on specific worker shortages:
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Home Child Care Provider Pilot
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Home Support Worker Pilot
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Agri-Food Pilot
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Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
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Atlantic Immigration Program
These are some of the easiest pathways for foreign workers.
Step by Step Guide: How to Apply for a Canada Work Visa in 2025
Here is a simple breakdown of the entire process.
Step 1: Identify the job that matches your skills
Look at in-demand roles and check if your experience fits.
Step 2: Prepare a Canadian style CV
Canadian resumes are short, simple, and skills focused.
Step 3: Apply for jobs online
Popular platforms include:
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JobBank.gc.ca
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Indeed Canada
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LinkedIn
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Provincial job boards
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Company websites
Step 4: Get a job offer
This is the most important requirement for most work visas.
Step 5: Employer applies for LMIA (if needed)
This step applies only to TFWP roles.
Step 6: Apply for your work permit
Submit your documents online through IRCC.
Required documents include:
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Passport
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Job offer letter
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LMIA (if applicable)
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Medical exam (depends on your job)
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Police certificate
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Proof of funds (sometimes requested)
Step 7: Biometrics
You will attend a visa centre for fingerprints and a photo.
Step 8: Wait for approval
Processing time is usually 8 to 22 weeks depending on the visa type.
Step 9: Travel to Canada
Your work permit will be issued at the airport when you arrive.
Benefits of Moving to Canada for Work
There are many advantages for foreign workers:
✔ Strong salaries
Even entry level jobs pay well compared to many countries.
✔ Smooth pathway to permanent residency
Many work visa holders qualify for PR within 1 to 2 years.
✔ Safe environment
Canada is among the safest countries in the world.
✔ Free healthcare for permanent residents
Once you become a PR, healthcare is government funded.
✔ Family friendly
You can bring your spouse and children through several visa programs.
✔ Quality of life
Clean air, good schools, and organised cities.
Challenges to Expect as a New Worker in Canada
To prepare fully, consider the challenges too:
❗ High rent in major cities
Toronto and Vancouver are expensive.
❗ Cold weather
Winter can be difficult for newcomers.
❗ Job competition
Some industries are competitive, especially professional roles.
❗ Initial settlement costs
Rent, transport, winter clothes, and groceries can be costly at first.
Understanding these challenges makes relocation easier.
Best Provinces for Foreign Workers in 2025
Some provinces offer faster processing, easier PR pathways, and more job opportunities.
1. Alberta
Strong demand in construction, trucking, and hospitality.
2. Saskatchewan
High demand for agriculture, trades, and trucking.
3. Ontario
Best for IT, finance, healthcare, and corporate jobs.
4. British Columbia
Great for hospitality, tech, and film industry jobs.
5. Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Affordable living and high demand in health care and trucking.
Conclusion
Canada Work Visa 2025 offers strong salaries, thousands of job openings, and clear pathways to permanent residency. With roles paying between CAD 42,000 and 120,000 across healthcare, IT, construction, transportation, and hospitality, it remains one of the best destinations for foreign workers looking for stability and long term opportunities.
If you prepare your CV, target the right jobs, understand the visa options, and follow the application steps carefully, you can successfully begin your journey to living and working in Canada.