Advertisements
2. Why Canada Needs Skilled Workers for $70K Jobs
Labour Shortages and Immigration Targets
- Canada plans to admit approximately 395,000 permanent residents in 2025 and 380,000 in 2026, according to official immigration levels plans.
- Programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and International Mobility Program (IMP) continue to support foreign workers by offering work permits for skilled occupations.
Sectors Facing Talent Gaps
- High demand exists across industries such as:
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Engineering
- Construction
- Logistics and Transportation
- Skilled Trades
- Agriculture
3. Pathways to $70K Work Permit Jobs
LMIA-Approved Jobs (TFWP)
- Employers must obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to prove no qualified Canadians are available for the role.
- With a positive LMIA, foreign workers can apply for closed work permits.
- These jobs can improve an applicant’s profile under immigration programs, even though Express Entry has removed most CRS points for job offers as of 2025.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Each province operates its own PNP streams, tailored to local labor market needs.
- Skilled workers with job offers in provinces like Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and Atlantic Canada can receive a nomination certificate, leading to expedited work permits and immigration processing.
Federal Programs
- While Express Entry no longer awards points for general job offers, workers can still qualify under:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- PNP nominations add 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply for PR.
4. In-Demand Skilled Jobs Paying ~CAD 70,000
Here are examples of high-demand roles with salaries in the CAD 70,000+ range:| Sector | Role Examples | Salary Range (CAD) | Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Technology | Software Developer, Systems Analyst | 60,000–100,000 | LMIA / PNP |
| Engineering | Civil, Mechanical, Electrical Engineers | 65,000–90,000 | LMIA / PNP |
| Healthcare | Registered Nurse, Lab Technologist | 55,000–80,000 | LMIA / PNP |
| Skilled Trades | Electrician, Plumber, Welder | 60,000–90,000 | LMIA + Red Seal |
| Transportation | Truck Driver, Logistics Coordinator | 60,000–80,000 | LMIA / PNP (Atlantic/SK) |
| Construction | Project Coordinator, Site Supervisor | 70,000–95,000 | LMIA / PNP |
5. Eligibility Requirements
General Criteria
- Education: Degree, diploma, or trade certification
- Work Experience: 2–5 years in a skilled role
- Language Proficiency: IELTS/CELPIP (English) or TEF (French) with minimum CLB 6 or 7
- Licensing/Certification: Required for regulated professions
- Medical and Police Clearance
- Valid Passport and Travel History
LMIA-Specific
- Employers must complete recruitment efforts before applying for LMIA
- LMIA approval is required before applying for a closed work permit
PNP-Specific
- Valid full-time job offer in a participating province
- Intent to live and work in that province
- Meet specific stream criteria (language, work experience, occupation)
6. Step-by-Step: How to Secure a $70K Job with a Work Permit
- Research In-Demand Occupations
- Focus on roles consistently listed in Job Bank Canada and provincial needs lists
- Prioritize regions with higher acceptance of foreign talent
- Prepare Your Resume (Canadian Format)
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to meet Canadian employer expectations
- Highlight language test scores, certifications, and work experience
- Apply Through Official Channels
- Use trusted job boards like Job Bank Canada, Indeed, and LinkedIn
- Avoid paying for job offers or unauthorized agents
- Secure a Job Offer and LMIA or PNP Nomination
- Employers apply for LMIA on your behalf (for TFWP roles)
- For PNP, apply to Expression of Interest pools in participating provinces
- Apply for Work Permit
- Submit the work permit application online or at a visa office
- Include all supporting documents: job offer, LMIA or PNP certificate, language tests, etc.
- Arrive in Canada and Gain Local Experience
- Work for at least 12 months in a skilled role to qualify for CEC
- Apply for permanent residence once eligible
7. Transition to Permanent Residency
Provincial Nominee Pathway
- If nominated, receive 600 bonus CRS points
- Apply for permanent residence through Express Entry or a paper-based PNP stream
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- After one year of skilled work in Canada, apply under CEC
- No LMIA required, and no job offer needed at the time of PR application
Federal Skilled Worker / Trades Programs
- Continue working on your closed permit while building points for FSWP or FSTP
- Job experience abroad may also count
8. Important Policy Changes in 2025/2026
Removal of CRS Points for Most Job Offers
- As of March 2025, Express Entry no longer awards CRS points for most job offers (excluding senior management)
- PNP nominations and Canadian experience now carry more weight
Restrictions on Spousal Work Permits
- Only spouses of workers in TEER 0 or 1, and select TEER 2/3 occupations, are eligible for open work permits
- Verify if your occupation qualifies before planning to bring dependents
Reduction in Temporary Resident Caps
- Canada is implementing caps on temporary residents, reducing permit approvals for foreign workers and international students
- Priority is given to sectors with high economic need
9. Avoiding Scams and Mistakes
Job Offer Scams
- Real employers will not ask for payment to issue a job offer or LMIA
- Verify employer legitimacy on Job Bank or provincial nominee portals
- Consult with a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) or lawyer if unsure
Fake Agencies and Misleading Ads
- Stay away from non-verified agencies or recruiters promising guaranteed jobs or immigration
- Always use official government channels
10. Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Enhance Your Language Scores: A higher CLB level boosts both job chances and PR eligibility
- Get Trade Certification (Red Seal) if you’re in a skilled trade
- Be Open to Smaller Provinces: PNPs in rural and northern communities often have lower competition
- Track Provincial Nominee Draws and submit Expressions of Interest regularly
- Network Online: Connect with employers and recruiters on LinkedIn
11. Case Study Examples
Case 1: IT Professional in Ontario
- Position: Full Stack Developer
- Salary: CAD 75,000/year
- Pathway: LMIA-approved job → Work permit → CEC pathway for PR
Case 2: Construction Supervisor in Saskatchewan
- Position: Site Manager
- Salary: CAD 70,000
- Pathway: Nominated via Saskatchewan PNP → Closed work permit → Express Entry PR
Case 3: Nurse in Alberta
- Position: Registered Nurse
- Salary: CAD 78,000
- Pathway: Alberta PNP nomination → Work permit → Permanent residency
12. Trusted Resources
- Job Bank Canada
- Government of Canada Immigration Site
- Provincial Nominee Programs by Province
- Express Entry System
- Red Seal Program