$70,000 Immigration Jobs with Work Permit for Skilled Workers in Canada (2025/2026)

In 2025–2026, Canada will continue to offer LMIA-approved and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) work permit jobs with starting salaries of around CAD 70,000 per year, targeting skilled workers in high-demand sectors. These roles often lead to permanent residency via Express Entry or provincial immigration streams. This guide explains qualification paths, key industries, salary expectations, application steps, and strategies for success.

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

Many jobs in these sectors begin at or above CAD 70,000, offering stability and a pathway to permanent residency.

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:

These roles are typically based in cities like Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Halifax, but there is strong demand in smaller regions as well.

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

1. 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

2. Prepare Your Resume (Canadian Format)

   • Tailor your CV and cover letter to meet Canadian employer expectations

   • Highlight language test scores, certifications, and work experience

3. Apply Through Official Channels

   • Use trusted job boards like Job Bank Canada, Indeed, and LinkedIn

   • Avoid paying for job offers or unauthorized agents

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

13. Conclusion

Canada offers abundant opportunities in 2025 and 2026 for skilled workers to secure CAD 70,000+ jobs with work permits. With well-defined immigration pathways like LMIA and PNP, foreign workers can enter the Canadian labor market and transition into permanent residents. Policy changes emphasize the importance of provincial nominations, Canadian work experience, and verified job offers. By targeting high-demand occupations, preparing strong applications, and avoiding common pitfalls, skilled immigrants can build successful lives in Canada.