LMIA Jobs | Work Permit Canada | Express Entry | Tech, Healthcare, Finance, Trades | How to Apply
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Toronto, Canada’s largest city and economic powerhouse, continues to attract global talent with its booming tech sector, strong financial services industry, and critical healthcare system. For skilled workers seeking visa sponsorship in Canada, Toronto offers excellent opportunities across multiple industries with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $150,000+. This guide covers the step-by-step process to secure a sponsored job, LMIA requirements, top industries hiring, companies that sponsor work permits, and pathways to permanent residency.
Toronto Salary Guide by Industry 2026
Salaries in Toronto vary significantly by industry, role, and experience level. Below are realistic ranges for positions commonly offering visa sponsorship.
| Role | Industry | Salary (CAD) |
| Software Developer | Technology | $80,000 – $140,000 |
| Data Scientist | Technology | $90,000 – $150,000 |
| Registered Nurse | Healthcare | $75,000 – $100,000 |
| Financial Analyst | Finance | $70,000 – $110,000 |
| Civil Engineer | Construction | $75,000 – $120,000 |
| Accountant (CPA) | Finance | $65,000 – $100,000 |
| Electrician (Licensed) | Skilled Trades | $65,000 – $95,000 |
| Project Manager | Various | $85,000 – $130,000 |
| Warehouse Supervisor | Logistics | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Truck Driver (AZ License) | Transportation | $55,000 – $80,000 |
Note: Salaries in Toronto are generally 10–20% higher than other Canadian cities. Cost of living is also higher, particularly housing.
Understanding Canadian Work Permits
Before applying for jobs, understand the work authorization options available to foreign nationals in Canada.
Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA-Based)
The most common pathway for sponsored employment. Requires the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) proving no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available for the role.
- Employer applies for LMIA: Demonstrates recruitment efforts to hire Canadians first
- Positive LMIA issued: Employer provides you with LMIA number and job offer letter
- Apply for work permit: Submit application to IRCC with LMIA and supporting documents
- Permit tied to employer: You can only work for the sponsoring employer
LMIA-Exempt Work Permits
Certain categories don’t require LMIA, making the process faster:
- Global Talent Stream: Fast-track for tech workers (2-week processing)
- Intra-Company Transfers: Employees transferring within multinational companies
- International Mobility Program: Various exemptions including CUSMA (formerly NAFTA)
- Post-Graduation Work Permit: For international students graduating from Canadian institutions
Open Work Permit
- Work for any employer in Canada
- Available to spouses of skilled workers/international students
- Bridging Open Work Permit for PR applicants
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) for graduates
Top Industries Hiring with Visa Sponsorship
1. Technology
Salary Range: $70,000 – $180,000
Toronto is Canada’s largest tech hub, home to Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and hundreds of startups. The Global Talent Stream provides 2-week work permit processing for tech roles.
- In-demand roles: Software developers, data scientists, cloud engineers, DevOps, cybersecurity
- Major employers: Shopify, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, TD Bank (tech division), RBC
- Visa pathway: Global Talent Stream (LMIA-exempt), Express Entry
2. Healthcare
Salary Range: $60,000 – $150,000
Canada’s aging population and healthcare staffing shortages create strong demand for nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals.
- In-demand roles: Registered nurses, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, medical lab technicians, physiotherapists
- Major employers: University Health Network (UHN), Sinai Health, Sunnybrook, Ontario Health
- Requirement: Credential recognition through relevant regulatory body (CNO for nurses)
- Visa pathway: LMIA work permit, Express Entry (healthcare NOCs have high CRS points)
3. Finance & Banking
Salary Range: $65,000 – $150,000+
Toronto is Canada’s financial capital, hosting the headquarters of all major banks and numerous investment firms.
- In-demand roles: Financial analysts, accountants (CPA), risk managers, investment analysts, compliance officers
- Major employers: RBC, TD Bank, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC, Manulife, Sun Life
- Visa pathway: LMIA work permit, Express Entry, Ontario PNP
4. Construction & Skilled Trades
Salary Range: $55,000 – $120,000
Toronto’s ongoing construction boom (housing, transit, infrastructure) creates persistent demand for skilled trades workers.
- In-demand roles: Electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, civil engineers
- Major employers: EllisDon, PCL Construction, Aecon, Ledcor, various subcontractors
- Requirement: Red Seal certification often required or preferred
- Visa pathway: LMIA work permit, Express Entry (Federal Skilled Trades Program)
5. Transportation & Logistics
Salary Range: $45,000 – $85,000
- In-demand roles: Long-haul truck drivers (AZ license), warehouse supervisors, logistics coordinators
- Major employers: Amazon, Purolator, FedEx, Canada Post, various trucking companies
- Visa pathway: LMIA work permit (high demand, often positive LMIA)
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Sponsored Job
Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility
- Education: Check if your credentials are recognized in Canada
- Experience: Most sponsored roles require 1–3 years relevant experience
- Language: English proficiency (IELTS/CELPIP) often required
- Credentials: Get Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration
Step 2: Create Canadian-Style Resume
- 1–2 pages maximum
- No photo, age, or marital status
- Focus on achievements with quantifiable results
- Customize for each job application
- Include LinkedIn profile link
Step 3: Search Job Boards
- Job Bank Canada (jobbank.gc.ca): Government portal with LMIA job listings
- Indeed Canada: Search ‘visa sponsorship’ or ‘LMIA approved’
- LinkedIn Jobs: Network and apply; filter for ‘visa sponsorship’
- Glassdoor: Job listings plus salary and company reviews
- Company career pages: Apply directly to large employers
Step 4: Apply and Interview
- Tailor cover letter to each position
- Prepare for video interviews (common for international candidates)
- Discuss visa sponsorship openly during interview process
- Be prepared to explain LMIA process to smaller employers
Step 5: Employer Obtains LMIA
- Employer applies for LMIA through Service Canada
- Must demonstrate recruitment efforts (advertising for 4+ weeks)
- Processing time: 2–12 weeks depending on stream
- Positive LMIA provides job offer letter and LMIA number
Step 6: Apply for Work Permit
- Online application: Through IRCC portal
- Documents: Passport, LMIA number, job offer, education credentials, language test
- Biometrics: Required at visa application centre
- Processing: 4–16 weeks depending on country of residence
- Fee: $155 CAD (work permit) + $85 CAD (biometrics)
Top Toronto Companies Sponsoring Work Visas
Technology
- Shopify, Google Canada, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, IBM
- Wealthsimple, Ritual, 1Password, Clio, Top Hat
Finance & Banking
- RBC, TD Bank, BMO, Scotiabank, CIBC
- Manulife, Sun Life, Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG
Healthcare
- University Health Network (UHN), Sinai Health, Sunnybrook
- SickKids, Ontario Health, various long-term care facilities
Construction & Engineering
- EllisDon, PCL Construction, Aecon, Ledcor, WSP, Stantec
Pathways to Permanent Residency
Working in Toronto on a work permit can lead to permanent residency through several programs.
Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: Points-based system (CRS score)
- Federal Skilled Trades: For qualified tradespeople
- Canadian Experience Class: For those with 1+ year Canadian work experience
- Processing: 6 months for most applications
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Human Capital Priorities: For Express Entry candidates in Ontario
- Employer Job Offer: For those with permanent job offers in Ontario
- Tech Draws: Targeted invitations for tech workers
- Benefit: Adds 600 CRS points to Express Entry profile
Cost of Living in Toronto 2026
| Expense | Cost |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Downtown) | $2,200 – $2,800/month |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment (Outside Downtown) | $1,800 – $2,400/month |
| Utilities (Electricity, Heat, Water) | $150 – $200/month |
| Public Transit (TTC Monthly Pass) | $156/month |
| Groceries (Single Person) | $400 – $600/month |
| Dining Out (Casual) | $20 – $40/meal |
| Health Insurance (if not employer-covered) | $100 – $200/month |
| Internet | $60 – $100/month |
On $50K salary: Tight budget, likely need roommates or live outside downtown. On $80K+ salary: Comfortable living with ability to save.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $50,000 a good salary in Toronto?
$50,000 is entry-level for Toronto. You can live on this salary but will need to budget carefully, likely share accommodation, and live outside downtown. For comfortable living, aim for $70,000–$80,000+.
How hard is it to get LMIA approval?
LMIA approval depends on the occupation and employer’s recruitment efforts. High-demand occupations (tech, healthcare, trades) have higher approval rates. Employers must demonstrate they couldn’t find Canadian candidates after advertising for 4+ weeks.
Can I bring my family to Canada?
Yes. Work permit holders can bring spouse and dependent children. Spouses may be eligible for Open Work Permits, allowing them to work for any employer. Children can attend public school.
How long to get permanent residency?
Timeline varies: Express Entry with high CRS score can result in PR within 6–12 months. Canadian Experience Class requires 1 year of Canadian work experience. Provincial nomination (OINP) can accelerate the process.
Do I need Canadian work experience?
Not necessarily for initial work permit. However, Canadian work experience significantly improves your chances for permanent residency (Canadian Experience Class) and makes you more attractive to employers.
Start Your Toronto Career
Securing a $50,000–$150,000+ job in Toronto with visa sponsorship is achievable with the right strategy. Target high-demand industries (tech, healthcare, trades, finance), understand the LMIA and work permit process, and position yourself for permanent residency through Express Entry or provincial nomination.
Your Next Steps
- Get Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from WES
- Take English language test (IELTS or CELPIP)
- Create Express Entry profile to check CRS score
- Prepare Canadian-style resume
- Search Job Bank and Indeed for LMIA-approved positions
- Apply directly to major Toronto employers
- Consider consulting a regulated immigration consultant (RCIC)
Your Toronto career starts with the right preparation. Begin your application today.