Canada continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for skilled foreign workers looking for high-paying jobs and long-term immigration opportunities. In 2025, demand for international talent remains strong, especially through the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) pathway a government process that allows Canadian employers to hire temporary foreign workers when no qualified Canadian citizens or permanent residents are available.
But what are the most promising LMIA-approved opportunities this year? And which roles offer salaries in the $65,000–$110,000 CAD range that many overseas professionals are targeting?
This guide breaks down 18 hot jobs foreign workers should watch in 2025. We’ll explain what LMIA is, how it works, present key salary data in a clear table, and explore real-world options that could be your ticket to working (and potentially settling) in Canada.
Let’s get started!
Understanding LMIA and Why It Matters for Foreign Workers
At its core, a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that Canadian employers obtain to prove there’s a need to hire a foreign worker — and that no Canadian is available to fill the role. Once an employer secures a positive LMIA, the foreign worker can apply for a Canadian work permit and begin employment legally. (Canada)
In 2025, the LMIA system is sharper and more regulated than ever — especially for high-wage positions where workers are paid at or above provincial median wage thresholds. When employers file LMIA for these jobs, the process typically considers factors like wage competitiveness, recruitment efforts in Canada, and how hiring a temporary foreign worker impacts the local labor market. (Canada)
Because Canada wants to ensure its own residents get first consideration for open jobs, the LMIA process remains rigorous — but it also opens major doors for skilled talent from abroad, particularly in sectors where there are genuine labor shortages.
How LMIA Jobs Are Categorized
Before we jump into the list of jobs, it helps to know how LMIA jobs are generally grouped:
- High-Wage LMIA Jobs – Roles where salaries meet or exceed median wage thresholds; these often require specialized skills or experience. (Canada)
- Low-Wage LMIA Jobs – Positions below the median wage threshold (less relevant for the $65k–$110k range). (Canada)
- Global Talent Stream – A fast-track LMIA route for in-demand tech and specialized occupations. (Canada)
- Agricultural and Seasonal LMIA – For farm and seasonal work (often lower wage). (Eswiftscholar)
In this blog, we focus on high-wage opportunities with competitive pay that are realistic targets for skilled foreign workers in 2025.
Breakthrough: 18 High-Pay LMIA-Approved Jobs in Canada (2025)
Below is a snapshot of the top jobs foreign workers should consider — all are frequently advertised by Canadian employers willing to sponsor LMIA applications and fall broadly into the $65,000–$110,000 salary bracket in 2025.
High-Paying LMIA Jobs Table
| Job Title | Typical Salary Range (CAD) | Why It’s in Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $75,000 – $110,000 | Healthcare shortages nationwide; aging population. (Eswiftscholar) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $70,000 – $95,000 | Strong demand in community health and aged care. (sbs-jobs.com) |
| IT Project Manager | $90,000 – $120,000 | Tech sector growth; LMIA through Global Talent Stream. (voyage.military.africa) |
| Software Developer/Engineer | $85,000 – $110,000 | High-skilled tech roles remain a priority. (Eswiftscholar) |
| Cybersecurity Specialist | $85,000 – $115,000 | Rising cyber threats push demand. (Insurance) |
| Data Analyst/Scientist | $75,000 – $105,000 | Data-driven businesses need talent. (Insurance) |
| Truck Driver (Class 1) | $65,000 – $95,000 | Critical logistics shortages. (Eswiftscholar) |
| Heavy-Duty Mechanic | $72,000 – $105,000 | Transport and industrial demand. (affiliateplog.com) |
| Civil Engineer | $85,000 – $120,000 | Infrastructure projects booming. (voyage.military.africa) |
| Construction Project Manager | $92,000 – $140,000+ | Large builds need experienced leadership. (sbs-jobs.com) |
| Electrician (Journeyperson) | $65,000 – $95,000 | Skilled trades shortages persist. (jobs.recentjobcicular.com) |
| Welder (Certified) | $68,000 – $100,000 | Oil, gas & construction pipelines. (affiliateplog.com) |
| Plumber/Steamfitter | $66,000 – $95,000 | Essential trades in construction. (jobs.recentjobcicular.com) |
| Physiotherapist | $70,000 – $100,000 | Healthcare expansion. (Insurance) |
| Pharmacy Technician | $65,000 – $90,000 | Hospitals and clinics. (Insurance) |
| Financial Analyst | $75,000 – $110,000 | Finance & banking hubs need skills. (Insurance) |
| Logistics/Supply Chain Manager | $80,000 – $110,000 | Growing global trade demand. (InsuranceGrades.com) |
| IT Support Specialist | $65,000 – $90,000 | Tech support continues to expand. (Insurance) |
Note: Salaries can vary by province, experience, and employers; they reflect typical ranges advertised in 2025.
Profiles of In-Demand LMIA Jobs
Let’s explore a few of the roles above in more detail — so you understand what they are, why they’re in demand, and who’s hiring:
1. Registered Nurses and LPNs (Healthcare Heroes)
Canada’s aging population and gaps in healthcare staffing make nursing roles some of the most sought-after LMIA jobs in 2025. RNs often earn toward the higher end of the salary range — up to $110,000 CAD — especially in provinces like Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia. (Eswiftscholar)
Long-term care facilities, hospitals, and community health centres across the country actively sponsor RNs and LPNs due to persistent worker shortages — making this a top role for skilled foreign professionals.
2. Technology and IT Roles (Booming Digital Sector)
From software developers to cybersecurity specialists and IT project managers, Canada’s tech landscape remains hungry for talent. Many of these positions qualify under the Global Talent Stream, which is technically an accelerated LMIA route geared toward jobs that are hard to fill locally. (Canada)
Cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal have become global tech hubs — and they pay accordingly.
3. Skilled Trades and Engineering
Jobs such as heavy-duty mechanics, welders, electricians, and plumbers are indispensable to Canada’s infrastructure and industrial sectors. Especially in provinces with active construction and energy projects, workers with Red Seal or equivalent certifications are highly competitive and can command salaries of $90,000+ in many cases. (affiliateplog.com)
For engineers — including civil engineers — the nation’s ongoing investment in bridges, highways, and urban development ensures steady demand well above the median wage range.
Tips for Landing an LMIA-Approved Job in 2025
Whether you’re overseas or already in Canada on another visa, here are practical steps to make your LMIA job hunt successful:
🔹 Start with Job Bank
The Government of Canada’s official Temporary Foreign Workers job search portal lets you find employers that have requested or received LMIA approvals. You can see postings with salary, location, and status. (Job Bank)
🔹 Focus on High-Wage Roles
Positions that meet or exceed provincial wage thresholds are more likely to be approved and can lead to longer work permits — often 2–3 years, and in some cases a path to permanent residency. (Canada)
🔹 Strengthen Your Resume
Canadian employers value certifications, language proficiency (English/French), and relevant work experience. Tailor your CV to Canadian standards and include local equivalents of qualifications where possible.
🔹 Use Recruiters and Immigration Experts
Sometimes niche skills — especially in tech and trades — are best matched with employers via specialized recruiters. Certified immigration consultants can also help clarify the LMIA prerequisites.
Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
Canada’s labour market continues to evolve — and while LMIA remains essential for many job offers, the government also provides other pathways such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Express Entry streams that may intersect with LMIA employment offers later on.
Ultimately, understanding the LMIA landscape gives foreign workers a competitive edge in 2025’s job market — especially in roles that are hard to fill locally.
Conclusion
With the right strategy, foreign workers can access high-paying LMIA-approved jobs across Canada in 2025, roles that not only offer excellent salaries (many between $65,000–$110,000 CAD) but also the potential for long-term settlement.
From healthcare and tech to skilled trades and logistics, Canada’s labour shortages span many sectors creating opportunities for ambitious professionals willing to make the move.
Ready to find your next big career opportunity in Canada? Start with reputable listings, prepare a stellar Canadian-style resume, and target high-wage roles that leverage your skills.
The path to working in Canada might be closer than you think and 2025 looks prime for foreign talent. 🌎🇨🇦