Canada offers excellent opportunities for skilled immigrants seeking high-paying jobs, but earnings can vary significantly depending on the province. If you’re planning to relocate, it’s essential to understand which provinces offer the best salaries, benefits, and immigration pathways. This guide explores the highest paying provinces Canada for immigrants, the top industries hiring, and how to secure permanent residency (PR) through provincial immigration programs.
Why Salaries Vary by Province
Each Canadian province has its own economy, industry demand, and cost of living. While all provinces offer strong employment opportunities, those with booming sectors like oil, tech, and finance tend to offer the most lucrative compensation for immigrants.
Top Canadian Provinces with High Expat Salaries
1. Alberta
- Top-paying sectors: Oil & gas, construction, engineering
- Average salary: CAD 65,000 – CAD 110,000
- Popular cities: Calgary, Edmonton
- Immigration route: Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Alberta is ideal for skilled trades and professionals in energy and infrastructure. Many jobs come with strong relocation benefits and sponsorship options.
2. Ontario
- Top-paying sectors: Tech, finance, healthcare, engineering
- Average salary: CAD 60,000 – CAD 120,000+
- Popular cities: Toronto, Ottawa
- Immigration route: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Ontario leads in immigrant salaries Canada due to its strong job market, especially for software developers, nurses, and financial analysts.
3. British Columbia (BC)
- Top-paying sectors: Tech, film, construction, hospitality
- Average salary: CAD 55,000 – CAD 105,000
- Popular cities: Vancouver, Victoria
- Immigration route: BC Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
With a booming tech industry and strong demand for healthcare professionals, BC is a preferred destination for expats seeking balanced salaries and lifestyle.
4. Saskatchewan
- Top-paying sectors: Agriculture, mining, manufacturing
- Average salary: CAD 50,000 – CAD 90,000
- Popular cities: Regina, Saskatoon
- Immigration route: Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Saskatchewan offers top expat jobs Canada for those in trades and natural resource sectors, with lower cost of living and fast PR pathways.
5. Quebec
- Top-paying sectors: Aerospace, AI, healthcare, engineering
- Average salary: CAD 55,000 – CAD 100,000+
- Popular cities: Montreal, Quebec City
- Immigration route: Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
Quebec offers high earnings in specialized roles, particularly for French-speaking immigrants. The province operates its own immigration system.
Best-Paying Jobs for Immigrants in Canada
- Software Developer: CAD 85,000 – CAD 130,000
- Registered Nurse: CAD 70,000 – CAD 100,000
- Construction Manager: CAD 90,000 – CAD 120,000
- Truck Driver: CAD 65,000 – CAD 90,000
- Financial Analyst: CAD 75,000 – CAD 110,000
Relocation and Immigration Costs
- Application fees (PR): CAD 1,365 per adult
- Medical exams and biometrics: CAD 200 – 300
- Language tests (IELTS/CELPIP): CAD 300
- Educational Credential Assessment: CAD 200 – 300
- Proof of funds: CAD 13,757+ (single applicant, varies yearly)
Hiring a Canada PR lawyer can simplify your application and improve approval chances.
How to Apply via Provincial Nominee Programs
- Choose the province that aligns with your occupation and salary goals
- Create an Express Entry profile or apply directly through a PNP
- Get a nomination from the province
- Apply for PR through IRCC
- Relocate and settle in the nominated province
FAQs
Q: Can I move to any province after getting PR?
You are expected to live and work in the province that nominated you, especially in the first few years.
Q: Which province is easiest to immigrate to?
It depends on your job. Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Nova Scotia have more flexible PNPs for certain occupations.
Q: Which city in Canada pays the highest?
Toronto and Calgary generally offer the highest average salaries for skilled immigrants.
Conclusion
When choosing a place to live and work in Canada, consider more than just the job — look at provincial earnings, PR pathways, and cost of living. Provinces like Alberta, Ontario, and BC offer the highest Canada expat salary potential and streamlined province visa routes through PNPs. With proper planning, you can secure high earnings, permanent residency, and a better life in Canada.