Canada is known for being one of the safest, most welcoming and among the most thriving countries in the world. Coming to Canada to work as an immigrant offers a means to build a better future.
Whatever province you decide to settle in, numerous employment opportunities for career advancement await. In this article, I will cover the best provinces in Canada for immigrants looking for jobs.
Key Takeaways
- The best provinces in Canada for newcomers are Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.
- Ontario is the best province for immigrants looking for the most job opportunities. British Columbia offers the highest average hourly wage. Alberta has the highest average after-tax income in the country, with its lowest taxes out of all the provinces.
- The most in-demand occupations in Canada include registered nurses, computer network technicians, electrical engineers, computer engineers, computer and information system managers, computer programmers, software engineers, and finance managers.
Best Provinces in Canada for Immigrants to Find Jobs
Below are the different provinces of Canada that provide numerous work opportunities for immigrants.
| City | Number of Jobs Available1 (as of Q3 2023) | Average Salary (hourly) | Employment Rate2 (as of Nov. 2023) | Unemployment Rate2 (as of Nov. 2023) |
| Ontario | 259,735 | 26.25 | 61.3% | 6.1% |
| Quebec | 175,645 | 25.00 | 61.8% | 5.2% |
| British Columbia | 117,925 | 27.00 | 61.7% | 5.3% |
| Nova Scotia | 18,650 | 23.55 | 57.5% | 6.8% |
| Alberta | 89,830 | 25.35 | 65.3% | 5.9% |
| Saskatchewan | 25,055 | 23.00 | 64.6% | 5.1% |
Ontario
Of all Canadian provinces, Ontario is the most preferred among immigrants in terms of employment potential. Considered by many as the best province in Canada for permanent residents (PR), it offers unique benefits to newcomers in terms of employment prospects.
With the new legislation banning Canadian companies from requiring work experience from newcomers, Ontario has become more attractive for immigrants. Between 2021 and 2022, it received 227,235 new immigrants, making it the most popular immigration destination.
The sectors with the highest employment in Ontario include the following: wholesale and retail trade; health care and social assistance; professional, scientific and technical services; and manufacturing.
The top cities in Ontario (according to growth rate) include Brampton (10.6%), Kitchener (10.1%), and London (10.0%). Among the most sought-after professions in the province are nurse aides and orderlies, chemical plant machine operators, and IT jobs.
Quebec
This French-speaking province also has a robust job market. Finding a job here is easier for those proficient in the French language. Quebec is also among the best places to live in Canada for families looking for a high-quality yet affordable way of life.
The sectors with the highest employment include the wholesale and retail trade; health care and social assistance; manufacturing; professional, scientific and technical services; and educational services.
Quebec’s top cities according to growth rate are Longueuil (6.1%), Gatineau (5.4%), Laval (3.6%), Montréal (3.4%) and Québec (3.3%). The most in-demand occupations in the province are registered nurses, computer network technicians, electrical engineers, and computer engineers.
British Columbia
British Columbia is another province where immigrants can find numerous employment opportunities. Vancouver, a fast-rising tech hub, offers ample job prospects in various industries.
The sectors with the most employment in the province include the following: wholesale and retail trade; health care and social assistance; professional, scientific and technical services; construction; and educational services.
The cities with the highest growth rate from 2016 to 2021 are Surrey (9.7%) and Vancouver (4.9%). Computer and information system managers, computer programmers, and database analysts and administrators are among the province’s most in-demand positions.
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is an ideal option for immigrants looking for a more affordable cost of living. It is also family-friendly, with good schools and children’s amenities, making it one of the best provinces in Canada to raise a family.
The sectors with the most employment include wholesale and retail trade, scientific and technical services, construction, and educational services. The most in-demand occupations in the province include nurses, college and other vocational instructors, civil engineers, paralegals, and social and community service workers.
The city with the highest growth rate is Halifax, with 9.1%. The other best cities to live in include Cape Breton, New Glasgow and West Hants.
Alberta
Alberta, known for its vibrant culture and work environment and consistent focus on its economic progress, floods with job opportunities for immigrants. The province also boasts the highest average after-tax income in the country ($72,500).
The industries with the highest employment are the following: wholesale and retail trade; health care and social assistance; construction; professional, scientific and technical services; and educational services.
The cities with the highest growth rate are Edmonton (8.3%) and Calgary (5.5%). The jobs with the highest demand include registered nurses, transport truck drivers, retail and wholesale managers, accounting and related clerks, and computer programmers.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is also among the best provinces in Canada for immigrants, with its high standard of living, higher average income, and a program offering job opportunities to immigrants that aim to resolve labour shortages in the province.
Wholesale and retail trade, health care and social assistance, educational services, construction, and public administration are the sectors with the highest employment in the province. The two cities with the highest growth rate are Saskatoon (7.7%) and Regina (5.3%).
The most in-demand jobs in the province include finance managers, data analysts, social science researchers, and architects.
The data on the various sectors and the job vacancies in the different provinces are taken from Statistics Canada, while the information on the top cities according to growth rate is taken from the 2021 Census of Population.
What Are the Best Jobs for Immigrants in Canada?
If you want to immigrate to Canada, below is a glimpse of some of the top jobs to consider and apply for (there are several more).
- Registered Nurse. Registered nurses provide clinical care to patients and support to medical professionals in medical facilities, schools and nursing homes. The hourly pay range for a registered nurse is $28.00-$50.00.
- Accountant. Businesses and organizations have an endless need for accountants to manage financial records and preserve financial stability. An accountant in Canada can earn between $23.08-$64.29 per hour.
- Electrician. Urban areas that experience continued growth and development have a high demand for electricians to ensure proper electrical maintenance and repairs. The hourly rate for this job ranges from $19.00-$47.38.
- Software Engineer. Due to the thriving tech sector, companies continuously need skilled software engineers to build and maintain software solutions for end users. Considered one of the best jobs for immigrants in Canada, the hourly wages for this position range from $31.25-$81.73.
- Project Supervisor. This position calls for efficient management of all aspects of a project from the beginning up to its fulfilment. The prevailing wage for a project supervisor in the construction field varies from $27.00-$71.43 an hour.
FAQs
Ontario is the safest province in Canada. Five of its cities – Durham Region (Oshawa/Whitby/Ajax), Peel Region (Mississauga/Brampton), York Region, Ottawa, and Barrie – are in the top ten cities with the lowest CSI in 2022.
Ontario offers the best quality of life, offering plenty of employment opportunities, options for affordable cost of living, and safety for its residents due to its low crime rates. The province also provides access to high-end amenities and services, world-class education and healthcare systems, and cultural and recreational activities.
Alberta offers numerous job opportunities and is an ideal choice for many newcomers to Canada. The province provides a website that makes it easy for individuals to find the job they want and how to go about the application process.
Yes, you can since a job offer is not a requirement to enter the country. However, a valid job offer improves your chances of obtaining PR. If you do not have a job offer, consider applying for Express Entry, an online immigration application system where you submit a profile and be considered a skilled immigrant.
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