In this discussion, we will converse about the highest paying jobs in Canada and USA. Analysing the countries, the job opportunities there, and throwing more light on the average income for them. We will also be looking at the entire visa process to work in the selected countries. Whether you’re considering a new start or looking for greener pastures, this is the guide for you.
Highest Paying Jobs in Canada
When you are considering the highest paying jobs in Canada, there are so many options to choose from. Canada is known for its diverse and growing economy which presents so many high-paying job opportunities.
Records from 2021, suggest that the average wage per hour in Canada was around.
$25 CAD. However, it is important to note that this figure is determined by a lot of factors. Some of them would include the province, industry, and specific job role you have.
Just like we said there are so many options but here are the highest-paying jobs in Canada:
Career |
Annual Average Salary |
Medical Professionals |
$90,000 to $400,000 CAD |
Pharmacists |
$54,000 to $144,000 CAD |
Engineers |
$60,000 to $150,000 CAD |
Information Technology (IT) Professionals |
$50,000 to $150,000 CAD |
Managers in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Related Production |
$90,000 to $120,000 CAD |
Dentists |
$100,000 to $300,000 CAD |
Senior Business Managers |
$90,000 to $200,000 CAD |
Financial Managers |
$80,000 to $120,000 CAD |
Air Traffic Controllers and Pilots |
$80,000 to $150,000 CAD |
Lawyers |
$70,000 to $150,000 CAD |
Visa Requirements to Work in Canada as a Foreigner
To be eligible for one of the highest paying jobs in Canada as a foreigner requires a work permit. This makes understanding the visa process an important part of the search for the highest paying career jobs here. The types of work permit and visa entry types include;
- Temporary Work Permit: This is the most common type of work permit for foreign workers. To obtain one, you generally need a job offer from a Canadian employer and a positive Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- International Mobility Program (IMP): This category allows individuals to work in Canada without an LMIA or job offer if they fall under specific categories, such as intra-company transferees or participants in international agreements like NAFTA.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Some provinces in Canada have their own immigration programs that allow them to nominate foreign workers for permanent residency. This ofien starts with a temporary work permit.
- Express Entry: For skilled workers looking for permanent residency, the Express Entry system is a popular choice. However, it typically requires prior work experience in Canada or a valid job offer.
- Start-Up Visa: If you plan to start and manage a business in Canada, you can apply for a work permit under the Start-Up Visa Program.
It is important to understand that visa requirements usually change with time. So it is important to stay updated by consulting with the official website of the Government of Canada or the official website of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on
visa processes. The general visa process to get your work permit and move to Canada however, is as follows;
- Determine Your Eligibility
- Obtain a Job Offer
- Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) if required
- Gather Required Documents
- Complete the Application
- Pay the Fees
- Biometrics
- Attend an Interview (if required)
- Medical Examination (if required)
- Receive a Port of Entry (POE) Letter (if required)
- Arrive in Canada.
Highest Paying Jobs in the USA
Career |
Annual Average Salary |
Physicians and Surgeons |
$200,000 to $500,000 USD |
Dentists |
$160,000 to $300,000 USD |
Pharmacists |
$120,000 to $150,000 USD |
Nurse Anesthetists |
$160,000 to $200,000 USD |
Petroleum Engineers |
$100,000 and $150,000 USD |
Computer and Information Systems Managers |
$90,000 to $180,000 USD |
Architectural and Engineering Managers |
$100,000 to $160,000 USD |
Marketing Managers |
$80,000 to $150,000 USD |
Natural Sciences Managers |
$90,000 to $150,000 USD |
Financial Managers |
$100,000 and $200,000 USD |
Visa Requirements to Work in the USA as a Foreigner
As we have established, there are so many options, when you are considering the highest paying jobs in the USA. However, it is impossible to get them from your home country. Getting there is the first step and this is why getting a visa and work permit is important.
Working in the United States as a foreigner can be a complex process, and visa requirements depend on various factors including the type of job you’re pursuing. Some common visa categories for foreign workers include:
- H-1B Visa: This non-immigrant visa is for individuals in speciality occupations, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher. To apply for an H-1B visa, you need a job offer from a U.S. employer and approval from the
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- L-1 Visa: Designed for intracompany transferees, the L-1 visa allows employees of multinational companies to work in a U.S. office. It requires a qualifying relationship between the U.S. and foreign companies.
- O-1 Visa: This visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities or achievements in fields like arts, science, education, business, or athletics. It’s important to provide substantial evidence of your extraordinary abilities.
- TN Visa: Under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canadian and Mexican citizens can work in the U.S. in certain professional occupations, typically without the need for a Labor Condition Application (LCA).
- E-2 Visa: For investors, the E-2 visa allows individuals to develop and operate a business in the U.S. It requires a substantial investment and a detailed business plan.
- Employment-Based Green Card: Some foreign workers aim for permanent residency (a green card) through employment-based categories like EB-2 or
EB-3. These processes can be lengthy and complex but offer a path to permanent settlement.Visa requirements in the USA seem to always be changing and ofien involve complex procedures. So we will advise that you with a U.S. immigration attorney or visit the
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for the latest information on the visa process.
Conclusion
Whether you came here searching for the highest paying jobs in Canada or the highest paying jobs in the USA, one thing is common. It is the fact that you want a better life for yourself. These countries have led the race in terms of amazing and fulfilling job opportunities. Not just in America but all over the world. If they where not doing that good, we would not be talking about the highest paying jobs in Canada & USA.
There are so many factors that should guide your choice of country. It will include job availability in your field, visa ease, the cost of living, and the overall quality of life in each country. Both countries over amazing advantages but have their disadvantages also. So the decision of which you end up has to be personal when you consider all these factors.
The good thing is we have been able to provide you with all the information you need to start when you eventually decide to begin the journey to a better life. Do well to share this with others you believe will need the information here.
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