How to Get a $70,000 Job in Toronto: Visa Sponsorship Opportunities

If you’re aiming to land a $70,000+ CAD job in Toronto and require visa sponsorship, you’re not alone—and the opportunity is within reach. Toronto’s economy is robust, diverse, and hungry for skilled talent across technology, finance, engineering, creative industries, and healthcare. With focus, preparation, and strategic outreach, you can dramatically improve your chances. Here’s how:

If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to the United States for a better life, a higher income, and more stable opportunities, then this could be the best time to make that dream a reality. The U.S. government and several construction firms are currently facing a major workforce shortage, especially in the construction and infrastructure sectors. To solve this problem, a new initiative — the Construction Visa Program — offers a rare chance for skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers to relocate to the USA and earn up to $70,000 per year while helping to rebuild America’s critical infrastructure.

This isn’t just another job opportunity. It’s a government-backed pathway that allows qualified applicants to work legally, earn good income, and even settle in the United States. Let’s explore what this program offers, how it works, and how you can apply.

1. Understand the Sponsorship Landscape

Before you apply, it’s essential to know the primary visa sponsorship frameworks employers use:

Employer-Specific Work Permit (LMIA-backed):
Employers secure a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident could fill the position. Once approved, they offer you a job and you apply for the work permit.
Global Talent Stream (GTS):
Designed for tech and highly-skilled roles. Processed within two weeks, GTS accelerates LMIA approval when employers meet certain criteria. If you work in software, AI, fintech, or other high-demand tech niches, this is a prime path.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Employer Streams:
If a Hamilton, Toronto, or Ottawa employer nominates you, Ontario doubles as your pathway to both a work permit and a provincial nomination—streamlining your route to permanent residency.
Intra-Company Transfer (ICT):
Fast like GTS, this is ideal if you already work at a multinational company with Toronto offices and qualify for a key managerial or specialized role.
Express Entry Enhanced Offers:
A firm job offer (for eligible roles) can accelerate your Express Entry ranking, especially when tied to a provincial nomination.

Key Benefits of the Construction Visa Program

Here are some of the most attractive reasons to apply for this opportunity:

1. Competitive Salary

Workers under this program earn an average of $70,000 per year, which can go even higher depending on experience, state, and employer. In some cases, overtime pay and bonuses can increase annual income to over $100,000.

2. Legal U.S. Work Status

This program provides a legal and secure way to work in the United States under visa categories such as H-2B (Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker Visa) or EB-3 (Skilled Worker Green Card). Participants receive proper documentation and protection under U.S. labor laws.

3. Pathway to Permanent Residency

Depending on your employer and visa type, you may be able to transition from a temporary work visa to permanent residency (Green Card) after several years of consistent work and good standing.

4. Relocation Support

Qualified applicants may receive relocation assistance, including airfare, housing arrangements, and basic settlement support upon arrival in the U.S.

5. Skill Development Opportunities

Many construction firms in the U.S. invest heavily in training and development. Workers can gain internationally recognized skills and certifications that boost their career potential anywhere in the world.

Key Insight: Employers familiar with GTS, global tech hiring, or international placements are your top targets. The faster and clearer the immigration process looks to them, the more likely they’ll sponsor.

States with the Highest Construction Worker Demand

While opportunities exist across the U.S., the following states currently have the highest demand for foreign construction workers:

Texas – Major infrastructure and housing projects.
Florida – Rapid residential and commercial growth.
California – Constant need for skilled trades.
New York – Urban construction and maintenance projects.
Arizona – Expanding industrial and residential developments.
Nevada – Resort and tourism-driven construction.

These states offer some of the best salaries and relocation incentives under the Construction Visa Program.

2. Identify Roles Where $70K+ is Standard

Toronto has many mid- to senior-level positions that align with the $70,000+ salary range:

Technology & Data: Software engineers, backend/frontend developers, DevOps engineers, data scientists, product managers.
Finance & Accounting: Financial analysts, risk analysts, senior accountants, treasury officers.
Engineering: Civil, mechanical, or electrical engineers with solid experience; especially in infrastructure projects or consulting firms.
Professional & Creative Services: UX/UI designers, marketing managers, management consultants.
Healthcare (with licensing): Registered nurses (senior roles) and allied health professionals; note: licensing is a must.
Trade & Construction Management: Construction project managers, specialized electricians/plumbers with proper ITAs or certificates.

Tip: Look for roles at mid-manager, senior associate, or lead levels—those commonly align with $70K+.

3. Create a Sponsorship-Friendly Application Package

Your application must not only reflect your worth but also reassure employers that hiring you is simple and low-risk:

Canadian-style Résumé and Cover Letter:
Focus on results—quantify your achievements (e.g., “Saved $120K annually by streamlining backend processes,” or “Led a team of 5 to deliver product enhancements, increasing user retention by 15%”). Keep the résume concise and relevant (2 pages max).
Professional Credentials:
If you’re in a regulated field (engineering, accounting, nursing), start your licensing or credential evaluation process early. Employers won’t sponsor candidates without these.
Portfolio or GitHub (for tech/creative roles):
Show your work with projects, code samples, or design mockups. It helps you stand out and proves your technical prowess.
Make Immigration Transparent and Simple:
In your later-stage interviews or follow-up communications, summarize your visa pathway—highlight the efficiency of GTS or OINP streams. Offer to bring documentation or refer them to additional resources like the official IRCC site.

4. Search Strategically for Sponsorship-Friendly Employers

Many “visa sponsorship” ads are vague or overstretched. Instead:

Target companies known to hire internationally: Tech firms in “silicon glen,” consulting firms, startups using GTS, or established multinationals.
Use LinkedIn proactively: Add “open to relocation and sponsorship in Toronto” to your headline. Connect with recruiters or hiring managers, request informational chats, and ask if they sponsor or have GTS experience.
Tap staffing agencies: Some specialize in international placements or work with employers open to sponsorship.
Engage in networking: Attend virtual Toronto-based meetups, alumni sessions, or industry events—even online. Many job openings arise via referral, not just job boards.

5. Ace the Interview & Professionally Discuss Sponsorship

You’re not just selling your experience—you’re selling the hiring experience too.

Demonstrate impact, culture fit, and communication: Canadian employers love clear communication, collaborative examples, and evidence of adaptability.
Introduce visa details thoughtfully: When discussions go well, say something like, “I’m excited about this opportunity—I’ll require a work permit supported by an LMIA or through the GTS. I’ve done the legwork to understand employer expectations and timelines; happy to walk through that if it becomes relevant.”
Negotiate with confidence: $70K is a solid ask for many roles. Provide rationale—industry data, your prior outcomes, benchmarks from Toronto salary surveys.

6. Streamline the Post-Offer Process

Once you land the offer:

Employer decides which sponsorship stream fits (LMIA, GTS, OINP, ICT).
Employer initiates LMIA/GTS or submits employer paperwork for OINP.
Approval or validated job offer arrives.
You apply for the work permit and provincial nomination if applicable.
Complete biometrics, medical (if required), and await approval.
Prepare for arrival—get your Social Insurance Number (SIN), bank account, housing, etc.

Pro Tip: The GTS route is particularly compelling given its 2-week LMIA timelines.

7. Avoid Common Traps

Steer clear of these missteps:

Blasting every “sponsorship” job ad without research — Focus on quality and employer reputation.
Ignoring credential requirements for regulated professions — Start early; delays could cost you offer windows.
Relying only on job boards — Combine with networking, referrals, and proactive messaging.
Underestimating relocation costs/time — Budget for flights, housing deposit, interim expenses, and time zones if working remotely until arrival.

8. Additional Tactics to Strengthen Your Candidacy

Get credential evaluations or academic equivalency assessments done early — Even if not required immediately, readying them signals seriousness.
Highlight soft skills and cultural adaptability — Show that you’ll fit into a diverse, collaborative Toronto workplace.
Explore contract-to-permanent roles — Employers sometimes sponsor temporary positions that transition into long-term hires.
Consult an immigration advisor for complex cases — This both reassures employers and keeps you informed about evolving rules.

Who Can Apply?

The Construction Visa Program is open to both skilled and semi-skilled foreign workers. You don’t necessarily need a university degree — what matters most is practical experience, willingness to learn, and dedication to work.

Here are the general eligibility requirements:

Age: Applicants must be between 21 and 50 years old.
Work Experience: Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in construction, building, carpentry, plumbing, welding, or a related field.
Language: Basic understanding of English (speaking, reading, and listening) is preferred.
Health: Must be in good physical condition to perform labor-intensive tasks.
Legal Background: No criminal record.
Availability: Willing to relocate and work full-time in the United States.

If you meet these criteria, your chances of acceptance are strong — especially if you have documented work experience or training certificates in a construction-related field.

Construction Jobs Available Under This Program

The Construction Visa Program includes various job categories, ranging from basic labor to advanced skilled positions. Here are some of the most in-demand roles:

Construction Laborers – $35,000–$40,000/year
Carpenters – $38,000–$45,000/year
Plumbers and Pipefitters – $40,000–$50,000/year
Electricians – $42,000–$55,000/year
Masons and Concrete Workers – $37,000–$44,000/year
Welders – $40,000–$48,000/year
Heavy Equipment Operators – $45,000–$55,000/year
Roofers – $35,000–$42,000/year
Painters and Finishers – $34,000–$40,000/year
Construction Supervisors – $50,000–$65,000/year

Salaries vary based on location and employer, but all roles provide competitive pay with opportunities for overtime and advancement.

Visa Types Used in the Program

There are two main visa options typically used for this initiative:

1. H-2B Visa (Temporary Work Visa)

The H-2B visa allows U.S. employers to hire foreign workers for non-agricultural jobs that are seasonal, intermittent, or temporary. Construction companies often use this visa to bring in workers for large infrastructure projects.

Duration: Up to 3 years (renewable).
Benefits: Legal employment status, guaranteed wage, and protection under U.S. labor laws.
Pathway: May transition to permanent employment if employer sponsors a Green Card.

2. EB-3 Visa (Skilled or Unskilled Workers Green Card)

For those looking for long-term relocation, the EB-3 visa is ideal. It allows workers with job offers from U.S. employers to move permanently.

Duration: Permanent residency after approval.
Benefits: Green Card status, family sponsorship eligibility, and access to U.S. healthcare and education.
Requirements: Job offer from a certified employer willing to sponsor your application.

Final Thoughts

Cracking the $70,000+ job market in Toronto in 2025—even with visa sponsorship—is absolutely feasible if you take a methodical, targeted approach. Focus on roles and industries where your skills match high demand; position yourself as a low-friction candidate by preparing documentation, understanding employer needs, and communicating clearly. Combine strategic applications with networking and you’ll elevate your chances significantly.

If you’d like, I can build a custom 30-day action plan—complete with suggested companies, roles, and outreach messages—to fast-track your job search. Just let me know your industry background and preferences!