Canada continues to open its doors to skilled foreign workers through its Express Entry immigration system, creating opportunities for qualified Nigerians looking to secure permanent residence and better-paying jobs abroad.
In 2026, the Canadian government expanded its category-based selection system to target workers in occupations facing labour shortages. The priority categories include healthcare, education, STEM, trades, transport, French-speaking professionals, researchers, senior managers and physicians. These occupations receive special attention during Express Entry invitation rounds, increasing candidates’ chances of obtaining permanent residence.
If you are planning to relocate to Canada, choosing a profession that is both highly paid and in demand can significantly improve your chances of success.
Canada recently announced new permanent residence opportunities for skilled foreign workers through its Express Entry system. Nigerians interested in learning more about the latest occupations being targeted can read our guide on Canada Opens Permanent Residence Opportunity for Skilled Nigerians, Lists Eligible Occupations.
Here are 10 of the highest-paying jobs Nigerians can use to immigrate to Canada in 2026.
1. Software Engineer
Software engineering remains one of the most sought-after professions in Canada.
Companies across sectors are looking for professionals who can build software applications, cloud systems, cybersecurity solutions and artificial intelligence products. Software engineers are also part of Canada’s STEM category under Express Entry.
Average salary
- CAD 110,000 to CAD 180,000 per year
- Median hourly wage: CAD 56.49
Why Nigerians should consider it
Professionals with degrees in computer science, software engineering or related fields can qualify through Express Entry and several Provincial Nominee Programs.
2. Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Canada is investing heavily in artificial intelligence and advanced technology.
Cities such as Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal have become major AI hubs, creating strong demand for specialists in machine learning, data science and AI systems development.
Average salary
- CAD 120,000 to CAD 200,000 annually
- Median hourly wage exceeds CAD 56 in many regions.
Why it matters
AI professionals fall under Canada’s STEM priority category, making them attractive candidates for immigration programmes.
3. Registered Nurse
Healthcare workers remain among Canada’s most urgently needed professionals.
The country continues to face shortages of nurses across hospitals, long-term care facilities and community health centres. Healthcare occupations remain a major Express Entry category.
Average salary
- CAD 85,000 to CAD 130,000 annually
Why Nigerians should apply
Qualified nurses with recognised credentials often have multiple immigration pathways available, including Express Entry and provincial programmes.
4. Medical Doctor
Doctors are among the highest-paid professionals in Canada.
To address healthcare shortages, Canada introduced a dedicated Express Entry pathway for physicians with eligible experience.
Average salary
- CAD 180,000 to over CAD 400,000 annually
Best specialties
- Family medicine
- Internal medicine
- Psychiatry
- Emergency medicine
5. Civil Engineer
Canada’s growing infrastructure projects continue to drive demand for civil engineers.
Professionals in this field work on roads, bridges, housing developments, transportation systems and public infrastructure.
Average salary
- CAD 90,000 to CAD 150,000 annually
- Median hourly wage: CAD 48.56
Immigration advantage
Civil engineers are included within Canada’s STEM occupations category.
6. Electrical Engineer
Electrical engineers play a key role in Canada’s energy, telecommunications and construction sectors.
The transition to renewable energy and smart infrastructure is creating additional opportunities for qualified professionals.
Average salary
- CAD 95,000 to CAD 160,000 annually
Why demand remains strong
Many provinces continue to experience shortages of experienced engineers, particularly in large infrastructure and energy projects.
7. University Lecturer or Postsecondary Instructor
Education is now one of Canada’s targeted immigration categories under Express Entry.
Universities and colleges across the country regularly recruit qualified academics in engineering, health sciences, information technology and business-related fields.
Average salary
- CAD 90,000 to CAD 170,000 annually
Ideal candidates
- PhD holders
- Researchers
- Experienced lecturers
8. Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
Canada recently added transport occupations to its Express Entry priority categories to help address shortages in the aviation sector.
Average salary
- CAD 85,000 to CAD 150,000 annually
Why this job stands out
The aviation industry continues to expand, increasing demand for aircraft maintenance specialists and inspectors.
9. Commercial Pilot
Pilots are among the highest-paid transport professionals in Canada.
With increasing air travel and a growing aviation workforce gap, experienced pilots are becoming increasingly valuable. Transport occupations are now among Canada’s targeted immigration categories.
Average salary
- CAD 120,000 to CAD 250,000 annually
Who can apply
- Commercial pilots
- Airline transport pilots
- Aviation instructors
10. Electrician
Many Nigerians overlook skilled trades, yet they offer some of the fastest routes to permanent residence in Canada.
Electricians are among the most in-demand trades professionals and are regularly targeted through category-based Express Entry selections.
Average salary
- CAD 70,000 to CAD 110,000 annually
- Median hourly wage: CAD 35.00
Why trades are attractive
Unlike some professional occupations, skilled trades often have lower barriers to entry and strong employment prospects.
How Nigerians Can Use These Jobs to Immigrate to Canada
Professionals working in these occupations can improve their chances of immigrating to Canada by:
- Creating an Express Entry profile
- Obtaining Educational Credential Assessments (ECA)
- Taking approved language tests such as IELTS or CELPIP
- Gaining relevant work experience
- Applying through Provincial Nominee Programs where available
- Monitoring category-based Express Entry draws
Canada’s 2026 immigration priorities show a clear focus on healthcare workers, STEM professionals, educators, transport workers, tradespersons and other highly skilled professionals. Nigerians with qualifications and experience in these fields may have a stronger chance of receiving invitations to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.
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