LMIA Sponsorship Data

Engineering & Development Jobs with LMIA Sponsorship in Canada

Software Engineers are among the most sponsored roles

26,923
LMIA Approvals
12+
Companies Tracked
2018-2025
Years of Data

Engineering & Development LMIA Approvals by Year

1,007 approvals
2018
3,379 approvals
2019
2,789 approvals
2020
3,879 approvals
2021
7,156 approvals
2022
4,566 approvals
2023
2,973 approvals
2024
1,174 approvals
2025

Top Provinces for Engineering & Development LMIA

Quebec
11,338
Ontario
9,455
British Columbia
4,360
Alberta
941
Nova Scotia
246
Manitoba
233
Employers carrying on business in Canada with Head Office outside of Canada
131
Saskatchewan
96

Top Engineering & Development LMIA Sponsors

1
Conseillers en gestion et informatique CGI Inc.
1,251
approvals
2
Amazon Development Centre Canada ULC
1,192
approvals
3
Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services, ULC
1,139
approvals
4
Groupe Technologies Desjardins inc.
557
approvals
5
Levio Conseils
441
approvals
6
COFOMO DÉVELOPPEMENT INC.
407
approvals
7
Alithya Canada Inc.
392
approvals
8
Ubisoft Divertissements Inc.
241
approvals
9
Mphasis Corporation
216
approvals
10
Shopify Inc.
214
approvals

Visa Sponsorship for Engineering & Development Roles

Engineering & Development stands out as one of the most significant job categories for visa sponsorship in Canada, with a total of 26,923 grants and sponsored positions tracked. This category includes a broad range of roles in software engineering, systems development, and IT consulting, reflecting the ongoing demand for highly skilled technical professionals. The sector attracts major employers like Conseillers en gestion et informatique CGI Inc., Amazon Development Centre Canada ULC, Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services, ULC, Groupe Technologies Desjardins inc., and Levio Conseils.

Visa sponsorship activity in Engineering & Development has demonstrated notable fluctuations over recent years. Sponsorships grew from 1,007 in 2018 to a peak of 7,156 in 2022, before declining to 4,566 in 2023 and 2,973 in 2024, with 1,174 already recorded for 2025. These trends indicate both high demand and occasional volatility, likely reflecting shifts in global hiring, economic climate, and project requirements within the Canadian tech and engineering sectors.

For job seekers, this means that while opportunities are abundant, the timing of applications and awareness of industry trends are crucial. The presence of large employers like CGI Inc. and Amazon signals a focus on advanced technology, cloud services, and digital transformation. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate expertise in modern development methodologies, programming languages, and systems integration.

Applicants should also understand that visa sponsorship processes can be competitive and require strong professional credentials. Highlighting relevant experience, technical certifications, and familiarity with leading technologies will strengthen an application. Staying informed about which companies are most active in sponsorship and aligning your skills to their needs can improve your chances of success.

Key Requirements for Engineering & Development Visa Sponsorship

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Computer Science, or related technical field
  • Proven experience in software development, systems engineering, or IT project management
  • Proficiency in major programming languages and development frameworks relevant to employer needs
  • Familiarity with Canadian industry standards and best practices in engineering or development
  • Demonstrated ability to work on cross-functional teams and manage complex technical projects

Engineering & Development Salaries in Canada

Average Engineering & Development Salary

C$82,857
Minimum
C$110,571
Median
C$138,571
Maximum
Based on 7 job titles in this category
Senior Software Engineer
C$140,000
C$110,000 - C$170,000
Site Reliability Engineer
C$130,000
C$100,000 - C$160,000
DevOps Engineer
C$115,000
C$85,000 - C$145,000
Software Engineer
C$102,000
C$75,000 - C$130,000
Full Stack Developer
C$102,000
C$75,000 - C$130,000
Backend Developer
C$95,000
C$70,000 - C$120,000
Frontend Developer
C$90,000
C$65,000 - C$115,000

Salary data represents typical annual compensation. Actual salaries may vary based on experience, location, and company.

Engineering & Development professionals in Canada are typically among the higher earners in the job market, reflecting the specialized skills and technical expertise required. While compensation may vary depending on the employer, city, and specific role, candidates can generally expect competitive salary offers, especially from major sponsors. Visa sponsorship does not usually reduce compensation but may include relocation or integration support depending on the employer.

Tips for Engineering & Development Visa Applications

  • Research top sponsors like Conseillers en gestion et informatique CGI Inc. and Amazon Development Centre Canada ULC, as they account for a significant share of engineering and development visa sponsorship in Canada.
  • Track yearly trends: application volumes peaked in 2022 but have since declined, so targeting roles early in the year or during hiring surges can boost your chances.
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight technical skills and experiences relevant to the specific projects and technologies commonly used by major employers in this sector.
  • Prepare for technical interviews that may focus on problem-solving, code review, and systems design, especially with companies like Amazon and Groupe Technologies Desjardins inc.
  • Stay updated on emerging technologies and frameworks, as employers often seek candidates with knowledge of current tools and methodologies.
  • Networking within Canadian professional associations or tech meetups can provide insights into hiring cycles and support from peers who have gone through sponsorship processes.
  • Monitor the sponsorship activity of key employers—if you notice a dip in overall grants, consider broadening your search to related technical roles or emerging industries in Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions — Engineering & Development in Canada

Which employers are most active in sponsoring Engineering & Development visas in Canada?

The most active sponsors in this category include Conseillers en gestion et informatique CGI Inc., Amazon Development Centre Canada ULC, Amazon Canada Fulfillment Services, ULC, Groupe Technologies Desjardins inc., and Levio Conseils. These employers have consistently appeared in the data as top sponsors for engineering and technical development roles.

How has the demand for Engineering & Development visa sponsorship changed in recent years?

Demand peaked in 2022 with 7,156 grants, but has since seen a decline: 4,566 in 2023 and 2,973 in 2024, with 1,174 already in 2025. This suggests that while the sector remains robust, there is some year-to-year variability that job seekers should consider when planning their applications.

What qualifications do I need for visa sponsorship in Engineering & Development in Canada?

Most positions require at least a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field, along with hands-on experience in software development or systems engineering. Proficiency in relevant programming languages and project management experience are often expected by top sponsors.

When is the best time to apply for sponsored engineering jobs in Canada?

Given the annual fluctuations in sponsorship grants, it's advisable to apply during periods of higher demand, such as the start of the hiring year or when major employers announce new projects. Monitoring trends—like the spike in 2022—can help target your application timing for better success.

Are there specific skills or technologies that increase my chances of sponsorship in this field?

Yes, showcasing expertise in modern programming languages, cloud platforms, and software development methodologies is highly valued by leading sponsors like CGI Inc. and Amazon. Align your skill set with the technologies these companies use to improve your competitiveness.

Top Engineering & Development LMIA Sponsors

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Popular Engineering & Development Occupations in Canada

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