Where Are Foreign Workers Actually Getting Hired in Alberta?
If you're planning to work in Alberta, don't apply blindly. Instead, look at where employers have actually hired foreign workers before.
Using data from the LMIA.ca Employer Database, we analyzed employer hiring trends between 2021 and 2026 to identify the industries, occupations and employers that have consistently relied on international talent.
Alberta's LMIA market by the numbers
Alberta has recorded more than 95,201 approved LMIA positions since 2021. During the same period, employers received over 51,768 approved LMIAs, with an overall approval rate of 93.8%.
|
Alberta LMIA Statistics (Since 2021)
|
Total
|
|---|---|
| Employers | 20,235 |
| Approved LMIAs | 51,768 |
| Approved Positions | 95,201 |
| Refused LMIAs | 3,442 |
| Refused Positions | 4,798 |
| Approval Rate | 93.8% |
These numbers don't represent current job vacancies. Instead, they show how employers have used the LMIA program over the last five years. That makes them a useful indicator of where foreign workers have historically been in demand.
Why historical LMIA data matters
Every approved LMIA tells a story. Before receiving approval, an employer must advertise the position, try to recruit Canadians or permanent residents, and demonstrate that they couldn't fill the role locally.
Only then can they receive approval to hire a foreign worker. That means an approved LMIA isn't just another statistic. It's evidence that an employer has already gone through the process of international recruitment.
For job seekers, that's valuable information.
An employer with a history of hiring foreign workers is often a better place to start than a company with no LMIA history at all. You can find LMIA employers here.
Alberta's demand goes far beyond oil and gas
Many people associate Alberta with the energy sector. While oil and gas remain important, the data shows that employers across many industries have relied on foreign workers since 2021.
Healthcare, construction, transportation, manufacturing, agriculture and technology all continue to create opportunities.
Some of the highest-paying occupations include:
|
Occupation
|
Typical Salary
|
|---|---|
| Physician | $200,000–$500,000+ |
| Petroleum Engineer | $120,000–$180,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $100,000–$150,000 |
| Construction Manager | $95,000–$160,000 |
| Software Developer | $90,000–$140,000 |
| Electrical Engineer | $95,000–$145,000 |
These occupations offer excellent salaries, but many also require licensing or professional certification before you can work in Canada. Salary is important, but it's only one part of the picture.
Skilled trades continue to offer strong opportunities
In Alberta, employers continue to recruit skilled trades workers across construction, transportation, manufacturing and the energy sector.
Some of the occupations that regularly appear include:
|
Occupation
|
Typical Salary
|
|---|---|
| Industrial Electrician | $80,000–$130,000 |
| Welder | $70,000–$120,000 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $70,000–$120,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $90,000–$140,000 |
| HVAC Technician | $65,000–$110,000 |
| Plumber | $70,000–$120,000 |
| Long-Haul Truck Driver | $60,000–$110,000 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $75,000–$120,000 |
These occupations may not always have the highest salaries, but they often experience ongoing labour shortages. Employers facing repeated hiring challenges are more likely to return to the LMIA program when local recruitment isn't enough.
How approved positions break down by LMIA stream
The data also shows that Alberta's hiring demand isn't limited to one type of worker. The majority of approved positions come through the High-Wage and Low-Wage LMIA streams.
|
LMIA Program Stream
|
Approved Positions
|
|---|---|
| Low Wage | 53,280 |
| High Wage | 27,784 |
| Primary Agriculture | 13,249 |
| Global Talent Stream | 697 |
| Permanent Resident Only | 191 |
This tells us that employers are hiring across different industries and experience levels. Some need engineers, healthcare professionals and software developers. Others rely on truck drivers, food processing workers, farm workers and hospitality staff.
Don't just look for the highest salary
Many people search for high-paying LMIA jobs in Alberta.
There's nothing wrong with that, but salary shouldn't be your only deciding factor.
A physician may earn more than $200,000 a year, but entering that profession in Canada requires licensing and years of preparation.
Meanwhile, occupations like welding, trucking, plumbing and industrial maintenance often combine good salaries with steady employer demand.
A job that pays slightly less but has hundreds of employers actively hiring can sometimes be a much better opportunity.
Use employer history to your advantage
One of the biggest advantages of historical LMIA data is that it helps you identify employers with experience hiring internationally. Instead of applying to every vacancy you find online, spend some time researching the employer first.
- Have they hired foreign workers before?
- Do they regularly receive LMIA approvals?
- Have they been active over several years?
These questions can help you prioritize employers that already understand the LMIA process and may be more likely to recruit internationally again.
Takeaway
Looking for an LMIA job isn't just about finding vacancies, it's about finding the right employers.
5 years of hiring data shows that many Alberta employers have consistently relied on foreign workers to fill labour shortages. While past approvals don't guarantee future hiring, they provide a valuable starting point for identifying employers that understand the LMIA process.
Before you send your next application, spend a few minutes researching the employer. A more targeted job search can save you time and help you focus on opportunities with a stronger history of international hiring.
Ready to start? Browse Alberta LMIA jobs above and find employers that match your skills.