Can a Optometrists from United States Immigrate to Canada?

Q: Can a Optometrists from United States immigrate to Canada?

Yes, Optometrists from United States can immigrate to Canada. United States citizens have access to CUSMA/USMCA work permit categories. Programs include Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and employer-sponsored LMIA work permits. There are currently 23 active job openings.

Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for optometrists from United States looking to move to Canada.

Active Jobs

Employers

Moderate

Demand Level

IEC Eligible

Immigration Pathways for United States Citizens

CUSMA/USMCA Work Permit

Trade Agreement

Citizens of United States can access intra-company transfer and professional worker categories under CUSMA without LMIA.

Express Entry

Permanent Residence

Citizens of United States can apply through Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST) based on CRS score.

Employer-Sponsored LMIA

Temporary Work

A Canadian employer can sponsor a worker from United States through the LMIA process for a work permit.

Key Requirements

Work Experience

You typically need at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience as a optometrists within the last 10 years. Management or senior roles strengthen your application.

Language Tests

You must prove your English or French skills by taking an approved language test. IELTS General Training or CELPIP are accepted for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. A CLB 7 or higher in all abilities is recommended for Express Entry.

Education & Licensing

Healthcare credentials from United States must be assessed by the relevant Canadian regulatory body. You will likely need to pass licensing exams and may need supervised practice hours before you can practise in Canada.

Licensing and Registration

This is a regulated healthcare profession in Canada. You must register with the provincial/territorial regulatory body in your target province before you can use a protected title or practise.

Job Offer

While a valid job offer no longer adds CRS points (removed March 2025), it remains an eligibility requirement for some Express Entry programs and is needed for employer-sponsored work permits. There are currently 23 active optometrists openings on Job Bank.

Proof of Funds

You must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. The current minimum is $15,263 for a single applicant and $28,362 for a family of 4. This requirement is waived if you have a valid Canadian job offer.

Family Size	Minimum Funds (CAD)
1 (Single)	$15,263
2 (Couple)	$19,001
3	$23,360
4	$28,362
5	$32,168
6	$36,280
7	$40,392
Each additional member	+$4,112

CUSMA/USMCA Advantage

As a United States citizen, you may qualify for CUSMA professional categories that do not require an LMIA. Check if your occupation is on the CUSMA professions list for expedited work permit processing.

Eligible Programs for Optometrists

Express Entry (FSW)

Medium Match

Federal Skilled Worker program for qualified professionals with work experience.

Provincial Nominee Program

Medium Match

Provinces nominate workers with in-demand skills. Adds 600 CRS points.

Temporary Work Permit (LMIA)

High Match

Employer-sponsored LMIA work permit — gain Canadian experience, then transition to PR.

Atlantic Immigration Program

Medium Match

Employer-driven program for Atlantic Canada with faster processing.

International Experience Canada

Medium Match

Working holiday or young professional visa for eligible countries.

Optometrists Salaries in Canada

Province	Median	Low	High
Canada	$81k/yr	$33k	$162k
Alberta	$83k/yr	$33k	$178k
British Columbia	$71k/yr	$38k	$145k
Manitoba	$127k/yr	—	—
New Brunswick	—	—	—
Newfoundland and Labrador	—	—	—
Northwest Territories	—	—	—
Nova Scotia	$85k/yr	—	—
Nunavut	—	—	—
Ontario	$82k/yr	$38k	$159k
Prince Edward Island	—	—	—
Quebec	$96k/yr	$33k	$178k
Saskatchewan	$69k/yr	—	—