LMIA FinderCan a Veterinarians from Portugal Immigrate to Canada?
Yes — here are the immigration pathways, active jobs, and salary data for veterinarians from Portugal looking to move to Canada.
Immigration Pathways for Portugal Citizens
International Experience Canada (IEC)
Working Holiday / Young ProfessionalCitizens of Portugal are eligible for IEC. Apply for a working holiday visa (up to 2 years) or young professional permit.
CETA Work Permit
Trade AgreementEU citizens from Portugal may access CETA provisions for temporary entry and intra-corporate transfers.
Express Entry
Permanent ResidenceCitizens of Portugal can apply through Express Entry (FSW, CEC, or FST) based on CRS score.
Employer-Sponsored LMIA
Temporary WorkA Canadian employer can sponsor a worker from Portugal through the LMIA process for a work permit.
Key Requirements
Work Experience
You usually need at least one to two years of continuous paid work experience as a veterinarians or in a closely related role.
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 Portugal 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 48 active veterinarians 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 |
IEC Working Holiday (Portugal)
Citizens of Portugal aged 18-35 can apply for an International Experience Canada working holiday visa (up to 2 years). This lets you gain Canadian work experience, which counts toward Express Entry CRS points and CEC eligibility.
Eligible Programs for Veterinarians
Express Entry (FSW)
High MatchFederal Skilled Worker program for qualified professionals with work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program
Medium MatchProvinces nominate workers with in-demand skills. Adds 600 CRS points.
Temporary Work Permit (LMIA)
High MatchEmployer-sponsored LMIA work permit — gain Canadian experience, then transition to PR.
Atlantic Immigration Program
Medium MatchEmployer-driven program for Atlantic Canada with faster processing.
International Experience Canada
Medium MatchWorking holiday or young professional visa for eligible countries.
Veterinarians Salaries in Canada
| Province | Median | Low | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alberta | $101k/yr | $46k | $160k |
| British Columbia | $85k/yr | $36k | $143k |
| Manitoba | $87k/yr | $28k | $129k |
| New Brunswick | — | — | — |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | — | — | — |
| Northwest Territories | — | — | — |
| Nova Scotia | $73k/yr | $29k | $104k |
| Nunavut | — | — | — |
| Ontario | $86k/yr | $35k | $154k |
| Prince Edward Island | — | — | — |
| Quebec | $84k/yr | $38k | $128k |
| Saskatchewan | $84k/yr | $27k | $132k |
| Yukon | — | — | — |
Top Provinces Hiring Veterinarians
Current Veterinarians Openings
Veterinarian
$61.00 hourlyAbby Veterinary Hospital & Emergency · Abbotsford, British Columbia
Veterinarian Assistant
$37.50 hourlyMalton Veterinary Services · Mississauga, Ontario
Veterinarian
$60.00 hourlyClarenville Vet Hospital · Clarenville, Newfoundland and Labrador
Veterinarian
$132,000.00 annuallyMaple City Veterinary Professional Corporation · Gananoque, Ontario
Small Animal Veterinarian
$127,000.00 annuallyDryden Veterinary Services · Dryden, Ontario
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