WORKING OVERSEAS
Canada, the world’s second-largest country by land area, is situated in North America and spans across ten provinces and three territories.
Its extensive landmass stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and extends north into the Arctic Ocean.
Canada shares a vast southern and western border with the United States, which, at 8,891 kilometers (5,525 miles), is the longest international land border in the world. Ottawa serves as the nation’s capital.
For overseas veterinarians and veterinary technicians seeking to work in Canada, several professional requirements must be met. Firstly, passing the North American Veterinary Licensing Exam (NAVLE) is mandatory for practicing veterinarians in the country. Veterinary technicians, on the other hand, must obtain certification through their respective provincial veterinary technician associations.
In addition to the NAVLE, veterinarians should consult the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) to verify the current requirements for practicing in their preferred Canadian location. Requirements may vary depending on the province or territory in which they wish to work.
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Proficiency in English is another essential prerequisite for working as a veterinarian or veterinary technician in Canada. Applicants may need to take a language test to demonstrate their English skills. French language skills may also be necessary in certain regions, such as Quebec.
For non-Canadian nationals seeking to work as veterinarians or veterinary technicians in Canada, securing the appropriate visa and work permit is a crucial step. Here’s a brief overview of the visa requirements for these professionals:
Temporary Work Permit: Most veterinarians and veterinary technicians will need a temporary work permit to work in Canada. To obtain this permit, you must first have a job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer will generally need to apply for a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). An LMIA confirms that there is a genuine need for a foreign worker and that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the position. Once the LMIA is approved, the candidate can apply for a temporary work permit.
Express Entry: For individuals seeking permanent residency in Canada, the Express Entry system is a popular immigration pathway. Express Entry manages applications for permanent residency under three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates are ranked based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. The highest-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency during periodic draws.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Each Canadian province and territory (with the exception of Quebec) has its own Provincial Nominee Program, which allows them to nominate foreign workers for permanent residency based on local labor market needs. PNPs can be an alternative pathway for veterinarians and veterinary technicians who have a strong connection to a specific province or territory, such as a job offer or prior work experience.
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Please note that visa requirements and immigration policies may change over time. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website or seek advice from a qualified immigration professional.
Veterinary professionals in Canada generally enjoy competitive salaries that may surpass what they currently earn in their home country.
Based on our 2022 salary review, the following figures highlight the compensation landscape for veterinarians and veterinary nurses in Canada:
- Average Veterinarian Salary: $100,000 per annum
- Entry-Level Veterinarian Salary: $80,000 per annum
- Experienced Veterinarian Salary: (up to) $200,000 per annum
- Average Veterinary Nurse Salary: $38,000 per annum
- Experienced Veterinary Nurse Salary: (up to) $38,000 – $45,000 per annum
- Average Veterinarian Salary: £45,000 annually
- Entry-Level Veterinarian Salary: £38,000 annually
- Experienced Veterinarians: Earning up to £80,000 annually
- Average Veterinary Nurse Salary: £28,000 annually
- Experienced Veterinary Nurse Salary: Ranging between £28,000 and £36,000 annually
- Average Locum Veterinarian Salary: £450 to £550 per day
- Average Locum Veterinary Nurse Salary: £18 to £27 per hour
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Please note that these figures are for reference purposes only and may vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and practice size.n the veterinary profession.
In Canada, both federal and provincial or territorial taxes apply to individual incomes. The taxation system is progressive, meaning that as your income increases, so does the percentage of tax you pay. Here’s a brief overview of personal income tax rates and brackets in Canada.
Federal Income Tax: The federal government levies income tax on a progressive scale, with tax rates and brackets adjusted annually for inflation. As of 2021, the federal income tax rates and brackets were as follows:
- 15% on the first $49,020 of taxable income
- 20.5% on taxable income over $49,020 up to $98,040
- 26% on taxable income over $98,040 up to $151,978
- 29% on taxable income over $151,978 up to $216,511
- 33% on taxable income over $216,511
Please note that these tax rates and brackets are subject to change, and you should consult the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for the most current information.
Provincial and Territorial Income Taxes: In addition to federal taxes, you will also pay provincial or territorial income tax based on your residence. Each province and territory has its own tax rates and brackets, which are adjusted annually. The combined federal and provincial or territorial tax rates generally range from around 25% to 54%, depending on the province or territory and your income level.
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It is important to remember that these tax rates and brackets may change over time, and other deductions or credits may impact your overall tax liability. To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) website or seek advice from a qualified tax professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about moving to Canada and building your veterinary career overseas.
How does GVC help vets relocate to Canada?
We support you through the entire move. It begins with a conversation about the roles and provinces that interest you, followed by tailored matching and interview preparation.
From there we guide you through the Canadian licensing process, your work permit or immigration route, and the offer and paperwork stage, right up to your first day. We also help with the practical side of settling in and stay in touch once you’ve arrived.
Does GVC help with licensing and registration?
Yes. Practising in Canada involves passing the NAVLE and meeting the requirements of the province where you’ll work, and we guide candidates through those steps as part of every placement. We’ll explain what’s needed, help you understand the province-by-province differences, and support you in getting everything in order before you begin.
Is there a cost to using GVC as a candidate?
No. Our service is free for veterinary professionals looking for work. As with most recruitment agencies, our fees are paid by the employers we work with, which means you can access our vacancies, career guidance and relocation support at no cost to you.
How much do vets earn in Canada?
Veterinary professionals in Canada generally enjoy competitive salaries that may surpass what they currently earn at home. Based on our most recent salary review, the average veterinarian earns around CAD $100,000 a year, with entry-level roles starting near $80,000 and experienced vets earning up to $200,000. Veterinary technicians earn around $38,000 on average, rising to roughly $45,000 with experience.
How do overseas vets get licensed to work in Canada?
To practise as a vet in Canada you must pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). Veterinary technicians instead obtain certification through their provincial technician association.
Because requirements vary by province and territory, it’s worth consulting the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and the relevant provincial body for your preferred location. English proficiency is also required, and you may need to sit a language test; French may be necessary in certain regions such as Quebec. Our team can guide you through the requirements for your destination province.
What visa do I need to work as a vet in Canada?
There are a few routes. Most vets start on a Temporary Work Permit, which requires a job offer from a Canadian employer who generally needs a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) confirming the need for an overseas worker.
For permanent residency, the Express Entry system manages applications under programmes including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and there are also Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that let individual provinces nominate workers based on local needs. We’d always recommend checking the latest guidance from IRCC, and our team can help you find the right route.
How can I find a veterinary job in Canada?
Browse our Canadian vacancies or upload your CV, and one of our consultants will be in touch to talk through your options. We work with employers across Canada’s provinces and territories and match you to roles that suit your experience and preferred location. We then support you through interviews, the NAVLE and provincial licensing, and your work permit or immigration route.
How much tax will I pay as a vet in Canada?
Canada applies both federal and provincial or territorial income tax, and both are progressive, so your rate rises with your income. Federal rates step up through several bands, and on top of that you’ll pay provincial or territorial tax based on where you live. Combined, the total rate generally ranges from around 25% to 54% depending on the province and your income level.
