Canada is globally recognized for its robust legal system, grounded in democratic values and the rule of law. Working in Legal & Compliance offers the opportunity to engage with a transparent and well-structured legal environment that supports fairness and justice.
With increasing regulatory scrutiny and evolving laws, Canadian businesses across industries require skilled compliance professionals. This demand creates excellent career prospects and job security for individuals in the field.
From financial services and healthcare to energy and tech, Legal & Compliance professionals in Canada can work across a wide range of sectors. This diversity offers rich experience and the opportunity to specialize in various legal domains.
Legal and compliance roles in Canada typically offer attractive compensation packages, including salaries, benefits, and opportunities for bonuses. Senior roles can be especially lucrative, reflecting the high level of responsibility they carry.
Canada supports continuous legal education and professional development through organizations like the Canadian Bar Association and various provincial law societies. Career advancement is often supported by structured training and mentorship.
Canada’s multicultural ethos extends into its legal workplaces, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. This inclusive culture allows professionals from varied backgrounds to thrive and contribute meaningfully.
Legal and compliance professionals in Canada often work to uphold ethical standards, prevent corporate wrongdoing, and protect consumer and public interests. This provides a strong sense of purpose and societal impact.
Canada’s legal and compliance sector is not only robust—it’s globally connected. International candidates bring diverse legal insights, and in Canada’s multicultural setting, your global perspective is not just welcomed; it’s a strength.
With emerging technologies, ESG mandates, and cross-border trade, Canadian companies seek creative compliance professionals who can think beyond checklists. If you can blend innovation with regulation, you’ll stand out in this evolving space.
Many Canadian firms value international experience, especially in areas like anti-money laundering (AML), data privacy (GDPR vs. PIPEDA), and international arbitration. Your global legal training can align well with Canadian compliance expectations.
Legal & Compliance roles in Canada aren't limited to licensed lawyers. International candidates can explore roles like:
Compliance Analyst
Risk & Ethics Advisor
Legal Operations Manager
Privacy Officer
These roles often don't require Canadian bar admission but value your legal background.
Organizations like the Canadian Association of Black Lawyers (CABL), Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers (FACL), and NCA Network offer mentorship, networking, and resources for internationally trained legal professionals to integrate and grow.
Canada’s regulatory culture emphasizes ethical business, human rights, and social responsibility. For candidates passionate about justice and transparency, it's a chance to align your career with your core values.
Canada offers various immigration options (Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs) that favor skilled professionals, including those with legal or compliance backgrounds. Once here, permanent residency can open more regulated roles.
Communication, cultural intelligence, and critical thinking are as crucial as legal knowledge. As an international candidate, your adaptability and multilingual skills can give you an edge in navigating both client needs and regulatory environments.
Work within a company’s legal department, advising on corporate law, contracts, intellectual property, and risk management. Often preferred by companies across finance, tech, healthcare, and energy sectors.
Ensure that organizations comply with regulatory requirements and internal policies. Common in industries such as banking, insurance, and healthcare. Roles often focus on anti-money laundering (AML), financial crime, and regulatory reporting.
Advise clients on mergers, acquisitions, corporate governance, securities, and commercial transactions. Typically employed by law firms or working independently with a corporate client base.
Help companies identify and mitigate legal and ethical risks. May involve creating policies, conducting training, and supporting internal investigations. Popular in multinational corporations and government agencies.
Focus on interpreting and applying government regulations to ensure compliance in sectors like pharmaceuticals, energy, and telecommunications. Ideal for professionals with sector-specific expertise.
Draft, negotiate, and manage contracts to minimize legal risks and ensure enforceability. Common in real estate, construction, public procurement, and IT industries.
Oversee compliance with privacy legislation such as PIPEDA and GDPR. Responsibilities include managing data breaches, advising on privacy policies, and liaising with regulators.
Represent clients in civil, criminal, or administrative litigation. May work in private practice or as part of a government department (e.g., Crown Attorney’s Office or Department of Justice).
Specialize in immigration law, helping individuals and businesses with visas, permanent residency, and compliance with immigration policies. Regulated by ICCRC (for consultants) and provincial bar associations (for lawyers).
Ensure compliance with stock exchange and securities commission regulations (e.g., Ontario Securities Commission). Common in investment firms, banks, and fintech companies.
Streamline legal department processes, manage legal tech tools, and oversee budgets and vendor relationships. A growing niche at the intersection of law and business strategy.
Handle workplace legal issues including harassment, discrimination, wrongful dismissal, and union matters. Found in public institutions, law firms, and corporate HR departments.
Job Title |
Avg Salary (CAD) |
USD Equivalent |
INR Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
|
General Counsel |
220,000 |
160,600 |
₹13,420,000 |
|
Chief Compliance Officer |
190,000 |
138,700 |
₹11,590,000 |
|
Senior Legal Counsel |
160,000 |
116,800 |
₹9,760,000 |
|
In-House Counsel |
140,000 |
102,200 |
₹8,540,000 |
|
Corporate Lawyer (Private Practice) |
130,000 |
94,900 |
₹7,930,000 |
|
Compliance Manager |
115,000 |
83,950 |
₹7,015,000 |
|
Risk & Ethics Advisor |
110,000 |
80,300 |
₹6,710,000 |
|
Privacy Officer / Data Protection Lead |
105,000 |
76,650 |
₹6,405,000 |
|
Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
100,000 |
73,000 |
₹6,100,000 |
|
Legal Operations Manager |
95,000 |
69,350 |
₹5,795,000 |
|
Contract Manager / Legal Specialist |
90,000 |
65,700 |
₹5,490,000 |
|
Immigration Lawyer / Consultant |
85,000 |
62,050 |
₹5,185,000 |
|
Compliance Analyst |
80,000 |
58,400 |
₹4,880,000 |
|
Securities Compliance Specialist |
78,000 |
56,940 |
₹4,758,000 |
|
Employment & Labour Law Advisor |
75,000 |
54,750 |
₹4,575,000 |
|
Litigation Associate |
73,000 |
53,290 |
₹4,453,000 |
|
Legal Assistant / Paralegal |
60,000 |
43,800 |
₹3,660,000 |
|
AML Compliance Officer |
85,000 |
62,050 |
₹5,185,000 |
|
Environmental Law Specialist |
90,000 |
65,700 |
₹5,490,000 |
|
Human Rights / Policy Advisor |
82,000 |
59,860 |
₹5,002,000 |
Job Title |
Education Requirement |
Certification / License |
Work Permit / PR Required |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lawyer (Barrister & Solicitor) |
Law degree (from Canada or NCA equivalent) |
Called to a provincial Bar (e.g., LSUC, BC Law Society) |
Yes |
Must complete NCA accreditation + Bar exams for foreign-trained lawyers. |
|
In-House Counsel |
Law degree + NCA (if international) |
Bar license (in most cases) |
Yes |
In-house roles may have flexibility but still typically require licensing. |
|
Compliance Officer |
Bachelor’s in Law, Business, or Finance |
Optional: CAMS, CPA, CCEP |
Yes |
No legal license needed; strong understanding of regulations is key. |
|
Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
Degree in Law, Science, or Health |
Optional: RAC (Regulatory Affairs Certification) |
Yes |
Common in pharma, food, and medical industries. |
|
Privacy / Data Protection Officer |
Degree in Law or IT-related field |
Optional: CIPP/C, CIPM (IAPP Certifications) |
Yes |
Strong knowledge of PIPEDA and GDPR is essential. |
|
Litigation Associate |
Law degree (NCA if foreign) |
Provincial Bar License |
Yes |
Must be licensed to appear in court in Canada. |
|
Immigration Consultant |
Degree + Diploma from accredited program |
Must be licensed by CCIC(ex-ICCRC) |
Yes |
Lawyer alternative; requires passing Entry-to-Practice Exam. |
|
Legal Assistant / Paralegal |
Legal diploma or certification |
Ontario: Licensed by LSO(for paralegals) |
Yes |
Regulated only in Ontario; other provinces have looser rules. |
|
Risk & Ethics Advisor |
Bachelor's in Law, Business, or Ethics |
Optional: CRMA, ERM, CCEP |
Yes |
Requires experience in policy, governance, or risk frameworks. |
|
Contract Manager / Specialist |
Degree in Law or Contract Mgmt |
Optional: IACCM/WorldCC Certification |
Yes |
Legal knowledge + negotiation skills essential. |
|
Corporate Governance Officer |
Degree in Law or Business |
Optional: CGI designation (Chartered Governance Institute) |
Yes |
Strong corporate law background helpful. |
|
AML Compliance Analyst |
Degree in Law, Finance, or Criminology |
CAMS Certification preferred |
Yes |
AML roles are in demand at banks and fintechs. |
|
Environmental Law Specialist |
Law degree with environmental focus |
Provincial Bar License |
Yes |
Often tied to resource, energy, or government sectors. |
|
Securities Compliance Specialist |
Degree in Law or Finance |
CSC (Canadian Securities Course) or CSI Certification |
Yes |
Important for roles at exchanges, brokerages, and banks. |
|
Legal Operations Manager |
Degree in Law, Business, or Management |
Optional: CLOC certification |
Yes |
Strong in process, tech, and legal team management. |
|
Human Rights / Policy Advisor |
Law or Political Science degree |
Optional: Policy or governance certifications |
Yes |
Common in NGOs, government, or academia. |
Job Title |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|
|
1. General Counsel |
Lead all legal matters of the organization, advise executives, manage legal risk, and supervise external counsel. |
|
2. Chief Compliance Officer |
Oversee compliance strategy, ensure adherence to laws/regulations, lead audits, and manage internal compliance teams. |
|
3. Senior Legal Counsel |
Provide expert legal advice, negotiate complex contracts, manage litigation, and support regulatory filings. |
|
4. In-House Counsel |
Advise internal departments, draft and review contracts, manage legal risks, and liaise with external lawyers. |
|
5. Corporate Lawyer |
Handle business transactions, mergers & acquisitions, securities law, and corporate governance for clients/firms. |
|
6. Compliance Manager |
Develop and implement compliance programs, monitor regulations, and ensure reporting and training standards. |
|
7. Risk & Ethics Advisor |
Assess organizational risks, lead ethics training, manage whistleblower programs, and draft codes of conduct. |
|
8. Privacy Officer / DPO |
Ensure compliance with privacy laws (PIPEDA, GDPR), handle data breaches, and develop privacy frameworks. |
|
9. Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
Prepare and submit regulatory filings, monitor policy changes, and liaise with regulatory bodies. |
|
10. Legal Operations Manager |
Manage legal department workflows, budgets, legal tech systems, and outside counsel relationships. |
|
11. Contract Manager |
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, ensure legal enforceability, and manage contract lifecycle processes. |
|
12. Immigration Lawyer |
Advise on immigration law, prepare visa/PR applications, represent clients in tribunals, and ensure legal compliance. |
|
13. Compliance Analyst |
Conduct compliance monitoring, create risk assessments, report violations, and assist with audits. |
|
14. Securities Compliance Specialist |
Ensure compliance with securities laws, monitor trading activity, and manage reporting to regulatory agencies. |
|
15. Employment & Labour Advisor |
Advise on workplace rights, draft employment contracts, handle terminations, and manage union-related issues. |
|
16. Litigation Associate |
Represent clients in court, prepare legal arguments, manage case files, and negotiate settlements. |
|
17. Legal Assistant / Paralegal |
Support lawyers with legal research, draft documents, schedule meetings, and manage case files. |
|
18. AML Compliance Officer |
Monitor financial transactions, detect/report suspicious activity, and enforce anti-money laundering policies. |
|
19. Environmental Law Specialist |
Advise on environmental regulations, draft sustainability policies, and manage government reporting. |
|
20. Human Rights / Policy Advisor |
Develop and review public policy, ensure rights compliance, conduct advocacy, and support legal research. |
Job Title |
Education Requirement |
Certification / License |
Work Authorization / Language |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. General Counsel |
Law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) |
Canadian Bar License |
Work permit or PR; English/French proficiency |
|
2. Chief Compliance Officer |
Bachelor’s or Master’s in Law/Business |
CAMS, CPA, or CCEP (optional) |
Work permit or PR; strong English required |
|
3. Senior Legal Counsel |
Law degree (NCA for international grads) |
Bar Admission in Canadian province |
PR or work visa; excellent legal communication skills |
|
4. In-House Counsel |
Law degree + NCA (if foreign) |
Bar License (may vary by role) |
Legal work authorization; English/French fluency |
|
5. Corporate Lawyer |
Canadian/Foreign Law degree |
NCA + Bar Exam |
PR/work permit; must pass bar in desired province |
|
6. Compliance Manager |
Bachelor’s in Law, Business, or Finance |
Optional: CCEP, CAMS |
Eligible to work in Canada; fluency in compliance terms |
|
7. Risk & Ethics Advisor |
Degree in Law, Ethics, or Business |
Optional: CCEP, CRMA |
PR/work visa; experience with Canadian regulations |
|
8. Privacy Officer / DPO |
Degree in Law, IT, or Policy |
CIPP/C or equivalent (IAPP) |
Work eligibility; strong knowledge of PIPEDA/GDPR |
|
9. Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
Degree in Life Sciences, Law, or Health Policy |
RAC Certification (optional) |
Must be authorized to work; technical writing proficiency |
|
10. Legal Operations Manager |
Degree in Law or Business Admin |
CLOC (optional) |
Work permit or PR; project/legal process knowledge |
|
11. Contract Manager |
Law degree or Contract Management Diploma |
Optional: IACCM/WorldCC |
PR/work visa; strong legal English required |
|
12. Immigration Lawyer |
Law degree + NCA (if foreign) |
Provincial Bar License |
PR/work permit; must be legally authorized to practice |
|
13. Compliance Analyst |
Bachelor's in Law, Finance, or Business |
CAMS (preferred) |
Eligible to work; bilingualism an asset |
|
14. Securities Compliance Specialist |
Law or Finance Degree |
CSC, CSI or OSC Certification |
PR or work visa; familiarity with Canadian securities law |
|
15. Employment & Labour Advisor |
Law or HR-related Degree |
Bar License (for legal roles) |
PR/work visa; must know provincial labour standards |
|
16. Litigation Associate |
Law degree + NCA (if applicable) |
Bar Admission (e.g., LSUC in Ontario) |
Legal work status; courtroom experience often required |
|
17. Legal Assistant / Paralegal |
Legal Admin Diploma or Paralegal Certificate |
Ontario: Paralegal License (mandatory) |
Authorized to work; strong legal English writing |
|
18. AML Compliance Officer |
Degree in Law, Finance, or Criminology |
CAMS Certification preferred |
PR/work permit; AML experience critical |
|
19. Environmental Law Specialist |
Law degree with Environmental focus |
Bar License |
PR or work permit; knowledge of federal/prov laws |
|
20. Human Rights / Policy Advisor |
Law, Public Policy, or Political Science Degree |
Optional: Policy Analyst Certificate |
Work permit or PR; bilingualism (EN/FR) a strong asset |
Job Title |
Typical Experience Required |
Preferred Background |
Relevant Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. General Counsel |
12–20+ years |
Senior legal leadership, strategic legal advising |
Corporate, Government, Financial Services |
|
2. Chief Compliance Officer |
10–15+ years |
Regulatory compliance, risk management, audit |
Banking, Insurance, Pharma, Energy |
|
3. Senior Legal Counsel |
8–12 years |
Corporate law, contract law, litigation |
Tech, Real Estate, Infrastructure |
|
4. In-House Counsel |
3–7 years |
Legal advisory, contracts, commercial law |
All sectors |
|
5. Corporate Lawyer |
3–10 years |
M&A, securities, governance |
Law Firms, Startups, Financial Services |
|
6. Compliance Manager |
5–10 years |
AML, data privacy, regulatory affairs |
Banks, Insurance, Fintech |
|
7. Risk & Ethics Advisor |
5–10 years |
Governance, risk frameworks, ethical audits |
Energy, Government, Manufacturing |
|
8. Privacy Officer / DPO |
4–8 years |
Data privacy, IT law, cybersecurity |
Tech, Telecom, Healthcare |
|
9. Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
3–7 years |
Industry regulations, public policy |
Pharma, Food, Health Products |
|
10. Legal Operations Manager |
5–10 years |
Legal project management, budgeting, tech tools |
Corporate, Legal Departments |
|
11. Contract Manager |
3–6 years |
Contract negotiation, vendor management |
Construction, IT, Real Estate |
|
12. Immigration Lawyer |
2–6 years |
Immigration law, litigation, tribunal representation |
Law Firms, Consultancies |
|
13. Compliance Analyst |
1–3 years |
Entry-level compliance, regulatory understanding |
Banks, Corporations, Consulting |
|
14. Securities Compliance Specialist |
3–5 years |
Securities law, financial compliance |
Stock Exchanges, Investment Firms |
|
15. Employment & Labour Advisor |
3–6 years |
Labour law, workplace investigations |
Government, HR Departments, Unions |
|
16. Litigation Associate |
2–5 years |
Civil/criminal litigation, case management |
Law Firms, Government |
|
17. Legal Assistant / Paralegal |
1–3 years |
Legal research, drafting, document management |
Law Firms, Corporate Legal Teams |
|
18. AML Compliance Officer |
2–5 years |
Anti-money laundering laws, reporting, investigations |
Banks, Fintech, Casinos |
|
19. Environmental Law Specialist |
4–8 years |
Environmental regulation, sustainability law |
Oil & Gas, Environmental NGOs, Government |
|
20. Human Rights / Policy Advisor |
3–6 years |
Public policy, law, advocacy |
Government, NGOs, Academia |
Company Name |
Industry |
Legal & Compliance Roles Hired |
Why They Hire International Talent |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Deloitte Canada |
Consulting/Legal |
Legal Counsel, Compliance Analyst, Risk Advisory |
Global client base; inclusive immigration support |
|
KPMG Canada |
Audit/Advisory |
AML Specialist, Privacy Officer, Regulatory Advisor |
Actively sponsors skilled immigrants; global compliance needs |
|
PwC Canada |
Consulting/Legal |
Legal Ops, Privacy Manager, Risk Compliance Lead |
Runs newcomer-focused hiring programs |
|
Ernst & Young (EY) Canada |
Consulting/Law |
Tax Law, Immigration Consultant, Compliance Manager |
Internationally integrated; diverse workforce |
|
BMO (Bank of Montreal) |
Banking & Finance |
AML Officer, Risk Analyst, Compliance Manager |
Multilingual hires preferred for global operations |
|
RBC (Royal Bank of Canada) |
Banking |
Regulatory Compliance, Securities Counsel, Legal Associate |
Supports skilled immigration pathways |
|
Scotiabank |
Financial Services |
Legal Counsel, AML Analyst, Compliance Officer |
Bilingual hires and global regulatory roles |
|
TD Bank Group |
Financial Services |
Privacy Analyst, Regulatory Risk Officer |
Known for hiring internationally trained professionals |
|
CIBC |
Banking & Investment |
Legal Counsel, Compliance Analyst |
Open to candidates with international legal education |
|
Manulife Financial |
Insurance/Finance |
Privacy Counsel, Risk Advisor |
Offers relocation and immigration support |
|
Sun Life Financial |
Insurance |
Compliance Consultant, Legal Advisor |
Diverse hiring strategy; global business presence |
|
McCarthy Tétrault LLP |
Law Firm |
Associate Lawyer, Legal Assistant |
Has foreign-trained lawyer pathways (via NCA support) |
|
Blakes, Cassels & Graydon LLP |
Law Firm |
International Arbitration, Corporate Law Associate |
One of Canada's largest law firms with international clients |
|
Gowling WLG (Canada) |
Law Firm |
IP Counsel, Trade Compliance Associate |
Global firm with offices in UK and Canada |
|
Bennett Jones LLP |
Law Firm |
Corporate Lawyer, Regulatory Counsel |
Active in global trade, oil & gas, infrastructure sectors |
|
Dentons Canada LLP |
Global Law Firm |
Immigration Law, Litigation Associate |
Known for hiring foreign-trained lawyers |
|
Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) |
Transportation & Rail |
Trade Compliance Analyst, Environmental Legal Advisor |
Operates across U.S., Canada & Mexico – requires cross-border law |
|
Bell Canada |
Telecom |
Privacy Counsel, Contract Manager |
Telecom laws require bilingual and cross-border legal experts |
|
Shopify |
Tech/E-commerce |
Legal Counsel, Data Privacy Officer |
Hires internationally; remote-friendly |
|
OpenText Corporation |
Tech/Software |
Legal Operations, Contract Specialist |
Global operations; remote legal/compliance teams |
Job Profile |
Avg Salary (CAD) |
Key Job Requirements |
Top Hiring Companies |
General Roles & Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Counsel |
220,000 |
15+ yrs legal experience, Bar License, leadership & strategy |
BMO, Manulife, Shopify, RBC |
Lead legal strategy, manage legal risks, advise executive teams |
|
Chief Compliance Officer |
190,000 |
10+ yrs compliance experience, knowledge of industry laws, CAMS/CCEP |
TD, Deloitte, PwC, Sun Life |
Oversee corporate compliance programs and regulatory risk management |
|
Senior Legal Counsel |
160,000 |
8–12 yrs in corporate law, Bar License |
KPMG, OpenText, McCarthy Tétrault |
Advise on contracts, M&A, regulatory matters |
|
In-House Counsel |
140,000 |
4–8 yrs legal experience, NCA + Bar (if foreign-trained) |
Shopify, RBC, Scotiabank, Bell |
Provide legal support to internal teams, review contracts, ensure legal compliance |
|
Corporate Lawyer |
130,000 |
LL.B./J.D., Bar License, corporate/commercial law expertise |
Gowling WLG, Dentons, Bennett Jones |
Handle transactions, governance, corporate filings |
|
Compliance Manager |
115,000 |
5–10 yrs in compliance, CAMS/CCEP preferred |
Sun Life, CIBC, EY, Manulife |
Develop & implement compliance policies, manage audits and risk assessments |
|
Privacy Officer / DPO |
105,000 |
CIPP/C or equivalent, legal or IT background |
Bell, TD, Shopify, Deloitte |
Ensure data privacy, manage breach response, liaise with regulators |
|
Risk & Ethics Advisor |
110,000 |
5–10 yrs ethics/compliance experience, CCEP/CRMA |
BMO, RBC, CP Rail |
Promote ethical standards, investigate misconduct, train staff |
|
Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
100,000 |
Life Sciences or Law degree, RAC preferred |
Health Canada, PharmaCos, OpenText |
Prepare regulatory filings, stay updated on policy changes |
|
Legal Operations Manager |
95,000 |
Legal project management, CLOC or MBA helpful |
Shopify, Manulife, Deloitte |
Manage legal team processes, tech systems, and budgets |
|
Contract Manager |
90,000 |
Law degree or contract law background, IACCM helpful |
Bell, OpenText, SNC Lavalin |
Draft, review, and manage commercial contracts |
|
Immigration Lawyer |
85,000 |
Law degree, NCA + Bar License |
Immigration Law Firms, Dentons, PwC |
Represent clients in immigration matters, applications, appeals |
|
Compliance Analyst |
80,000 |
Entry-level; degree in Law/Business, CAMS helpful |
BMO, TD, CIBC, EY |
Assist with audits, monitor compliance programs, report breaches |
|
Securities Compliance Specialist |
78,000 |
CSC, Finance or Law degree, experience in capital markets |
OSC, RBC, Scotiabank, TD |
Monitor trading compliance, ensure adherence to securities law |
|
Employment & Labour Advisor |
75,000 |
Labour law background, HR/legal experience |
HRPA, Government, Universities |
Handle workplace issues, contracts, investigations |
|
Litigation Associate |
73,000 |
LL.B./J.D., Bar License, 2–5 yrs litigation experience |
Law Firms, DOJ Canada, Blakes |
Represent clients in civil/criminal matters, draft pleadings |
|
Legal Assistant / Paralegal |
60,000 |
Legal diploma or Paralegal license (Ontario) |
Law Firms, Legal Aid, McCarthy |
Support lawyers, file documents, conduct legal research |
|
AML Compliance Officer |
85,000 |
Degree in Finance or Law, CAMS certification preferred |
Banks, Fintech, Manulife |
Detect/report suspicious activity, implement AML protocols |
|
Environmental Law Specialist |
90,000 |
LL.B./J.D., Bar License, environmental law focus |
Environmental NGOs, Gov’t, Energy |
Advise on environmental regulation and corporate sustainability laws |
|
Human Rights / Policy Advisor |
82,000 |
Law or Policy degree, 3–6 yrs experience |
Government, NGOs, Legal Clinics |
Develop policies, ensure human rights compliance, conduct research and training |
Visa Program |
Best For |
Eligibility Criteria |
Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Express Entry – Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) |
Skilled professionals with legal/compliance background |
At least 1 year of skilled work experience, language test (IELTS), educational credential assessment (ECA) |
Points-based system (CRS); lawyers and compliance professionals are eligible NOC 41100/11100 |
|
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) |
Applicants targeting specific provinces (e.g., Ontario, BC) |
Job offer from a Canadian employer (in many cases), relevant experience and language skills |
Many PNPs support legal and regulatory occupations; faster PR if nominated |
|
Global Talent Stream (GTS) |
Compliance/Privacy professionals in tech or finance |
Job offer from a GTS-eligible employer, fast-tracked work permit, LMIA-exempt |
Useful for legal ops, privacy officers, and tech-related compliance roles |
|
Work Permit via LMIA (Employer-Sponsored) |
Those with job offers in Canada |
Valid job offer, employer gets Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) |
Barriers: LMIA can be complex unless for in-demand compliance roles |
|
International Mobility Program (IMP) |
Intra-company transfers, trade agreements (e.g., CUSMA) |
Transferees from multinational companies or under treaties (US, EU, UK) |
LMIA-exempt, useful for in-house counsel or legal operations managers transferring to Canada |
|
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) |
International students in Canadian law or compliance programs |
Graduate of eligible Canadian institution |
Up to 3 years open work permit; path to PR via CEC or PNP |
|
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) |
Candidates seeking jobs in Atlantic provinces |
Job offer from designated employer in NS, NB, PEI, or NL |
Good for mid-level compliance, regulatory, or legal assistant roles |
|
Quebec Skilled Worker Program (QSWP) |
Legal professionals fluent in French |
Strong French skills, work experience, and education |
Quebec has its own immigration system and criteria |
|
Startup Visa / Self-Employed Pathway |
Legal consultants or entrepreneurs |
Experience as a self-employed legal or compliance consultant |
Must show ability to support yourself and contribute culturally or economically |
