Security Engineer Jobs in Ontario, Canada with Visa Sponsorship for Immigrants

Security engineer jobs in Ontario, Canada with visa sponsorship for immigrants are among the most sought-after opportunities in today’s competitive job market. Ontario, being the economic and technological hub of Canada, has a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals who can safeguard networks, data, and digital infrastructure from threats.

For international applicants, the advantage of visa sponsorship makes these jobs even more attractive, as employers are willing to support work permits and in many cases, permanent residency applications for qualified candidates.

The growing adoption of cloud technology, online banking, e-commerce, and data-driven industries across Toronto, Ottawa, Mississauga, and Hamilton has pushed companies to invest heavily in information security.

As a result, salaries for security engineers have increased, ranging from CAD $80,000 to over CAD $140,000 annually depending on skills, seniority, and the type of employer.

Immigrants seeking a career in this field not only get competitive pay but also enjoy benefits such as healthcare, housing allowances, and career growth opportunities.

In this guide, we will explore the skills required for entry-level positions, regions in Ontario with the highest salary structures, average pay expectations, and companies offering jobs with visa sponsorship.

Additionally, we will look into Canadian visa options, job portals, and the application process tailored for international job seekers. This detailed resource aims to help immigrants secure high-paying security engineer jobs in Ontario while ensuring a smooth relocation and settlement process.

Entry-level Skills and Experience Required

Security engineering in Ontario demands a combination of technical expertise, problem-solving ability, and industry certifications. For immigrants, employers often expect candidates to demonstrate both academic qualifications and practical experience before considering visa sponsorship.

At the entry level, a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or cybersecurity is often the minimum requirement. In addition, certifications such as CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+, and CCSP can significantly increase hiring chances and salary potential.

Most entry-level jobs pay between CAD $70,000 and CAD $90,000 annually, but salaries can rise quickly as experience accumulates. Employers in Toronto and Ottawa often look for candidates with at least one to two years of hands-on experience in penetration testing, threat analysis, or vulnerability management.

For immigrants coming from Africa, Asia, or Europe, equivalent international experience is considered, but companies may require adaptation training in Canadian workplace practices.

Apart from technical expertise, soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving play a critical role. Security engineers frequently collaborate with IT managers, compliance officers, and developers, so the ability to explain complex security issues in simple terms is highly valued.

This requirement ensures that employees not only protect systems but also build trust with stakeholders across the organization. Internship and co-op opportunities are widely available in Ontario for new graduates and immigrants.

Many universities and colleges collaborate with multinational firms to place candidates into real-world roles. These positions typically pay CAD $20 to CAD $30 per hour and serve as stepping stones to permanent, full-time jobs with salaries exceeding CAD $100,000.

With Ontario’s high demand for security professionals, even entry-level applicants who prove their ability to manage security protocols and respond to cyber incidents can secure rapid promotions within two to three years.

Regions with the Highest Payment Structures

Ontario offers different salary ranges for security engineers depending on the region. Toronto, being the financial hub of Canada, consistently provides the highest salaries.

A mid-level security engineer in Toronto can expect to earn between CAD $100,000 and CAD $135,000 annually, while senior professionals with over five years of experience may earn upwards of CAD $150,000. The presence of major banks, insurance companies, and tech startups in Toronto drives this competitive pay scale.

Ottawa follows closely due to its concentration of federal government agencies, defense contractors, and IT consulting firms. Security engineers in Ottawa often work on high-security government projects, which require advanced clearances and specialized expertise.

Salaries here typically range from CAD $95,000 to CAD $130,000, with contract-based work sometimes exceeding CAD $160,000 annually for specialized roles in network defense and intelligence security.

Mississauga and Brampton also offer high-paying security engineer jobs, primarily within logistics, healthcare, and financial technology companies.

The average pay in these regions ranges from CAD $85,000 to CAD $120,000 per year. Immigrants seeking employment here may also find better housing affordability compared to downtown Toronto while still earning competitive wages.

Hamilton and Waterloo are emerging hubs for cybersecurity, with salaries between CAD $80,000 and CAD $115,000. Waterloo, in particular, is home to Canada’s leading innovation and tech companies, making it attractive for immigrants seeking long-term career growth.

Though not as high as Toronto or Ottawa, the lower cost of living in these regions means professionals can enjoy a better quality of life while still earning well above the Canadian median salary.

Overall, Ontario’s diverse regions offer multiple options for immigrants depending on whether they prefer high salaries in major cities or balanced living in smaller but growing tech hubs.

In every case, demand for security engineers continues to rise, creating job security and strong income potential.

Salary Expectations for Security Engineers

One of the strongest incentives for immigrants applying for security engineer jobs in Ontario is the competitive salary structure. Entry-level positions generally start around CAD $70,000 to CAD $90,000 annually, depending on the employer and region.

Mid-level engineers with three to five years of experience earn between CAD $95,000 and CAD $120,000, while senior engineers and specialists can command salaries exceeding CAD $150,000.

For those with niche expertise such as cloud security, ethical hacking, or AI-driven threat detection, salaries may reach CAD $160,000 or more.

Contract-based security engineers working for government agencies or multinational firms can also earn daily rates of CAD $500 to CAD $800, which translates to well above CAD $170,000 annually if on a long-term assignment.

In addition to base pay, many employers in Ontario provide attractive compensation packages that include healthcare insurance, paid vacation, retirement contributions, and performance bonuses.

Some multinational firms also offer relocation assistance, housing allowances, and family sponsorship under the Canadian immigration system. This makes security engineering one of the most lucrative careers for skilled immigrants moving to Canada.

Salary expectations also vary based on certifications and industry specialization. Professionals holding advanced certifications like CISSP or OSCP are typically at the higher end of the pay scale.

Similarly, those working in banking, government security, or healthcare cybersecurity often earn more than peers in smaller industries due to the sensitivity and complexity of the data they protect.

On average, immigrants entering Ontario with prior experience in cybersecurity from abroad can expect a 20–30% salary increase compared to what they may have earned in their home countries.

This income boost, coupled with the stability of Canadian permanent residency pathways, makes Ontario a highly attractive destination for security engineers worldwide.

Companies Hiring Security Engineers in Ontario, Canada

Ontario is home to a wide range of companies actively hiring security engineers, many of which are open to sponsoring work visas for qualified immigrants. The demand is spread across finance, government, healthcare, and technology sectors, which are the largest employers of cybersecurity talent.

Toronto, as Canada’s financial hub, hosts some of the biggest banks such as RBC, TD Bank, Scotiabank, and BMO, all of which have dedicated cybersecurity teams and continuously advertise openings for security engineers.

Salaries in the banking sector average between CAD $110,000 and CAD $145,000 annually, with additional performance bonuses and retirement packages.

The government sector, particularly in Ottawa, is another major employer. Agencies responsible for national defense, intelligence, and digital transformation often require highly skilled cybersecurity professionals to protect sensitive infrastructure.

Positions in this field may require additional background checks but typically come with salaries in the range of CAD $100,000 to CAD $135,000, along with federal employee benefits such as comprehensive health insurance, pension contributions, and extended paid leave.

The technology sector in Ontario is also booming. Companies such as Shopify, OpenText, Blackberry (based in Waterloo), and numerous startups hire security engineers for roles in penetration testing, cloud security, and compliance.

These firms are particularly attractive to immigrants since many of them are globally recognized brands that understand international talent mobility. Pay in tech typically ranges from CAD $95,000 to CAD $140,000, with stock options and remote-work flexibility included in compensation packages.

Healthcare organizations in Ontario, including large hospitals and medical research centers, are another consistent source of cybersecurity jobs. With patient data increasingly becoming a target for cybercriminals, hospitals and research institutions invest heavily in securing their IT infrastructure.

Salaries in healthcare cybersecurity range from CAD $85,000 to CAD $120,000 annually, with the additional advantage of working in roles directly contributing to public safety.

Logistics and e-commerce companies, such as Amazon, UPS Canada, and Walmart Canada, also recruit security engineers in Ontario.

These organizations deal with vast amounts of customer and transaction data daily, which requires constant monitoring against cyber threats. Compensation in these industries ranges between CAD $90,000 and CAD $125,000 depending on experience.

For immigrants, the advantage is that many of these companies have established immigration support systems. They are familiar with the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) process and are willing to sponsor visas for highly skilled roles, especially in cybersecurity where local shortages are significant.

Visa Types and Options for Security Engineers

Immigrants who want to work as security engineers in Ontario, Canada have several visa and immigration pathways available to them.

The most common option is the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), where employers apply for an LMIA to prove that hiring a foreign security engineer is necessary due to skill shortages in Canada. Once approved, the candidate receives a work permit, allowing them to legally work in Ontario.

Another popular pathway is the Global Talent Stream (GTS), which was designed to attract high-skilled workers in fields like cybersecurity and IT. This program fast-tracks the work permit process, often approving applications within two weeks.

For security engineers, this is particularly beneficial since many employers in Ontario prefer to hire quickly to address urgent cybersecurity threats. Salaries under this program generally exceed CAD $80,000 annually, with many jobs offering upwards of CAD $120,000.

Immigrants also benefit from the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), which allows the province to nominate foreign workers for permanent residency based on demand in the local job market.

Security engineers fall under the “in-demand skills” category, making it easier to secure provincial nomination. Once nominated, applicants can apply for permanent residency under Canada’s Express Entry system.

The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is another viable route for international students who study cybersecurity or computer science in Ontario.

Graduates can work for up to three years after finishing their studies, and many use this period to gain Canadian work experience, which later supports their permanent residency applications.

Family sponsorship is also possible for security engineers with dependents. Many employers include family visa support in their relocation packages, ensuring that spouses and children can move to Canada as well.

Healthcare benefits, education access, and permanent residency eligibility extend to family members, making this a strong option for immigrants seeking long-term settlement.

For those looking at long-term stability, permanent residency is the ultimate goal. With salaries in the CAD $90,000 to CAD $150,000 range, security engineers typically meet the minimum eligibility points for Express Entry.

Combined with provincial nominations, immigrants can transition from work permits to permanent residency in less than two years, securing not only high-paying jobs but also a pathway to Canadian citizenship.

Where to Find Security Engineer Job Opportunities

Finding security engineer jobs in Ontario, Canada is easier when you know where to search. Immigrants should focus on both Canadian job boards and international platforms that list positions with visa sponsorship.

Websites like Indeed Canada, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn frequently advertise openings for cybersecurity roles across Ontario. These platforms also provide salary estimates and employer reviews, helping candidates make informed decisions.

The official Job Bank Canada is another essential resource. It allows immigrants to filter jobs by visa sponsorship and LMIA approval, which is crucial for those who require employer support to obtain a work permit.

Employers posting here are often pre-approved for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, making the hiring process faster.

Recruitment agencies specializing in IT and cybersecurity are also helpful. Firms like Robert Half, Randstad Canada, and Michael Page regularly connect security engineers with employers willing to sponsor visas.

Many agencies also offer career coaching and resume optimization, which can significantly improve interview success rates.

Networking plays an important role as well. Ontario’s tech community hosts multiple events, including cybersecurity conferences and university career fairs.

Platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite list professional gatherings where immigrants can connect directly with hiring managers. Attending such events not only opens doors to jobs but also helps in understanding the Canadian workplace culture.

For students and recent graduates, university career centers often provide exclusive job postings. Institutions like the University of Toronto, University of Waterloo, and Ryerson University partner with tech companies to recruit international talent.

These positions are especially valuable since many employers are willing to extend permanent contracts after internships or co-op placements.

International applicants can also explore global recruitment platforms like Monster and Hired, which feature Canadian employers specifically targeting immigrant talent. Many of these jobs advertise explicitly whether visa sponsorship is available, allowing candidates to prioritize relevant postings.

Overall, security engineer opportunities in Ontario are plentiful, but the key lies in applying through platforms and agencies that understand the visa sponsorship process.

With salaries averaging between CAD $90,000 and CAD $140,000, these positions are highly competitive, but immigrants with the right skills and persistence can secure rewarding careers in Canada.

How to Apply for Security Engineer Jobs as an Immigrant in Ontario, Canada

Applying for security engineer jobs in Ontario as an immigrant requires a structured approach that combines strong documentation, tailored applications, and an understanding of Canadian hiring practices.

The first step is preparing a Canadian-style resume, which emphasizes achievements, certifications, and quantifiable results. For example, instead of listing “managed network security,” applicants should highlight “implemented advanced firewall protection, reducing cyber threats by 40%.”

Next, job seekers should prepare a detailed cover letter tailored to each employer. This document should not only explain the applicant’s technical skills but also highlight their adaptability, cultural awareness, and willingness to integrate into the Canadian workplace.

Employers sponsoring visas are making significant investments, so they want assurance that the candidate will be a long-term asset to the organization. Immigrants should also prepare their professional documents, including proof of education, certifications, and prior work experience.

Employers often request transcripts, certification numbers, and references. Having these ready speeds up the visa sponsorship process, as many employers submit them as part of the LMIA application.

Once applications are submitted, candidates should be prepared for interviews that often include both technical and behavioral assessments.

Employers may test knowledge in penetration testing, security frameworks, and compliance regulations, while also asking questions about teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. Demonstrating both hard and soft skills is crucial for success.

After receiving a job offer, the employer typically initiates the visa sponsorship process, either under the Global Talent Stream or the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Immigrants should carefully review employment contracts to ensure salary, benefits, and relocation assistance are clearly outlined.

Many companies cover expenses such as flight tickets, temporary accommodation, and family relocation costs. Finally, maintaining persistence is key.

While the application process can take several weeks to months, Ontario’s high demand for security engineers ensures that skilled immigrants who remain consistent in applying and networking eventually succeed.

With salaries averaging CAD $100,000 to CAD $140,000, healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and pathways to permanent residency, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.