Who is a Senior Full Stack Developer?
Before diving into job openings or visa sponsorship, let’s first understand what this role truly means—beyond just the buzzwords.
A Senior Full Stack Developer is not your average programmer. This is someone who can build and manage entire web applications, both on the front end (what users see) and the back end (how it works). They’ve typically spent years mastering a wide range of tools, working on real-world projects, and solving complex problems that junior developers may still be learning to approach.
In simpler terms, a Full Stack Developer is like a one-person band who can sing, play instruments, and also produce the album—all in one.
What does a Full Stack Developer do?
Here’s what the job includes:
- Front-end development: Creating the visual parts of a website or app using tools like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, or Vue.js.
- Back-end development: Working on servers, databases, and APIs using tools like Node.js, Python, Java, PHP, or Ruby.
- Database management: Designing and maintaining systems using MongoDB, PostgreSQL, MySQL, or other platforms.
- Version control: Managing code using Git and platforms like GitHub or GitLab.
- DevOps basics: Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, containerization using Docker, and deploying applications on cloud platforms like AWS or Azure.
What makes a “Senior” Full Stack Developer?
Let’s break it down—seniority in tech is not just about years of experience. It’s also about impact, responsibility, and independence.
A Senior Full Stack Developer typically:
- Has 5 to 10+ years of hands-on experience.
- Can lead projects or entire teams.
- Makes critical architectural decisions.
- Understands how to balance speed and code quality.
- Can mentor junior developers.
- Is comfortable with agile processes and cross-functional collaboration.
- Can deliver results without hand-holding.
Senior dev Responsibilities
To help you picture the role better, here are a few realistic day-to-day duties of a Senior Full Stack Developer:
- Reviewing and refactoring messy legacy code from older systems.
- Leading code review sessions with junior devs.
- Connecting external services such as payment systems, messaging tools, or artificial intelligence features into your application.
- Designing database schemas for new features.
- Creating responsive UIs that look great on all screen sizes.
- Coordinating with stakeholders to understand business logic.
- Identifying and fixing bottlenecks in performance.
What recruiters and hiring managers look for
When evaluating a senior full stack developer, here’s what Canadian employers are typically looking for:
- Portfolio: Have you built or contributed to real-world products?
- Problem-solving ability: Can you talk through a problem and provide a clean solution?
- Team fit: Are you collaborative and respectful of others?
- Adaptability: Can you work with different stacks if needed?
- Leadership: Are you able to take initiative and guide others?
If you’re thinking about applying for jobs in Toronto, remember this: Companies want developers who solve problems, not just write code.
Why Work in Toronto?
If you’re a tech professional eyeing opportunities abroad, you’ve probably heard Toronto mentioned more than once. But why is Toronto such a hot destination for Full Stack Developers and other IT specialists—especially those looking for visa sponsorship?
Toronto: Canada’s Tech Capital
Toronto isn’t just Canada’s largest city; it’s also Canada’s tech capital. Over the past decade, it has quietly but powerfully transformed into one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in North America. In fact, according to CBRE’s 2024 Tech Talent Report, Toronto added over 150,000 tech jobs in the past five years—more than San Francisco, New York, and Seattle.
Strong Earning Potential
Let’s talk about salary—because it’s a key part of any relocation decision.
In Toronto, the average salary for a Senior Full Stack Developer ranges from CAD $100,000 to $130,000 annually. Depending on the company and your skill set, salaries can climb to $140,000+, especially if you’re working with in-demand technologies like React, Node.js, AWS, and microservices.
Many tech employers also offer:
- Signing bonuses (CAD $5,000–$15,000)
- Equity or stock options (especially at startups)
- Health and dental insurance
- Remote or hybrid work flexibility
- Training budgets and tech conference sponsorships
- Parental leave, paid vacation, and RRSP contributions
So, not only can you expect a good base salary, but you’re also looking at a full benefits package that supports both personal and professional growth.
Permanent Residency
Here’s something many people don’t realize, working in Toronto can put you on a fast track to becoming a permanent resident in Canada.
Many Senior Full Stack Developers come to Canada on a work permit (either through LMIA or Global Talent Stream), work for a year or two, and then apply for PR under programs like:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC) via Express Entry
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (if you relocate after a job)
Once you get PR, you have access to almost all the rights of a citizen—free healthcare, no work permit restrictions, and the ability to sponsor family members. After that, you can even apply for Canadian citizenship if you meet the residency requirements.
Multicultural Environment
Toronto is widely known for its rich cultural diversity—and it truly lives up to that reputation.Over 51% of the city’s population was born outside of Canada, and more than 180 languages are spoken here.
So, if you’re worried about culture shock or feeling out of place, don’t be. Toronto celebrates diversity. You’ll find communities from Nigeria, India, China, the Philippines, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Latin America—you name it.
That means:
- Plenty of ethnic grocery stores and restaurants
- Cultural festivals and events year-round
- Local meetup groups, faith-based communities, and support networks
- Bilingual schools and inclusive workplaces
As an international tech worker, you’ll be welcomed, not alienated.
Healthcare and Public Services
One of the most comforting things about moving to Toronto is knowing that you’ll be taken care of in case of an emergency.
Canada offers universal healthcare, and once you’re a permanent resident, most medical services are completely free under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP). Even while you’re still on a work permit, you may be eligible for provincial health coverage after a short waiting period, depending on your employer’s benefits.
On top of that:
- Toronto has excellent public schools
- Public transportation is accessible and reliable (TTC subway, buses, and streetcars)
- The city is clean, safe, and has beautiful green spaces for downtime
Quality of Life That Supports Tech Talent
It’s not just about jobs—it’s about how you live.
Toronto offers:
- Safe neighborhoods
- A wide variety of housing options
- Access to art, sports, music, and culture
- Green parks and the famous Toronto Islands for relaxation
- A food scene that rivals any major city (seriously)
What is Visa Sponsorship?
If you’ve ever tried applying for jobs in another country, you’ve probably come across the term “visa sponsorship” more times than you can count. But what does it actually mean? Why is it such a big deal for job seekers outside Canada, especially in the tech space? And more importantly—how do you get it?
Visa Sponsorship
Visa sponsorship means a Canadian company is willing to go beyond simply hiring you—they’re ready to take responsibility for helping you get legal permission to live and work in Canada.
They do this by applying for a work permit on your behalf through Canadian immigration authorities. Without this sponsorship, most international applicants cannot legally accept a job in Canada.
In short:
A company with visa sponsorship says, “We like your skills so much, we’re willing to help bring you here legally.”
Why Do Companies Offer Visa Sponsorship?
Now you may wonder—why would a company go through the hassle of sponsoring someone from another country?
The answer is simple: skills gap.
Canada’s tech sector is booming, but the local talent pool isn’t big enough to meet the demand. Companies urgently need qualified developers, engineers, and IT specialists—but often can’t find them within the country.
So when a skilled candidate from abroad (like you) applies, and fits the bill perfectly, many employers are more than happy to take the next step and sponsor a visa.
Here’s when a company is most likely to offer sponsorship:
- The role is hard to fill locally
- You have rare or advanced skills
- You have senior-level experience
- You’re a great culture fit and show long-term potential
How Does Visa Sponsorship Work in Canada?
There are a couple of legal pathways employers use when they want to bring foreign workers to Canada. The most common are:
1. Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)
It’s an official approval showing the employer tried to hire locally but couldn’t find a qualified Canadian candidate. Once they get a positive LMIA, they can hire a foreign worker and sponsor their visa.
Pros: Works for many industries and roles
Cons: Takes time, paperwork-heavy, and can be costly for the employer
2. Global Talent Stream (GTS)
This is the fast-track program under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program. It was created to quickly bring in skilled professionals for roles that are hard to fill, such as software and full stack developers. Employers don’t need to go through the full LMIA process here.
Pros: Extremely fast—work visas can be processed in just 2 weeks
Cons: Only available to companies listed under GTS or roles that qualify
Most tech companies in Toronto use the Global Talent Stream to sponsor experienced full stack developers and other senior tech professionals.
What Are Your Responsibilities as the Candidate?
While the employer sponsors you, that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. You still have a few responsibilities as the applicant:
- Provide accurate information during your application
- Prepare documents like your passport, resume, references, and certifications
- Take a medical exam (in some cases)
- Submit biometrics (fingerprints and photos)
- Show proof of experience in the relevant field
Documents Employers Need to Provide
When a Canadian company decides to sponsor your visa, they’ll typically handle:
- A formal job offer letter
- A copy of their LMIA approval or proof of GTS eligibility
- A business justification letter explaining why you’re needed
- Information about your role, salary, and work location
- Contact details in case immigration officials want more info
Can You Change Jobs After Getting Sponsored?
Yes, but with some rules.
A closed work permit limits you to working only for the company that sponsored your visa. That means you can’t switch jobs freely unless:
- The new company is ready to support your work visa application too.
- You apply for a new work permit under the new company
- You obtain permanent residency (which removes job restrictions)
How to Know if a Job Offers Sponsorship
Here are a few tips:
- Look for keywords like “visa sponsorship available,” “open to international applicants,” or “GTS-qualified employer” in the job description
- Check the company’s career page—they may have a section on international hiring
- Search on job websites that let you narrow results to only those offering visa support, like:
- LinkedIn Jobs
- Indeed Canada
- Job Bank Canada
- Glassdoor
- Workopolis
- Ask directly during the interview process—just be polite and professional about it
Do Canadian Companies Sponsor Visas?
This is probably one of the most common questions asked by international job seekers looking to relocate to Canada—and for good reason. If you’re a Senior Full Stack Developer or an experienced tech professional living outside Canada, you need more than just a job offer. You need a company that’s willing to support your work visa, help with the immigration process, and give you a real chance at building a future in the country.
So, do Canadian companies sponsor visas?
The answer is a solid yes—but with a few things you need to understand first.
Why Would a Company Sponsor You?
It might seem like extra effort for the employer, but from their perspective, visa sponsorship is an investment. Here’s why they do it:
- They need your specific skills.
- They want someone who can start quickly and hit the ground running.
- You may offer experience they can’t find locally.
- They are confident that you’ll stay long-term and contribute meaningfully.
And most importantly: if your background aligns with their needs, they’re more than willing to go through the sponsorship process.
Available Senior Full Stack Developer Jobs in Toronto (with Visa Sponsorship)
If you’re a seasoned developer ready to make the leap to Canada, finding the right opportunity is half the journey. Luckily, Toronto is a hotspot for tech hiring in 2025, and several companies are actively hiring Senior Full Stack Developers with visa sponsorship options.
Below, we’ll explore real examples of the kinds of roles you can find, what employers are looking for, and how you can apply successfully.
How to Identify Real Sponsored Roles
Let’s get this straight—not every tech job in Toronto comes with visa sponsorship, but many do—especially in the mid to senior-level range.
Before we look at job listings, here are the top things to check:
- Look for “visa sponsorship” in the job description
- Use platforms that allow filtering for international applicants (LinkedIn, Indeed, Job Bank Canada)
- Look for phrases like:
- “Willing to sponsor for the right candidate”
- “Global Talent Stream eligible”
- “Open to international hires”
Senior Full Stack – Salesforce Developer
Company: Capco
Location: Toronto, ON
Job Type: Hybrid (Onsite + Remote)
Visa Sponsorship: Yes, through LMIA or Global Talent Stream
Salary: Not disclosed (market average: CAD $120,000–$135,000)
Job Requirements:
- 6+ years Salesforce development experience
- Proficiency in Apex, LWC (Lightning Web Components)
- Experience with Salesforce order management
- Problem-solving mindset and attention to detail
- Salesforce Platform Developer I certification preferred
- Degree in Computer Science or related field
Responsibilities:
- Build and deploy custom Salesforce features
- Work with architects and leads to develop scalable solutions
- Participate in integrations and API development
- Document technical specifications
- Mentor junior devs and conduct code reviews
How to Apply:
- Visit the Capco Careers page
- Locate the Salesforce Developer role under Toronto listings
- Fill out your profile and attach:
- Resume (tailored)
- Cover letter
- LinkedIn & GitHub profiles (optional but powerful)
- Note that Capco has a history of supporting global hiring
Senior Full Stack Developer (FashionTech)
Company: AltaML
Location: Toronto, ON
Job Type: Full-Time Remote Available
Visa Sponsorship: Yes
Salary: Not disclosed (estimated CAD $115,000–$125,000)
Job Requirements:
- 4+ years as Full Stack Developer (React + Python)
- Deployed production apps on Azure or GCP
- Familiar with Langchain, OpenAI APIs, and Autogen
- Docker & CI/CD experience
- Experience working in Agile environments
- Passion for innovation, fashion tech is a bonus
Responsibilities:
- Develop full stack features with React (frontend) and FastAPI/Python (backend)
- Collaborate with cross-functional product teams
- Integrate with Shopify and other e-commerce platforms
- Test APIs and build robust, scalable systems
- Assist in planning and design meetings
How to Apply:
- Visit AltaML’s job board or LinkedIn
- Click “Apply Now” on the specific job
- Submit:
- Resume
- Optional: portfolio links (GitHub, product demos, fashion tech side-projects)
- Personalized cover letter (explain why AltaML excites you)
Lead Full Stack Developer – Enterprise Solutions
Company: Brewin Dolphin
Location: Toronto, ON
Job Type: Full-Time
Visa Sponsorship: Yes (willing to support relocation for exceptional candidates)
Salary: Not disclosed (market range CAD $125,000–$145,000)
Job Requirements:
- 5+ years with KOFAX/TUNGSTEN – TOTALAGILITY or similar
- Advanced knowledge of .NET, C#, MS SQL
- Deep understanding of OCR, BPM, enterprise-level app development
- Azure DevOps experience
- Understanding of enterprise-grade integration workflows
Responsibilities:
- Build and support OCR-based document workflow solutions
- Collaborate with analysts and product leads to define scalable architectures
- Maintain CI/CD pipelines and ensure secure code practices
- Lead agile sprint cycles and mentor junior engineers
- Explore integrating generative AI into current pipelines
How to Apply:
- Go to Brewin Dolphin’s website or tech careers page
- Prepare documents:
- Technical resume
- Project summaries (especially workflow or OCR experience)
- Reference letters or endorsements (if available)
- Use the form to upload and submit—most candidates hear back within 10–14 days
Tips to Stand Out When Applying
- Tailor your resume for each job. Use the exact keywords from the job description.
- Highlight international or remote experience.
- Write a strong cover letter that shows your passion and long-term intent to settle.
- Include results in your resume. Example: “Led redesign of customer portal using React, improving speed by 35%.”
- Link your GitHub, portfolio, or app demos. Let your work speak for you.
How to Verify Sponsorship Before You Apply
Not every job labeled “remote” or “international” offers sponsorship. Be sure to:
- Read the fine print—check if sponsorship is explicitly stated
- Use the “Global Talent Stream” as a filter or conversation point
- Ask during interviews: “Is your company open to visa sponsorship for senior international applicants?”
Conclusion
Making the decision to relocate for work is never easy. It takes courage, preparation, and a deep belief that your skills are worth more than where you’re currently standing. But here’s the truth: if you’re a skilled Senior Full Stack Developer, Canada—especially Toronto—is actively looking for you.
The opportunities aren’t theoretical. They’re real. Companies across the city are offering competitive salaries, full benefits, modern work environments, and most importantly—visa sponsorship for the right talent. Whether through the Global Talent Stream or traditional LMIA routes, they’re ready to help you start fresh, build your career, and even settle permanently.
You’ve learned what the job market looks like, how much you can earn, what companies expect, and exactly where to find the right roles. You’ve also seen how to position yourself, what to highlight in your resume, and how to stand out in a sea of applicants.