As a leading Canada immigration consultancy, we understand the importance of securing a job in Canada for temporary residents, not only for economic stability but also as a pathway to permanent residency (PR). In response to labor market needs, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has refined its Express Entry system to prioritize candidates with experience in critical occupations. Here’s a look at the in-demand jobs shaping Canada’s immigration landscape:
IRCC's Express Entry category-based selection focuses on five key fields, with Healthcare and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) occupations being highly sought-after. These sectors include a range of professions, from nurses and lab assistants in healthcare to engineers and cybersecurity specialists in STEM. National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes are provided for each profession to assist in the immigration process.
-> Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)
-> Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102)
-> Nurse Practitioners (NOC 31302)
-> Physician Assistants, Midwives, and Allied Health Professionals (NOC 31303)
-> Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors (NOC 31300)
-> Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)
-> Medical Laboratory Assistants (NOC 33101)
-> Medical Laboratory Technologists (NOC 32120)
-> Medical Radiation Technologists (NOC 32121)
-> Medical Sonographers (NOC 32122)
-> Pharmacy Technical Assistants and Pharmacy Assistants (NOC 33103)
-> Civil Engineers (NOC 21300)
-> Computer Engineers (NOC 21311)
-> Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NOC 21310)
-> Engineering Managers (NOC 20010)
-> Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers (NOC 21321)
-> Metallurgic and Materials Engineers (NOC 21322)
-> Software Engineers and Designers (NOC 21231)
-> Computer and Information Systems Managers (NOC 20012)
-> Computer Systems Developers and Programmers (NOC 21230)
-> Cybersecurity Specialists (NOC 21220)
-> Database Analysts and Data Administrators (NOC 21223)
-> Information Systems Specialists (NOC 21222)
Beyond healthcare and STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture sectors are also crucial. Skilled trades like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters, transport roles including truck drivers and air traffic controllers, and agri-food positions such as farm supervisors and butchers are all in demand.
-> Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers (NOC 73200)
-> Elevator Constructors and Mechanics (NOC 72406)
-> Machine Fitters (NOC 72405)
-> Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Mechanics (NOC 72402)
-> Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics (NOC 72400)
-> Carpenters (NOC 72310)
-> Plumbers (NOC 72300)
-> Electricians (NOC 72200)
-> Welders and Related Machine Operators (NOC 72106)
-> Contractors and Supervisors in Construction (NOC 72014)
-> Aircraft Assemblers and Inspectors (NOC 93200)
-> Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 73300)
-> Railway Traffic Controllers (NOC 72604)
-> Engineer Officers, Water Transport (NOC 72603)
-> Deck Officers, Water Transport (NOC 72602)
-> Air Traffic Controllers (NOC 72601)
-> Air Pilots, Flight Engineers (NOC 72600)
-> Aircraft Mechanics and Inspectors (NOC 72404)
-> Railway Carmen/women (NOC 72403)
-> Managers in Transportation (NOC 70020)
-> Contractors in Landscaping and Horticulture (NOC 82031)
-> Agriculture Service Contractors (NOC 82030)
-> Butchers—Retail and Wholesale (NOC 63201)
To qualify for these categories, candidates should have at least six months of continuous work experience in the relevant field, either in Canada or abroad, and must be part of the Express Entry pool. The Express Entry system manages applications through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Candidates wait for an Express Entry draw that targets their profession or meet the required Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Once an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR is received, applicants have 60 days to submit a complete application. Successful applicants are then granted PR status and a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), paving their way to a permanent life in Canada.
For detailed information on each occupation, eligibility tools, and the latest updates in Canada immigration, contact us. As your trusted immigration consultants, we are committed to guiding you through Canada’s dynamic immigration process and helping you secure your future in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.