For many temporary residents (those on work, study, or visitor visas), finding employment is frequently a crucial first step toward both establishing their financial presence in Canada and increasing their eligibility for economic paths leading to permanent residency (PR).
Given this, a lot of immigrants are curious about the types of employment that are in demand in Canada. This information can facilitate their immigration process and help them find work more effectively.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented category-based selection draws for Express Entry in order to identify applicants in the pool who possess relevant job experience and are in high demand in Canada. This approach aims to better tailor immigration to the country's labour force needs. The IRCC targets five distinct categories, each of which consists of in-demand occupations:
Healthcare;
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM);
Trade;
Transport; and
Agriculture and agri-food.
Therefore, the list of targeted professions can help us understand not only what jobs are in demand in the labour market, but also which jobs the IRCC thinks it should focus on in order to better assist immigration and the Canadian labour market. There is overlap among many of the professions that the IRCC discovered when comparing these professions with other in-demand vocations found by prominent job sites and human resource consulting organizations.
Note: Based on the IRCC list, the most prevalent job titles for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and healthcare jobs are covered in the lists below. The complete list of occupations for the remaining categories will include those that are in high demand. Visit our dedicated homepage here to view the whole list of job titles and to use the eligibility tool for "category-based selection." The profession codes for the National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 are also provided for reference.
Healthcare occupations:
Jobs in healthcare encompass a wide range of professions, such as doctors, physiologists, psychologists, and many more. The following are the most typical job titles among these professions:
Nurses:
Targeted nursing professions here include:
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); and
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC 31301).
Lab/medical assistants and technical medical staff:
Targeted professions here include:
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical options (NOC 33101);
Medical laboratory technologists (NOC 32120);
Medical radiation technologists (NOC 32121);
Medical sonographers (NOC 32122);
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (NOC 33103); and
Physician assistants, midwives, and allied health professionals (NOC 31303).
STEM occupations:
Among the many disciplines covered by STEM occupations include architects, data scientists, land surveyors, and more. The following were the most popular professional titles in this category:
Engineers:
Targeted professions here include:
Civil engineers (NOC 21300);
Computer engineers (except software engineers and designers) (NOC 21311);
Electrical and electronics engineers (NOC 21310);
Engineering managers (NOC 20010);
Industrial and manufacturing engineers (NOC 21321);
Metallurgic and materials engineers (NOC 21322); and
Software engineers and designers (NOC 21231).
Business and computer systems specialists:
Targeted professions here include:
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); and
Information systems specialists (NOC 21222).
Trades occupations:
The trades occupation category highlights careers in skilled trades required for construction, manufacturing, maintenance, and other related fields. These are the following:
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 (except industrial and power system) (NOC 72200);
Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106); and
Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers, and servicers (NOC 72014).
Transport occupations:
Those in professions supporting the commercial movement of people and products are classified as transport workers. These professions include:
Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors (NOC 93200);
Transport truck drivers (NOC 73300);
Railway traffic controllers and marine traffic regulators (NOC 72604);
Engineer officers, water transport (NOC 72603);
Deck officers, water transport (NOC 72602);
Air traffic controllers and related occupations (NOC 72601);
Air pilots, flight engineers, and flying instructors (NOC 72600);
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors (NOC 72404);
Railway Carmen/women (NOC 72403); and
Managers in transportation (NOC 70020).
Agriculture and Agri-food occupations
Occupations in agriculture and agri-food include those in farming, landscaping, and produce and food production. These professions include:
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services (NOC 82031);
Agriculture service contractors and farm supervisors (NOC 82030); and
Butchers—retail and wholesale (NOC 63201).
Can I be selected based on a category?
Candidates must already have an Express Entry application profile and have completed at least six months of continuous work experience within the last three years, either in Canada or elsewhere, to be eligible for these categories.
Candidates must wait until a relevant Express Entry draw that delivers an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR after submitting a profile under one of the three Express Entry managed programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The ITA is given based on the candidate's score on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) or their inclusion in one of the aforementioned professional categories. The IRCC typically uses CRS scores to rank immigration candidates according to various aspects of their human capital.
Candidates (now applicants) have up to 60 days from the date of receipt of an ITA to file a complete application for PR. The applicant will obtain a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) upon approval of their application, granting them PR status. They are then free to make Canada their permanent home.