Canada's Express Entry program focuses on the most in-demand jobs across the country

Zubair Huda
Jan 20, 2024
3 min read

Obtaining employment is frequently a crucial milestone for numerous temporary residents, including those on work, study, or visitor visas, as it not only plays a key role in their economic integration into Canada but also contributes to their eligibility for permanent residence (PR) through economic pathways.

Given this context, many newcomers are curious about the sought-after job opportunities in Canada. Acquiring such information can enhance their understanding during the job search process and facilitate their immigration journey.

With the goal of aligning immigration with the needs of the labor force, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented Express Entry category-based selection draws. These draws are designed to focus on candidates within the Express Entry pool who possess expertise in professions that are crucial for Canada's workforce. The targeted categories by IRCC consist of occupations in high demand across five distinct fields:

Healthcare;
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM);
Trade;
Transport; and
Agriculture and agri-food.

Hence, examining the roster of targeted professions provides valuable insights not only into the current demand for jobs in the labor market but also sheds light on the specific occupations that IRCC deems essential for reinforcing the Canadian workforce through immigration. Aligning these occupations outlined by IRCC with other sought-after roles identified by human resource consulting firms and popular job boards reveals a significant overlap among various designated professions.

Please note that the lists for Healthcare and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) occupations will include the most prevalent job titles based on IRCC's list. For the remaining categories, the occupation lists will encompass all in-demand professions. To access a comprehensive list of job titles and utilize the "category-based selection" draw eligibility tool, visit our dedicated webpage here. Additionally, National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 codes for reference are provided for each profession.

Healthcare occupations

Healthcare roles encompass a diverse range of positions, spanning from physicians and physiologists to psychologists and beyond. Within these professions, the most frequently used job titles are:

Professions targeted here are :

*Profession*	*NOC code*
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
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals	NOC 31303

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

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) occupations

STEM professions encompass roles from various fields, such as architects, data scientists, land surveyors, and more. Within this category, prevalent professional titles consist of:

*Profession*	*NOC code*
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
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

Trade Occupations

The trades occupation category centers around skilled trades essential for manufacturing, construction, repairs, and related fields. These include:

*Profession*	*NOC code*
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
Contractors and supervisors, other construction trades, installers, repairers and servicers	NOC 72014

Transport occupations

Transport occupations encompass professions that contribute to the commercial transport of people and goods. These roles consist of:

*Profession*	*NOC code*
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
Managers in transportation	NOC 70020

Agriculture and Agri-food occupations

Agriculture and agri-food occupations involve professions associated with farming, landscaping, and the production of food and produce. These roles include:

*Profession*	*NOC code*
Contractors and supervisors, landscaping, grounds maintenance, and horticulture services	NOC 82031
Agriculture service contractors and farm supervisors	NOC 82030
Butchers—retail and wholesale	NOC 63201

Do I meet the criteria for selection based on professional categories?

To be eligible for these categories, candidates must have obtained at least six months of continuous work experience in the last three years, in Canada or abroad and already have a profile in the Express Entry application pool.

Once candidates have submitted 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)—they must wait until a relevant Express Entry draw that delivers an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR, based on their inclusion in one of the above professional categories, or their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. CRS scores are IRCC’s usual method of ranking immigration candidates based on their human capital factors.

Once an ITA is received, candidates (now applicants) have up to 60 days to submit a full application for PR. If this application is approved, applicants are granted PR status, and will receive a Confirmation or Permanent Residence (COPR). From here they are free to settle permanently in Canada.