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.
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