The former Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Sean Fraser, announced the implementation of 36 jobs eligible for permanent residency. Foreign workers in Canada can apply for permanent residency under the Express Entry Program if their occupations are defined under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.
Because of the severe labor shortages across the country, allowing for new occupations will encourage more workers from all over the world to work in Canada. This guide explains the 36 jobs in Canada that can lead to Permanent Residence (PR).
36 Jobs in Canada That Can Lead to Permanent Residence
1. Registered Nurses and NPs
Nurses are the most in-demand jobs that can lead to permanent residence in Canada, with a significant shortage, particularly after the pandemic.
Nurses give critical care to millions of Canadians daily, therefore there is a significant chance of being recruited as a foreigner if you are competent and eligible to obtain a visa that allows you to move to the nation. The annual salary estimates are presented below:
| Occupation | Entry Level | Mid-Level | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Production Supervisor | $68K -$75K | $70K -$84K | $75K -$94K |
2. Medical Laboratory Technologists
MLTs serve an important part in today’s healthcare system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, laboratory test results inform 70% of medical choices. This outlines the critical role that MLTs play in Canada’s healthcare business and why career opportunities are plentiful.
However, before you travel to Canada to further your career, you should investigate the job criteria before you arrive. The MLT profession is regulated in Alberta, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec, and Saskatchewan.
This implies that, by law, you can only work as an MLT in these provinces if you obtain a license from the provincial regulatory agency. These bodies establish the rules and regulations for entering the MLT profession and grant licenses to individuals who meet the requirements.
MLTs are not regulated in British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, or the territories.
3. MDs and dentists.
Dentists are in high demand across Canada. To become a practicing dentist, you must first complete a university degree from a recognized dentistry institution. You will require a license from a provincial or territorial regulatory organization. Transitioning to specialized dentistry practice necessitates further training. The median compensation for a dentist is approximately 77,000 Canadian dollars.
4. HCA, Caregivers, PSW
Healthcare Assistants (HCAs), Caregivers, and Personal Support Workers (PSWs) are in great demand throughout Canada, especially as the population ages and the demand for long-term care and home support increases.
These roles are critical in providing daily care and support to those who require assistance with activities of daily living, and they can lead to permanent residency through several immigration channels. Each province and territory in Canada has unique needs and requirements for these positions. It is critical to examine the immigration options available in the province where you intend to reside and work.
5. Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists (National Classification Code 2021 NOC 31203) are healthcare professionals who assist the elderly and others with physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities in carrying out daily chores at work or home.
OTs are also involved in creating and implementing health promotion projects for individual customers, neighborhood groups, and businesses and organizations. In Canada, you can work in a variety of healthcare settings, schools, agencies, and social services. You can also be self-employed.
6. Pharmacy Assistants
Pharmacy assistants are in high demand in Canada to maintain the country’s rising population healthy and happy. More pharmacists will help to increase the number of healthcare personnel accessible across the province. In Canada, only pharmacists can prescribe and renew some medications. The median hourly wage is 47 Canadian dollars.
7. Software Engineers.
The demand for software engineers has risen since the outbreak. It comes as no surprise given the rapid growth of digital projects for enterprises, corporations, and governments.
Canada is predicted to have a large labor shortage up until 2028, so if you’re a computer programmer, software engineer, or interactive media developer, Canada is expected to present tremendous possibilities for foreigners to fill some of the unfilled roles, as businesses continue to expand and replace demands.
The annual salary estimates are set out below:
| Occupation | Entry Level | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|
| Full Stack Developer | $68K -$118K | $78K -$137K |
| Front-End Developers | $64K -$84K | $90K -$155K |
8. Data Scientists
Canada’s Global Talent Stream, part of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, enables businesses to quickly hire foreign workers with particular talents, such as data science. If you get a job through this stream, your path to permanent residency can be greatly shortened. The Canadian government has also recognized data science as a high-demand occupation, making it easier for specialists to immigrate.
9.CybersecuritySpecialists
The bulk of industries in today’s world are technology-driven. As a result, this is the best area for you if you are up to date on the latest technological breakthroughs and can innovate in the business. There are 1,989 job openings for this lucrative profession, with incomes ranging from around 90,000 to 1,149,000 Canadian dollars.
10. Biochemists
Canada is one of the most welcoming countries for professional workers, including biochemists. Canada’s Express Entry system is intended to recruit talented professionals through programs such as the Federal Talented Worker Program (FSWP) and Provincial Nominee Programs. Biochemists who fit under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 2121 – Biologists and associated scientists are eligible for permanent residency under these programs.
In addition to the Express Entry system, certain provinces have specific streams under their Provincial Nominee Programs that target healthcare and science workers, including biochemists. For example, Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta commonly rank biochemists as in-demand vocations.
Furthermore, the Global Talent Stream, a fast-track visa program for firms seeking to acquire highly talented foreign workers, covers categories that may be relevant to biochemists working in innovative industries such as biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
11. Electrical engineers
Canada is one of the most immigration-friendly countries for qualified individuals, notably in the engineering field. Electrical engineers are classed under NOC Code 2133 – Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and this occupation is consistently in high demand throughout the country, making it easier for foreign experts to secure permanent residency.
One of the key immigration pathways in Canada is the Express Entry system, which operates under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Electrical engineers can also seek permanent residency under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows provinces to nominate qualified professionals based on labor market demand. Provinces such as Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta are well-known for their strong energy and technology industries, which rely significantly on electrical engineers.
Additionally, Canada’s Global Talent Stream (GTS), which attempts to assist firms in hiring highly skilled personnel, frequently includes electrical engineers, thereby expediting the immigration process for experts in this industry.
12. Mechanical Engineers
Canada is a popular choice for mechanical engineers seeking permanent residency due to its thriving industries and immigration-friendly legislation. Mechanical engineers fall under NOC Code 2132 and are frequently featured as in-demand jobs throughout provinces.
The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary conduit for skilled workers, and mechanical engineers can apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class.
Furthermore, each province has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows them to nominate people with the talents they require. Mechanical engineers are frequently prioritized in provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, which have thriving construction, manufacturing, and energy industries.
Canada is a popular choice for mechanical engineers seeking permanent residency due to its thriving industries and immigration-friendly legislation. Mechanical engineers fall under NOC Code 2132 and are frequently featured as in-demand jobs throughout provinces.
The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary conduit for skilled workers, and mechanical engineers can apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class.
Furthermore, each province has its own Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allows them to nominate people with the talents they require. Mechanical engineers are frequently prioritized in provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, which have thriving construction, manufacturing, and energy industries.
Trades Occupations (Category-Based Draws & PNPs)
13. Electricians
In Canada, electricians are classified as NOC 7241 (formerly NOC 72200 in the new system established in 2021). They are in charge of installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. Their roles might range from small-scale home projects to large-scale industrial facilities.
Electricians are among the most in-demand vocations in Canada, and the demand for their abilities is likely to increase in the future years. Canada’s dearth of trained tradespeople has prompted the federal and provincial governments to establish immigration channels that attract electricians and other craftsmen to settle in the nation.
14. Plumbers
Plumbers in Canada are classed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 7251 (which was modified to NOC 72300 in the new NOC system implemented in 2021). Plumbers are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment in residential, commercial, and industrial structures.
The demand for plumbers is likely to rise further across the country, owing to urbanization, infrastructure initiatives, and an aging workforce. This shortfall has produced various chances for foreign-trained plumbers to move to Canada and fill these gaps, many of which lead to permanent residence.
15. Welders
Welders will always be in high demand in Canada due to the country’s huge manufacturing industry. Because of a lack of support for younger generations to pursue trades as a career path, there is currently a shortage of skilled job searchers to fill these positions in an industry that is continually growing.
As more blue-collar workers retire from welding and related machine operator jobs, the pool of skilled personnel to fill those positions shrinks. As a result, there are numerous opportunities for skilled foreign workers to come to Canada and work in this business.
The annual salary estimates are presented below:
| Occupation | Entry Level | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|
| Welder | $40K -$53K | $46K -$74K |
16. Construction Managers
Construction Managers in Canada plan, organize, direct, and analyze construction-related operations within their organizations. They organize and create construction schedules, manage and arrange equipment, employ tradespeople, and develop procedures to oversee the design. They supervise the job site to ensure that work is completed correctly and on time.
The demand for construction workers and supervisors in Canada is often strong. Many residential, commercial, and public infrastructure initiatives are underway throughout Canada. Between 2019 and 2028, there are expected to be 28,000 new job openings for construction managers.
Several immigration programs allow plumbers to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
- Express Entry System
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot
17. Carpenters
Carpenters in Canada are classed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 7271 (which was modified to NOC 72310 in the new NOC system implemented in 2021). Carpenters are skilled tradespeople who build, install, maintain, and repair structures and fixtures out of wood, plywood, wallboard, and other materials.
They work on a variety of projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial structures, as well as infrastructure projects such as bridges and highways.
Carpenters are in high demand in Canada due to ongoing home construction, restorations, commercial building projects, and infrastructure development. This need is projected to increase as the country’s economy expands, creating a fantastic opportunity for foreign-trained carpenters.
18. Industrial Mechanics
In Canada, industrial mechanics, often known as millwrights, are classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 7311 (which was revised to NOC 72400 in 2021).
These individuals install, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot industrial machinery and mechanical equipment such as pumps, conveyors, and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Industrial mechanics work in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, mining, food processing, oil & gas, and forestry.
Canada’s strong industrial base ensures a continual demand for competent industrial mechanics. Many provinces have classified millwrights as high-demand jobs, providing several opportunities for foreign-trained professionals to find work and eventually get permanent residency in Canada.
Transport Occupations (Category- Based Draws)
19. Transport Truck Drivers
This job entails driving straight trucks or tractor-trailers to transport freight. This can apply to both long-haul and short-haul transport truck drivers. Transport truck drivers may move vehicles weighing 4,500 kg or more between cities or on interprovincial or international routes.
This career may include planning, vehicle inspections, and emergency repairs. Drivers can drive alone, as part of a two-person team, or in a convoy.
20. Aviation Assemblers and Inspectors
Aircraft assemblers and inspectors are classed under National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 9521 (which was revised to NOC 93200 in the 2021 NOC revision). These individuals are critical to the design, construction, assembly, inspection, and maintenance of aircraft and aerospace systems.
Their responsibilities include building aircraft frames, wings, fuselage parts, landing gear, engines, and other components, as well as conducting thorough inspections to ensure that quality and safety standards are fulfilled.
Canada’s major investment in the aerospace sector has resulted in a consistent demand for qualified airplane assemblers and inspectors. This demand is fueled by both domestic manufacturing requirements and international contracts, making this a desirable profession for talented workers seeking permanent residency in Canada.
21. Railroad and Yard Locomotive Engineers
Railway locomotive engineers run locomotives that transport passengers and freight. Railway transportation firms employ them. Yard locomotive engineers operate locomotives in the yards of railroad, industrial, or other facilities. They work for railway transport firms as well as industrial or commercial users of rail transport.
Other In-Demand Occupations (Ontario PNP, Alberta PNP, and others)
22. Retail Sales Supervisors
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a popular immigration option for sales professionals looking to reside in a specific province in Canada. Each province has its own Canada PNP, with various qualifying requirements and application processes.
Under the PNP, sales agents may be nominated by a province or territory based on their qualifications and work experience. This nomination may subsequently be used to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
23. Food Service Supervisors
Food service supervisors use the NOC code 6311 to oversee, direct, and coordinate the actions of workers who prepare, portion, and serve food. That is, they ensure that individuals responsible for food preparation, portioning, and serving do so correctly.
They work for hospitals, other healthcare facilities, cafeterias, catering firms, and other food service establishments.
Food service supervisor jobs can help you immigrate to Canada.
As a food service supervisor in Canada, you could do any of the following jobs. If you work in any of these positions, you can immigrate to Canada as a food service supervisor. They include:
- cafeteria supervisor
- catering supervisor
- food assembly supervisor
- canteen supervisor
- food concession supervisor
- food service supervisor
- hospital food service supervisor
- kitchen manager
- railway dining car food service supervisor
- shift manager – fast food restaurant
- swing manager – fast food restaurant
- unit supervisor – food services
There are numerous programs available if you want to immigrate to Canada as a food service supervisor. Some of them include the following.
- Express entry
- Provincial Nominee Programs
- In-Demand occupations
- Job offer
- Quebec Experience Class
24. Early Childhood Educators
This employment entails working with children from infancy to the age of twelve. Early childhood educators and aides design and carry out programs and activities for children that help them learn, grow, and develop in a safe and secure setting. They frequently work in child care, daycare centers, or kindergartens.
This role requires someone who enjoys working with youngsters. You should also be kind and compassionate, as well as knowledgeable about early childhood development. Additionally, the capacity to nurture a creative environment, plan a curriculum, and safeguard the health and safety of children is critical.
25. Home Support Workers
Canada has launched two new pilot programs, the Home Support Worker Pilot Program and the Home Child Care Provider Program, to give potential candidates the option to immigrate to Canada.
The primary purpose of these two new programs is to make it easier for caregivers to obtain permanent residency without requiring considerable Canadian work experience.
26. Construction Workers
Construction Managers in Canada plan, organize, direct, and analyze construction-related operations within their organizations. They organize and create construction schedules, manage and arrange equipment, employ tradespeople, and develop procedures to oversee the design. They supervise the job site to ensure that work is completed correctly and on time.
The demand for construction workers and supervisors in Canada is often strong. Many residential, commercial, and public infrastructure initiatives are underway throughout Canada. Between 2019 and 2028, there are expected to be 28,000 new job openings for construction managers.
Several immigration programs allow plumbers to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
- Express Entry System
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Atlantic Immigration Pilot
27. Carpenters
Carpenters in Canada are classed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 7271 (which was modified to NOC 72310 in the new NOC system implemented in 2021). Carpenters are skilled tradespeople who build, install, maintain, and repair structures and fixtures out of wood, plywood, wallboard, and other materials. They work on a variety of projects, including residential, commercial, and industrial structures, as well as infrastructure projects such as bridges and highways.
Carpenters are in high demand in Canada due to ongoing home construction, restorations, commercial building projects, and infrastructure development. This need is projected to increase as the country’s economy expands, creating a fantastic opportunity for foreign-trained carpenters.
28. Industrial Mechanics
In Canada, industrial mechanics, often known as millwrights, are classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 7311 (which was revised to NOC 72400 in 2021). These individuals install, maintain, repair, and troubleshoot industrial machinery and mechanical equipment such as pumps, conveyors, and hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Industrial mechanics work in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, mining, food processing, oil & gas, and forestry.
Canada’s strong industrial base ensures a continual demand for competent industrial mechanics. Many provinces have classified millwrights as high-demand jobs, providing several opportunities for foreign-trained professionals to find work and eventually get permanent residency in Canada.
Transport Occupations (Category- Based Draws)
29. Transport Truck Drivers
This job entails driving straight trucks or tractor-trailers to transport freight. This can apply to both long-haul and short-haul transport truck drivers. Transport truck drivers may move vehicles weighing 4,500 kg or more between cities or on interprovincial or international routes. This career may include planning, vehicle inspections, and emergency repairs. Drivers can drive alone, as part of a two-person team, or in a convoy.
30. Aviation Assemblers and Inspectors
Aircraft assemblers and inspectors are classed under National Occupational Classification (NOC) code 9521 (which was revised to NOC 93200 in the 2021 NOC revision). These individuals are critical to the design, construction, assembly, inspection, and maintenance of aircraft and aerospace systems.
Their responsibilities include building aircraft frames, wings, fuselage parts, landing gear, engines, and other components, as well as conducting thorough inspections to ensure that quality and safety standards are fulfilled.
Canada’s major investment in the aerospace sector has resulted in a consistent demand for qualified airplane assemblers and inspectors. This demand is fueled by both domestic manufacturing requirements and international contracts, making this a desirable profession for talented workers seeking permanent residency in Canada.
31. Railroad and Yard Locomotive Engineers
Railway locomotive engineers run locomotives that transport passengers and freight. Railway transportation firms employ them. Yard locomotive engineers operate locomotives in the yards of railroad, industrial, or other facilities. They work for railway transport firms as well as industrial or commercial users of rail transport.
32. Financial Sales Representatives.
Financial Sales Representatives will always be in great demand. They play an important role in any business’s success by assisting clients and consumers with their purchasing decisions.
After the reopening of all hospitality venues and retail outlets following the pandemic, Canada is currently experiencing talent shortages and requires more job searchers to sustain the new boom.
33. Transport Truck Drivers (specific to New Brunswick PNP)
The New Brunswick Transport Truck Drivers (NBTTD) stream is one of New Brunswick’s PNP streams that requires candidates to have a job offer as a transport truck driver to be eligible. When nominated under the NBTTD stream, candidates can apply to the Canadian federal government for permanent residence.
This stream is not aligned with Express Entry, and if nominated, a candidate will be unable to benefit from the 6-month average processing time of Express Entry applications. Processing times for Provincial Nominee Programs that do not use the Express Entry system are often longer, taking at least a year.
The NBTTD stream’s major eligibility requirements are a legitimate employment offer and previous work experience; candidates are not required to produce proof of money. There are additional standards for the candidate, the company, and the job offer.
34. Heavy equipment operators.
Heavy Equipment Operators are classified as NOC 7521 (changed to NOC 73400 in the 2021 NOC revision). These workers run machines used in construction, earthmoving, material handling, and other heavy-duty operations. This involves operating cranes, bulldozers, loaders, graders, and excavators.
Heavy machinery operators can seek permanent residency in Canada through one of four immigration programs:
- Express Entry System
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RNIP)
- Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program (QSWP)
35. Patient Service Associates
Canada’s lack of nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates is predicted to worsen over the next eight years, creating possibilities for skilled foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency here through occupation-targeted Express Entry system draws.
According to the Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) website, the number of job openings for nurse aides, orderlies, patient service associates, and other assisting occupations in support of health services is expected to total 191,000 between 2022 and 2031, while the number of job seekers arising from school leavers, immigration, and mobility is expected to total 170,100.
In Canada, the median hourly income for these professionals, classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system with the code 33102, is $21, but it ranges from $16 to $25.83, according to Jobbank, the federal government’s job-hunting and career-planning website.
Based on a 37.5-hour work week, a nurse aide or orderly can make up to $50,368 per year in Canada.
To be eligible for immigration through Express Entry occupation-targeted draws, candidates must have at least six months of continuous work experience in one of these occupations in Canada or abroad within the last three years.
This experience can have been gained while working in Canada as a temporary foreign worker with a work permit or as an international student with a student visa.
(Manitoba PNP)
36. Animal Health Technologists and Veterinary Technicians
Animal health and veterinary technologists and technicians assist veterinarians with the care of animals as well as the diagnosis and treatment of animal health illnesses.
- Duties may include providing nursing care and rehabilitation therapy to animals.
- Handle, restrain, and care for animals undergoing therapy or surgery.
- Produce radiographs, collect samples, and do other laboratory testing to help diagnose animal health problems.
- Assist veterinarians with animals before, during, and after surgery, including preparing equipment, administering and monitoring anesthesia, and cleaning up afterward.
- Prepare and administer drugs and immunizations under the direction of a veterinarian.
- Provide wound and bandage care.
- Perform specialist operations like animal identification and hoof clipping.
- Inform clients about animal health care, including feeding and home care.
- Conduct laboratory research.
- Perform routine animal dental operations and assist veterinarians in animal dentistry.
- May do office management and clerical jobs.
Conclusion
The list is endless since Canada is in severe need of talented immigrants to fill a variety of high-demand positions. Other popular jobs for immigrants that can lead to permanent residence in Canada include veterinarians, medical laboratory assistants, technicians, occupational therapists, truck drivers, and so on.
But first, if you wish to work in Canada, you must be eligible for a relevant visa or immigration program. Make sure to view our video on how to relocate and work in Canada.
What do you find most intriguing about Canada? Let us know in the comments section. If you loved this video, please give it a thumbs up and share it with someone.