Top In-Demand Jobs for Canada Permanent Residency in 2025

Canada's 2025 job market is evolving rapidly, opening doors for skilled professionals looking to make the country their new home. The job market is shifting, and while there are about 500,000 job openings nationwide, some industries are really struggling to find the right talent.

This blog will explore where Canada's greatest opportunities lie, pinpointing the most in-demand jobs, essential National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes, and strategies to boost your immigration success.

The job market is full of chances for skilled workers, especially in healthcare, construction, and other high-demand sectors. If you want to move to Canada permanently, the Express Entry system is your best route. It focuses on candidates experienced in these needed jobs, making it easier to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency (PR), even with a lower CRS score.

Spouses of employees in specific TEER 2 and 3 occupations may also apply for an open work permit. Families can settle and prosper together, as this permit enables them to work in Canada without requiring a job offer.

These industries are still in need of talent, which presents immigrants with worthwhile opportunities even though the national job vacancy rate recently dropped to 2.8%.

Top Industries with High Demand in Canada

Canada's top in-demand sectors offer excellent opportunities for skilled workers in fields with severe labor shortages. 

Key industries like healthcare, accommodation and food services, and construction continue to drive demand. As these industries grow and serve more people, the need for workers keeps rising, making job opportunities abundant for those looking to get started or make a change.

Healthcare, hospitality, and construction connect closely with Canada’s immigration routes like Express Entry and spousal open work permits. This link offers newcomers clear, welcoming paths to settle and thrive, turning their skills into opportunities for a fresh start and a secure future.

Healthcare and Social Assistance (4.1% Vacancy Rate)

• Due to Canada's aging population and increasing demand for medical services, this industry has the highest job vacancy rate.
• Key positions in demand include registered nurses, medical technologists, and social workers.
• Provinces like Ontario and British Columbia are actively hiring these professionals through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
• Healthcare-related jobs are a top choice for skilled workers aiming for permanent residency and employment in Canada.

Accommodation and Food Services (4.0% Vacancy Rate)

• Labour shortages persist, especially for cooks, butchers, and other food service roles.
• These jobs qualify for Express Entry category-based draws, which can improve immigration chances.
• Note that currently, this sector does not support spousal open work permits (SOWPs).

Construction and Trades (3.2% Vacancy Rate)

• The construction boom in Canada, which has been driven by significant housing and infrastructure projects, has increased demand for tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, and carpenters.
• In 2025, the federal government is aiming to admit 14,000 foreign construction workers, reflecting the importance of immigrant flow to this sector.
• Excellent jobs and permanent residency opportunities are available to skilled workers in this field.

Healthcare and Social Service Occupations Eligible for Express Entry in 2025

In order to address labour shortages driven by an aging population and growing healthcare infrastructure, Canada continues to place a high priority on healthcare professionals. Targeting 37 healthcare and social services occupations, the July 22, 2025, Express Entry healthcare category draw sent out 4,000 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to applicants with a minimum CRS score of 475.

Eligible healthcare occupations that are included in the Express Entry are the following:

• Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)
• Medical Laboratory Technologists (NOC 32120)
• Physicians (General Practitioners and Specialists) (NOC 31102, 31100, 31101)
• Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102).
• Pharmacists (NOC 31120) and Social Workers (NOC 41300)
• Other roles include audiologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and veterinarians.

Construction and Trades Occupations Eligible for Express Entry in 2025

A key component of Canada's immigration strategy, the trades sector added 19 new jobs in the first half of 2025. As a result of ongoing housing and infrastructure projects, the federal government intends to hire 14,000 foreign workers in construction trades by 2025.

Jobs in Construction and Trades that will be eligible for Express Entry include:

• Carpenters (NOC 72310), Electricians (NOC 72200, 72201), and Plumbers (NOC 72300)
• Welders and Machine Operators (NOC 72106) and Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics (NOC 72401)
• Construction Managers (NOC 70010)
• Other jobs are bricklayers, machinists, heating/refrigeration mechanics

Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) for Eligible Occupations

Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs) allow spouses or common-law partners of eligible workers the right to work in Canada without a job offer.

• Healthcare sector: Spouses of employees in specific TEER 2 and 3 healthcare occupations, including Licensed Practical Nurses, Medical Laboratory Technologists, Pharmacy Technicians, Nurse Aides, Medical Laboratory Assistants, and Dental Assistants, are eligible for SOWPs.
• Construction and trades sector: SOWPs are available for spouses of workers in TEER 2 roles like Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers, and Construction Supervisors, and in TEER 3 positions such as Heavy Equipment Operators, Transport Truck Drivers and Concrete Finishers.
• SOWPs are not available for spouses of workers in accommodation and food services including, cooks and butchers. So, healthcare and trades industries become more attractive if you are considering family immigration.

What are the Application Requirements for a Spousal Open Work Permit in Canada?

Your spouse or common-law partner can work anywhere in Canada without a specific job offer if they apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).

To qualify, there are essential requirements that both you (the principal applicant) and your spouse must meet under the latest 2025 rules.

• The principal applicant (sponsor) must hold a valid work permit in Canada at the time of the application, ideally lasting 16 months or more.
• Sponsor must be working in an eligible skilled sector, such as management, healthcare, or trades.
• The spouse must prove their genuine relationship (marriage or common-law proof).
• The spouse needs to pass basic health and security checks.
• Applications can be made from inside or outside Canada.

Where to Find Job Opportunities in Canada 2025?

If you are planning to work or immigrate to Canada in 2025, it is essential to know which provinces have the most job openings and where skilled workers are in high demand. Job vacancy rates show where employers are actively searching for talent, so targeting these provinces can boost your chances of finding a job and getting permanent residency.

A brief overview of the provinces offering the greatest opportunities is provided below:

1. Manitoba 

The vacancy rate for Manitoba is 3.3%. The province is known for strong demand in healthcare and skilled trades like nursing and carpentry. Manitoba has its own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) tailored to attract workers in these areas.

2. Saskatchewan 

The vacancy rate for Saskatchewan is 3.3%. The province offers solid jobs in healthcare, construction, and agriculture. It's an excellent spot for newcomers with a variety of skills.

3. British Columbia 

The vacancy rate for British Columbia is 3.1%. The province has thriving opportunities in trades and tech jobs. Experts predict over a million job openings here by 2032, making it an attractive choice.

4. Quebec 

The vacancy rate for Quebec is 3.1%. The province focuses primarily on healthcare positions and attracts French-speaking candidates through special immigration pathways.

5. While there are still opportunities in some sectors, other provinces, such as Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador, have lower vacancy rates (about 2.5 percent or less), which means there are fewer openings and more competition.

Focusing your job search on provinces with higher vacancy rates can make a big difference in landing a position and advancing your immigration journey.

How to Prepare for a Successful Canadian Immigration Application?

• Focus on high-demand jobs in Canada, such as healthcare, skilled trades, and technology, to improve your Express Entry opportunities.
• Gain at least 6 months of recent skilled work experience that matches with the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes in Canada.
• Create an Express Entry profile and select the appropriate eligible NOC code for your job.
• Improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score by upgrading your English or French language test results (IELTS, TEF), getting Canadian work experience, or earning a provincial nomination.
• Apply for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) in provinces with high job vacancy rates (such as Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec) to gain extra CRS points.
• Check eligibility for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) if immigrating with your family, primarily if you work in healthcare or skilled trades.
• Search for job vacancies in Canada using platforms like Canada Job Bank, Indeed, and LinkedIn to target real openings.
• Have your education and work credentials assessed through agencies like World Education Services (WES) to ensure the accuracy of your application.
• Keep abreast of Canadian immigration news by paying attention to announcements from the IRCC, updates on the Express Entry draw, and modifications to lists of eligible occupations.

You can increase your chances of immigration, maintain your competitiveness in industries with high demand, and position yourself and your family for success in Canada's changing labour market in 2025 by taking these actions.

Why 2025 Is the Perfect Time to Immigrate to Canada?

If you are thinking about moving to Canada, 2025 brings some great opportunities that make this year an ideal time to take the leap.

Let us find out how:

• High Demand for Skilled Workers

Canada is actively looking for skilled professionals, especially in healthcare and skilled trades, areas where workers are in short supply.

• New Permanent Residency Pathways

 In 2025, Canada plans to launch new immigration programs designed to facilitate skilled worker immigration, including pathways for refugees with skills, broadening opportunities.

• Focus on Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 

  In order to attract skilled immigrants, provinces like British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba offer targeted PNP streams. This increases your chances of being nominated and earns you additional points toward Canadian permanent residency.

• Work for Your Spouse Too

Your spouse may be eligible for an open work permit in a variety of trades and healthcare positions.  If you are coming with family, you could improve your financial security too.

• Numerous Job Openings

 Canada still requires skilled workers, despite the overall decrease in spots. That means you have a good chance to find a job quickly and start building your future.

• Balanced Immigration Goals

Your move will be a part of a well-planned growth as the government works to attract newcomers while ensuring that communities have the resources they require.

Kicking off your immigration plans in 2025 puts you ahead of the curve, letting you make the most of new opportunities and secure your spot sooner. It’s a wise step for you and your family to create a safe, happy home in Canada as the country opens up fresh pathways for newcomers.

If you want advice tailored to your situation or help planning your application, contact ImmiLaw Global for a smooth and seamless immigration journey to the land of the Maple Leaf.

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