Top In-Demand Jobs in Canada’s PNP Express Entry 2025

Top In-Demand Jobs for Canada’s Express Entry-Aligned PNP Streams in 2025

Thinking about moving to Canada through Express Entry? If you’ve got experience in one of the country’s top in-demand professions, you could be in luck. Most of Canada’s provinces and territories prioritize certain occupations through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), especially those aligned with the Express Entry system.

If your job falls into a priority sector and you’re currently working in Canada or have a valid job offer, your chances of receiving a provincial nomination—and ultimately permanent residence—go up substantially.

Key Highlights

• Each province targets specific sectors based on local labour shortages.
• Having work experience or a job offer in an in-demand occupation boosts your nomination chances.
• Provincial nominations give you 600 extra CRS points in Express Entry.
• Health care, construction, tech, childcare, and trades are some of the most commonly prioritized sectors.
• Most PNP streams are aligned with Express Entry for faster processing.
• Some provinces, like Manitoba, prioritize candidates using occupation-specific draws. Check your Manitoba PNP points to see where you stand.

Why PNP Priority Occupations Matter

Canada’s labour market is diverse, and so are its regional workforce needs. That’s where Provincial Nominee Programs step in. These programs allow provinces and territories to select immigrants who can help fill local gaps—especially in high-demand sectors.

When a province nominates you through an Express Entry-aligned stream (also called an “enhanced nomination”), you get a huge boost—an extra 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. This can practically guarantee you’ll get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

So, let’s take a closer look at which professions are currently being prioritized across Canada’s provinces and territories in 2025.

Overview of In-Demand Sectors by Province

Here’s a quick snapshot of which sectors each province is focusing on for their Express Entry-linked PNP streams:

Alberta: Alberta Advantage Immigration Program

Alberta is casting a wide net, focusing on multiple sectors through the Alberta Express Entry stream:

• Health care: Via the Dedicated Health Care Pathway
• Technology: Through the Accelerated Tech Pathway
• Law enforcement: Specific to police and public protection roles
• Agriculture, aviation, and construction are also targeted, though the province hasn’t released specific roles

British Columbia: BC Provincial Nominee Program

Through its Skilled Worker and Express Entry BC streams, BC is actively prioritizing:

• Childcare educators and assistants
• Construction workers in skilled trades
• Health professionals (including those working under BC Health Authorities)
• Tech professionals
• Veterinary care specialists

New Brunswick: NBPNP

The New Brunswick Express Entry streams focus on three main sectors:

• Education
• Health care
• Construction

Note: Some occupations such as cooks, bakers, and retail managers are excluded from selection under the Express Entry stream.

Newfoundland & Labrador: NLPNP

This Atlantic province is prioritizing foreign workers in:

• Health care (e.g., nurses, physicians)
• Information and communications tech (ICT)
• Aquaculture-related occupations

These jobs are fast-tracked and exempt from labour market testing requirements.

Nova Scotia: NSNP

Nova Scotia’s Labour Market Priorities stream is focused on:

• Physicians and specialists under regulated NOC codes
• Construction workers and tradespeople
• Social assistance professionals

If you’re already working in Nova Scotia and your work permit expires in 2025, you may receive priority processing.

Ontario: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)

Ontario is currently favouring two key sectors:

• Health care professionals (e.g., nurses, medical lab techs)
• Child care workers (e.g., early childhood educators)

These occupations are being selected through the Human Capital Priorities and French-Speaking Skilled Worker streams.

Prince Edward Island: PEI PNP

PEI is focusing on applicants who live and work in the province and have experience in:

• Child care
• Health care
• Skilled trades

The province may also consider other industries depending on workforce shortages.

Saskatchewan: SINP

Saskatchewan’s Express Entry stream is prioritizing:

• Health care (via Health Talent Pathway)
• Tech professionals (via Tech Talent Pathway)
• Agricultural workers
• Skilled tradespeople

Keep in mind that 75% of nominations are reserved for those already living in Canada.

Northwest Territories: NTNP

While there are no specific sectors listed, the NTNP is accepting Express Entry candidates in TEER levels 0 to 3. Having a valid work permit and job offer from a local employer is key.

Yukon: Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)

Yukon is currently prioritizing:

• Health care professionals (regulated occupations only)
• Francophone applicants
• Graduates from Yukon University
• Applicants who’ve lived and worked in the territory for at least a year

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been wondering whether your job experience can help you immigrate to Canada faster, the answer is a resounding yes—especially if it aligns with a province’s current labour needs.

The best part? Many PNPs are linked with Express Entry, making the pathway to permanent residence not only faster but also more predictable.

Not sure if your profession qualifies? Use our handy tools like the Manitoba PNP Points Calculator to assess your eligibility—or check specific province pages for updates on occupations