Canada prioritizes trades and technical jobs for permanent residence
The federal government has expanded its permanent residence (PR) selection criteria to emphasize applicants with experience in high-demand skilled trades and technical occupations. The change is part of Canada’s ongoing effort to align immigration with labour market needs across multiple provinces.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) continues to use category-based selection under the Express Entry system to identify foreign workers with experience in occupations facing persistent shortages outside the healthcare sector.
The initiative is expected to support industries such as construction, equipment maintenance, electrical work, and insurance services, which have reported a sustained need for qualified professionals.
- Category-based draws under Express Entry target specific occupations with labour shortages.
- Six trades and technical jobs are currently prioritized for permanent residence.
- Some of these roles require minimal postsecondary education or short-term training.
- Applicants must have at least six months of continuous experience in one eligible occupation.
- Licensing requirements differ by province and occupation type.
Occupations prioritized for permanent residence
IRCC’s current list of priority occupations includes several positions offering competitive wages and relatively short training periods. Many of these jobs are classified under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system and are recognized for their contribution to Canada’s infrastructure and service sectors.
| Occupation | Typical postsecondary education | Median annual pay (CAD) | Top annual pay (CAD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Construction estimators (NOC 22303) | 2–3 years college | 79,000 | 128,000 |
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (NOC 72400) | None–1 year college | 77,000 | 108,000 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22310) | 1–2 years college | 74,000 | 115,000 |
| Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics (NOC 72402) | None–2 years college | 78,000 | 116,000 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) | None–1 year college | 77,000 | 114,000 |
| Insurance agents and brokers (NOC 63100) | 3–6 months | 62,000 | 107,000 |
Annual wage estimates are calculated based on full-time employment at median and top hourly rates from Job Bank data. Certain occupations, such as HVAC mechanics and insurance brokers, require licensing in all provinces, while others require certification only in specific jurisdictions.
Eligibility and occupational classification
Applicants for Express Entry category-based selection must demonstrate relevant work experience consistent with the job duties listed under their NOC code. Eligibility is determined by duties performed rather than job titles, and candidates must have completed all tasks described in the lead statement and most of the main duties for the selected occupation.
Those seeking to verify their occupational classification can refer to the official NOC 2021 framework or provincial programs such as the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) for alignment with regional labour priorities.
Express Entry system and category-based draws
To qualify for permanent residence through Express Entry, candidates must meet the requirements of one of three federal economic programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Each program evaluates applicants through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points for factors including work experience, education, language ability, and age.
Category-based selection allows IRCC to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with experience in specific occupations, often at lower CRS cut-off scores than general draws. Eligible candidates must have at least six months of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in one of the designated occupations within the previous three years.
Applicants selected through category-based draws must have an active Express Entry profile at the time of the draw. Once an ITA is received, a complete application for permanent residence must be submitted within 60 days.
Bridging work permits and documentation
Foreign nationals already in Canada on valid work permits may apply for a bridging open work permit after receiving an acknowledgment of receipt for their permanent residence application. This permit allows continued employment while the PR application is being processed.
All Express Entry candidates must provide valid language test results from an approved provider and an educational credential assessment for any non-Canadian qualifications used to support eligibility or CRS scoring.
Labour market impact
The focus on trades and technical occupations reflects ongoing labour shortages in construction, equipment repair, and related mechanical fields across Canada. Provinces such as Manitoba, Alberta, and Ontario have reported rising demand for certified tradespeople and technicians to support infrastructure and manufacturing growth.
By incorporating occupation-specific draws, the federal government aims to expedite permanent residence pathways for workers in sectors that are essential to the country’s economic stability and development.
Outlook
As category-based draws continue, additional occupations may be added or adjusted based on labour market assessments. The approach is designed to maintain flexibility in meeting regional workforce needs while ensuring that newcomers with critical skills can obtain permanent residency more efficiently.
For continued updates on Express Entry and provincial nomination initiatives, follow the latest verified immigration news reports and official program announcements.