Top In-Demand Jobs in Canada (2025) for PR & PNP Success

In-Demand Jobs in Canada (2025): Boost Your Express Entry Chances and Spousal Work Permit Eligibility

Looking to immigrate to Canada in 2025? If you’re working in one of Canada’s most in-demand occupations, you may have a better shot at getting permanent residency through Express Entry—and your spouse could be eligible for an open work permit too!

With the Canadian government focusing on key sectors facing serious labour shortages, understanding which jobs fall under these high-demand categories can give you a real edge.

Key Highlights

• Canada’s top job vacancy sectors are health care, accommodation/food services, and construction/trades.
• Express Entry category-based draws prioritize certain in-demand occupations.
• Spousal open work permits (SOWPs) are available for partners of workers in select TEER 2 and 3 occupations.
• Health care and construction jobs are eligible for both Express Entry draws and SOWPs.
• Manitoba and Saskatchewan currently have the highest job vacancy rates in Canada.
• Federal and provincial programs are increasingly targeting workers in these high-demand fields.

Why In-Demand Jobs Matter for Immigration

If you’re applying to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, working in an in-demand occupation could increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. In fact, category-based draws under Express Entry are now being used to specifically invite candidates with recent experience in selected occupations.

Even better? If you’re already in Canada on a work permit and you’re employed in certain TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations, your spouse or common-law partner may qualify for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP). That means they could work for almost any employer while you’re working toward permanent residency.

Top Job Sectors in Demand: 2025

According to Statistics Canada’s April 2025 vacancy data, here are the three sectors with the highest job vacancy rates across the country:

• Health care and social assistance: 4.1%
• Accommodation and food services: 4.0%
• Construction and trades: 3.2%

These sectors are a major focus for both federal and provincial immigration programs this year. Let’s dive into the job titles that qualify under each sector.

1. Health Care and Social Assistance Occupations

It’s no surprise that health professionals are in high demand across the country. From nurses and doctors to social workers and medical technologists, this sector offers one of the widest ranges of eligible occupations under Express Entry.

Some of the eligible jobs include:

• Registered Nurses and Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)
• Physicians, Dentists, and Pharmacists (Various NOC codes)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)
• Medical Radiation and Sonography Technologists
• Social Workers and Community Service Workers

Those working in many of these roles may also make their spouse eligible for a SOWP if the occupation falls under TEER 2 or 3.

2. Accommodation and Food Services

While this sector has a high job vacancy rate, only a couple of roles qualify for Express Entry category-based draws:

• Butchers – Retail and Wholesale (NOC 63201)
• Cooks (NOC 63200)

These occupations are categorized under the Agriculture and Agri-Food and Trades Express Entry streams, respectively. However, it’s important to note that spouses of workers in this sector under TEER 2 or 3 are not eligible for spousal open work permits.

3. Construction and Skilled Trades

The construction industry is booming—and facing a serious labour shortage. From carpenters to electricians, many skilled trades workers are now being prioritized in Express Entry category-based draws.

In-demand trades that qualify include:

• Electricians (NOC 72200)
• Plumbers (NOC 72300)
• Welders and Related Machine Operators (NOC 72106)
• Carpenters (NOC 72310)
• Construction Managers (NOC 70010)

Many of these trades are also listed under TEER 2 and 3, making them eligible for spousal open work permit benefits as well.

Understanding TEER Levels and Spousal Work Permit Eligibility

TEER (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities) levels classify jobs based on the nature and complexity of their duties. For purposes of spousal work permits:

• Occupations in TEER 0 and 1 automatically qualify a spouse for an open work permit.
• Select TEER 2 and TEER 3 roles, particularly in health care and construction/trades, also qualify.

For instance, if you’re a pharmacy technician (TEER 2) or a carpenter (TEER 2), your spouse may be eligible to work in Canada while you’re on a valid work permit.

Important: TEER 2 and 3 roles in the accommodation and food services sector do not qualify for spousal open work permits.

Provincial Focus: Where Are the Jobs?

Job vacancy rates vary across provinces, which can impact your job prospects and immigration opportunities. As of April 2025, the provinces with the highest job vacancy rates are:

These higher vacancy rates suggest there’s more demand for workers—especially in the in-demand sectors we’ve discussed. If you’re exploring pathways like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), these provinces might be a smart place to focus your job search.

Federal and Provincial Immigration Efforts

Both the federal government and provincial immigration authorities are putting a strong emphasis on attracting health care and trades professionals. In fact, the 2025 category restructuring for Express Entry added 19 new trades occupations to the eligible list!

Additionally, the federal government announced plans to welcome up to 14,000 foreign construction workers in 2025 alone. If you’re in a skilled trade, now is a great time to look at Canadian immigration options tailored to your experience.

Final Thoughts

If you’re working in an in-demand occupation—particularly in health care or skilled trades—you’re in a great position to take advantage of Canada’s tailored immigration programs.

Whether you’re aiming for an Express Entry invitation or hoping your spouse can join you on a spousal open work permit, understanding your National Occupation Classification (NOC) and TEER level is key.

Ready to explore your options?

Check how competitive your Express Entry profile is

Or, if you’re already working in Canada and want to bring your spouse along:

Schedule a free spousal open work permit consultation

Immigration can be complex—but with the right information and a bit of planning, you and your family can start building your future in Canada.