If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada or are already here on a work permit, knowing which occupations are in high demand can significantly improve your chances of obtaining permanent residence—and even help your spouse work legally in Canada. Spouse or Common-Law Partner – Parisa Erfani
In this guide, we break down the most in-demand occupations across Canada that are eligible for Express Entry’s category-based draws and Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWPs). These pathways open the door to both permanent residency and work opportunities for accompanying family members.
Why In-Demand Occupations Matter
If your work experience matches one of the occupations prioritized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), you may qualify for:
- Category-based Express Entry draws: Targeted invitations to apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
- Spousal Open Work Permits: Your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to work in Canada while you do, provided your job falls under eligible TEER categories (mainly TEER 0, 1, and select TEER 2 or 3 roles).
Top 3 Sectors with the Highest Job Vacancies (April 2025)
According to Statistics Canada, these sectors had the highest job vacancy rates:
- Health Care and Social Assistance – 4.1%
- Accommodation and Food Services – 4.0%
- Construction and Trades – 3.2%
These sectors are aligned with the 2025 Express Entry category priorities announced by the federal government.
Health Care & Social Services: Occupations Eligible for Express Entry Category-Based Draws
Occupations in this sector are some of the most sought-after in Canada. Here are a few notable examples:
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Registered nurses and psychiatric nurses | 31301 |
| Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates | 33102 |
| Medical laboratory technologists | 32120 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 |
| Dentists | 31110 |
| Social workers | 41300 |
| Veterinarians | 31103 |
| Audiologists and speech-language pathologists | 31112 |
| Massage therapists | 32201 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 |
Many of these roles also support SOWP eligibility if they fall under TEER 2 or 3.
Accommodation and Food Services
Although this sector has a high vacancy rate, TEER 2 or 3 occupations in this sector are not eligible for SOWPs.
| Occupation | NOC Code | Express Entry Category |
|---|---|---|
| Butchers – retail and wholesale | 63201 | Agriculture & Agri-food |
| Cooks | 63200 | Trades |
Construction & Trades: High-Demand Jobs for PR and SOWPs
The trades sector has seen expanded eligibility under Express Entry, including 19 new occupations added in 2025.
| Occupation | NOC Code |
|---|---|
| Electricians | 72200 |
| Plumbers | 72300 |
| Carpenters | 72310 |
| Welders | 72106 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 |
| Construction managers | 70010 |
| Concrete finishers | 73100 |
| Sheet metal workers | 72102 |
| Roofers and shinglers | 73110 |
These jobs are eligible for both category-based Express Entry draws and SOWPs, provided the work is in a TEER 2 or 3 classification.
Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) Eligibility
Spouses of workers in TEER 0, 1, and select TEER 2 or 3 occupations may qualify for an open work permit if the principal applicant is on an eligible work permit (e.g., LMIA-based or through international agreements).
Eligible Sectors for SOWP
- Health Care & Social Assistance
- Construction & Trades
Ineligible Sector for SOWP
- Accommodation & Food Services (for TEER 2 & 3 roles)
Provincial Job Vacancy Rates – Where to Focus Your Job Search
Provinces with higher job vacancy rates typically offer more employment opportunities:
| Province | Vacancy Rate |
|---|---|
| Manitoba | 3.3% |
| Saskatchewan | 3.3% |
| British Columbia | 3.1% |
| Quebec | 3.1% |
Conversely, low-demand provinces include:
| Province | Vacancy Rate |
|---|---|
| Newfoundland & Labrador | 2.1% |
| New Brunswick | 2.3% |
| Prince Edward Island | 2.5% |
| Ontario | 2.5% |
National average vacancy rate in April 2025: 2.8%, the lowest since 2017.
Policy Focus: Health and Trades Workers in 2025
Canada’s federal and provincial immigration strategies are increasingly tailored to fill shortages in:
- Health care
- Skilled trades and construction
Highlights:
- In 2025, two category-based draws for healthcare issued 1,000 ITAs.
- The trades category was expanded by 19 new occupations.
- Canada will admit up to 14,000 foreign construction workers in 2025 alone.
Final Takeaway
If you’re working in one of Canada’s in-demand occupations, now is a strategic time to:
- Create or update your Express Entry profile to target category-based draws.
- Check your NOC code to see if your occupation qualifies for SOWP eligibility for your spouse.
In-demand jobs eligible for category-based draws and spousal open work permits | CIC News
