Are you looking to build a pathway to Canadian permanent residence while working for one of the country’s top employers? If you have six months of continuous full-time experience in an eligible occupation, you may qualify for a category-based draw through Canada’s Express Entry system—and boost your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Express Entry – Parisa Erfani
In this post, we highlight top Canadian employers currently hiring for roles eligible under Express Entry’s category-based draws, based on the 2025 Forbes Top 100 Employers list.
Why Focus on Category-Based Draws?
Canada’s immigration system introduced category-based draws to address critical labour shortages in priority sectors. By targeting in-demand occupations, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) offers applicants with relevant experience a competitive edge—even if their overall CRS score is below the typical general draw cut-off.
For 2025, IRCC has prioritized the following Express Entry categories:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services
- Trades occupations
- Education occupations
Other categories, such as STEM and agriculture, remain active but may see fewer draws.
Top Canadian Employers Hiring in Eligible Categories
Below is a curated list of top Canadian employers currently hiring for jobs that match occupations included in Express Entry’s priority categories.
| Employer | Industry | NOC-Eligible Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220) | |
| Microsoft | Technology | Cybersecurity specialists (21220), Electrical/electronics engineers (21310), Engineering technologists (22310) |
| The Hershey Company | Food Manufacturing | Industrial electricians (72201) |
| Parks Canada (Public) | Government/Environment | Carpenters (72310), Electricians (72200), Painters (73112), Welders (72106) |
| Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Public) | Government | Civil engineers (21300), Cooks (63200), Mechanical engineers (21301) |
| BC Hydro (Public) | Energy | Civil engineers (21300), Electrical engineers (21310), Technologists (22300) |
| OpenText | Software | Cybersecurity specialists (21220) |
| Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) | Healthcare | Nurses, Pharmacists, Therapists, Pharmacy techs (various NOCs) |
| The Co-operators | Insurance | Insurance agents and brokers (63100) |
| Workers Compensation Board of Alberta (Public) | Healthcare | Physiotherapists (31202), Allied health professionals (31303) |
| Tesla | Automotive | Electrical and mechanical engineers (21310, 21301), Engineering techs (22301) |
| Fortis | Energy | Industrial electricians (72201), Manufacturing engineers (21321), Mechanical engineers (21301) |
| Agnico Eagle | Mining | Millwrights (72400), Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (72401) |
Note: Job availability and NOC match must be verified directly through the job posting. Always review duties and qualifications to confirm alignment with eligible NOC codes.
Recent Cut-Off Scores by Category
| Category | Latest CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| STEM | 491 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 504 |
| Trades | 433 |
These lower cut-off scores in trade and health occupations present strong opportunities for eligible workers.
Who Qualifies for a Category-Based Draw?
To be eligible under a category-based selection:
1. Occupational Requirement
- You must have 6 months of continuous full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a single eligible NOC code.
- This experience must be within the past 3 years.
- Experience can be gained inside or outside Canada.
2. Express Entry Eligibility
You must meet general Express Entry requirements under one of the three federal programs:
| Criteria | CEC | FSWP | FSTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Experience | 1 year in Canada (last 3 yrs) | 1 year abroad (last 10 yrs) | 2 years in trades (last 5 yrs) |
| Job Offer / Certification | Not required | Not required | Required (job offer or certificate) |
| Language | CLB 5–7 | CLB 7 | CLB 4–5 |
| Education | Not required | ECA or Canadian credential | Not required |
| Settlement Funds | Not required | Required (unless working in Canada) | Required (unless working in Canada) |
Tips for Candidates on Open Work Permits If you’re already working in Canada on an open work permit, this is an excellent time to:
- Target roles aligned with Express Entry categories;
- Gain the required 6 months of experience under an eligible NOC;
- Ensure your Express Entry profile is up to date with accurate job titles and duties;
- Consult an immigration expert to verify your NOC code and calculate your CRS score.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s top employers are actively hiring—and aligning your job search with Express Entry’s category-based draw system can dramatically improve your chances of securing permanent residency.
For personalized guidance or questions about immigration and Express Entry strategy, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team at Cascadia Immigration Services.
