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82 In-Demand Jobs for Canada PR (Express Entry) in 2026

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Published Date: Jan 6, 2026

Author: Tiffany Chia

Your Complete Guide to Express Entry Category-Based Draws & IRCC-Approved Occupations


If you’re planning to apply for permanent residence in Canada, there’s one thing you absolutely need to know in 2026:


Your job can make or break your Express Entry invitation.


IRCC is now focusing on specific occupations through category-based draws under Express Entry. That means if your job is on the list of In-Demand Jobs for Canada PR in 2025, you could be invited faster — even with a lower CRS score.


In this blog, we’ll break down the complete list of the Top 82 in-demand jobs for Canada PR, verified by IRCC, and show you how to use this list to boost your immigration success.



🎯 Why the Top 82 In-Demand Jobs Matter for Canada PR in 2025


IRCC introduced category-based selection to tackle labour shortages in key industries like healthcare, skilled trades, engineering, and education.


If your occupation is on the official list in 2025, you may be eligible for special Express Entry draws that:


✅ Prioritize your occupation over your CRS score

✅ Invite you faster than general draws

✅ Qualify your spouse for an open work permit (in many cases!)

✅ Help you settle with long-term PR benefits



📋 How This List Was Created


This list was curated directly from:


📌 IRCC’s official category-based draw occupation lists in 2026

📌 Verified NOC 2021 codes

📌 Current Express Entry and PNP trends in 2026


Source: IRCC Website


Want updates when Canadian Immigration rules change?



🧑‍⚕️ Healthcare & Social Services Occupations


Healthcare leads the Top 82 In-Demand Jobs for Canada PR in 2025. Here are the 37 exact roles IRCC is inviting through category-based draws:


Occupation

NOC 2021 Code

TEER

Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians

32104

2

Audiologists and speech language pathologists

31112

1

Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists

32123

2

Chiropractors

31201

1

Dental hygienists and dental therapists

32111

2

Dentists

31110

1

Dieticians and nutritionists

31121

1

General practitioners and family physicians

31102

1

Licensed practical nurses

32101

2

Massage therapists

32201

2

Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations

33101

3

Medical laboratory technologists

32120

2

Medical radiation technologists

32121

2

Medical sonographers

32122

2

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates

33102

3

Nurse practitioners

31302

1

Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors

31300

1

Occupational therapists

31203

1

Optometrists

31111

1

Other medical technologists and technicians

32129

2

Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating

31209

1

Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment

32109

2

Paramedical occupations

32102

2

Pharmacists

31120

1

Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants

33103

3

Pharmacy technicians

32124

2

Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals

31303

1

Physiotherapists

31202

1

Psychologists

31200

1

Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses

31301

1

Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists

32103

2

Social and community service workers

42201

2

Social workers

41300

1

Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine

31100

1

Specialists in surgery

31101

1

Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies

41301

1

Veterinarians

31103

1



🛠️ Trade


If you're working in the 25 trades occupations, this is your moment!


Occupation

NOC 2021 Code

TEER

Bricklayers

72320

2

Cabinetmakers

72311

2

Carpenters

72310

2

Concrete finishers

73100

3

Construction estimators

22303

2

Construction managers

70010

0

Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics

72400

2

Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services

82021

2

Cooks

63200

3

Electrical mechanics

72422

2

Electricians (except industrial and power system)

72200

2

Floor covering installers

73113

3

Gas fitters

72302

2

Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics

72402

2

Heavy-duty equipment mechanics

72401

2

Home building and renovation managers

70011

0

Industrial electricians

72201

2

Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors

72100

2

Other technical trades and related occupations

72999

2

Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)

73112

3

Plumbers

72300

2

Roofers and shinglers

73110

3

Sheet metal workers

72102

2

Water well drillers

72501

2

Welders and related machine operators

72106

2



🧠 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Occupations


Although there has been no recent STEM draws, these are the 11 eligible STEM occupations.


Occupation

NOC 2021 Code

TEER

Architecture and science managers

20011

0

Civil engineering technologists and technicians

22300

2

Civil engineers

21300

1

Cybersecurity specialists

21220

1

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

22310

2

Electrical and electronics engineers

21310

1

Geological engineers

21331

1

Industrial and manufacturing engineers

21321

1

Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians

22301

2

Mechanical engineers

21301

1

Software engineers and designers

21231

1



🍎 Education


New in 2025! These 5 teaching roles are now included.


Job Title

NOC Code

TEER

Disability Instructors

42203

2

ECEs & Assistants

42202

2

Elementary School Teachers

41221

1

Secondary School Teachers

41220

1

Teacher Assistants

43100

3



🌾 Agriculture and Agri-food


Only 1 occupation made it for the Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations.

Job Title

NOC Code

TEER





🩺 Physicians with Canadian Work Experience


New in 2026! 3 occupations made it for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience


To be eligible, you must:

  • have accumulated, within the past 3 years:

    • at least 12 months of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience)

    • in a single occupation listed in the table below (no matter your primary occupation)

    • in Canada


Job Title

NOC Code

TEER

General practitioners and family physicians

31102

1

Specialists in surgery

31101

1

Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine

31100

1


🧾 Summary Table


Category

Jobs Count

Healthcare & Social Services

37

Trades

25

STEM

11

Education

5

Agriculture and Agri-food

1

Physicians with Canadian Work Experience

3

✅ Total

82


If you want timely IRCC updates when something changes, join our email list.

👉 Subscribe


❓FAQs


Q: Do I need Canadian work experience?

A: No. Foreign work experience is accepted if it’s continuous, full-time, and in one of the top 82 in-demand jobs except for Physicians with Canadian Work Experience.


Q: What if my job isn’t on the list?

A: You can still apply under regular Express Entry or PNPs — but you won’t benefit from category-based draws.


Q: Are these NOC codes guaranteed to stay the same?

A: They are current as of Jan 1, 2026. IRCC may adjust categories and occupations each year, so act fast.


Is Your Job on the List?


Here's What to Do Next Now that you know your occupation is in-demand, the next question is: "Am I eligible? What's my CRS score? How do I actually apply?"


Get our FREE Express Entry Quick Start Guide 2026 and discover:


✅ Simple eligibility checklist

✅ Latest CRS score ranges for 2025 and 2026

✅ How to match your NOC code correctly

✅ Proof of funds requirements

✅ Your exact next steps


👉 Download Your Free Guide today!



👩‍💼 About the Author


Tiffany Chia, RCIC, Founder of 1to1 Immigration Inc., Vancouver. Originally from Singapore, Tiffany immigrated to Canada over a decade ago. Since founding 1to1 Immigration in 2015, she has helped hundreds of families, students, and professionals achieve their Canadian immigration goals with confidence, expertise, and care.


⚖️ Disclaimer


Immigration policies may change at any time. Information is accurate as of the date of publication and is for general informational purposes only. It is not legal advice.


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