As the country manages an aging population, infrastructure growth, and evolving labour needs, certain occupations have become central to both immigration policy and the job market. This article looks at which jobs are currently in demand, which ones are eligible for Express Entry, and what trends are shaping employment this year. If you’re considering immigration through Express Entry, knowing where the jobs are is an important first step.
Top 15 Jobs in Canada for 2026
- Registered nurses continue to be needed in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and community health settings. Aging demographics contribute heavily to this demand.
- Transport truck drivers remain central to domestic supply movement. Freight transportation continues to support hiring across provinces, especially in logistics corridors.
- Software developers and engineers are still required in both public and private sectors. These roles support internal systems, platforms, and essential services rather than short-term trends.
- Information systems analysts help organizations manage and maintain complex systems. Their work supports operations across healthcare, finance, and government services.
- Electricians are consistently needed in residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Infrastructure renewal and construction activity keep this trade relevant.
- Carpenters continue to find work in housing, renovations, and commercial construction. Population growth in urban centres sustains demand.
- Heavy equipment operators support infrastructure and resource projects. Roadwork, public construction, and industrial development rely on these skills.
- Early childhood educators and assistants are required as childcare participation rises and provinces expand early learning programs.
- Secondary school teachers are needed to replace retiring staff and support changing student enrollment patterns.
- Elementary school teachers remain part of long-term staffing needs in public education systems.
- Financial auditors and accountants continue to play a role across sectors, especially in compliance, reporting, and organizational planning.
- Medical laboratory technologists support diagnostic services within healthcare systems, which remain under pressure from population aging.
- Pharmacy technicians assist pharmacists in both community and institutional settings, supporting patient care and medication management.
- Industrial electricians work in manufacturing and processing environments, where technical maintenance remains essential.
- Construction project coordinators and supervisors support planning and execution across public and private projects, especially in urban development.
What Categories Removed for 2026
What Jobs Are Eligible?
Canada’s Express Entry system uses the National Occupation Classification (NOC 2021) to determine which jobs qualify. Most immigration pathways require experience in roles classified under TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) levels 0 through 3.
Here’s a breakdown of eligibility:
- TEER 0: Management roles such as restaurant managers, construction managers, and mine managers.
- TEER 1: Jobs requiring a university degree—examples include engineers, software developers, and teachers.
- TEER 2 & 3: Usually need a college diploma or apprenticeship training. Includes jobs like electricians, chefs, and medical lab techs.
Three main federal programs fall under Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will continue to conduct “category-based” draws targeting key sectors: healthcare, trade, tech, education, and agriculture. This means that being qualified in one of these categories may improve your chances of being selected.
Conclusion
Express Entry in 2025 reflects where the job vacancies are. Employers across healthcare, construction, education, and agriculture are struggling to fill roles. The system isn’t just looking for degrees; many of the top-listed jobs require hands-on experience, trade certification, or vocational training. Workers who meet these needs are not only welcomed—they’re urgently needed.
FAQ
Which careers are booming in Canada?
Nursing, engineering, software development, skilled trades, and early childhood education are currently experiencing strong and consistent demand nationwide.
