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.
What Jobs Will Be in Demand in Canada in 2025?
Hiring across Canada in 2025 is shaped by labour shortages, demographic shifts, and targeted immigration policy. Below are the jobs currently in strongest demand, along with context for why they’re being prioritized.
Healthcare Workers
Registered nurses, lab technicians, respiratory therapists, and personal support workers continue to top the list. Hospital systems in nearly every province report ongoing shortages. A combination of retirements, an aging population, and increased demand for medical care has made this one of the most difficult areas to staff.
Skilled Trades and Construction
Carpenters, electricians, heavy equipment operators, and plumbers are needed for projects underway in both the private and public sectors. Infrastructure builds, energy work in Alberta, and continued housing developments are all contributing. Domestic labour alone can’t keep up with project timelines.
Tech and Engineering
Software developers, systems analysts, and engineers—civil, mechanical, and aerospace—are regularly flagged in immigration updates. These roles are among those selected in Express Entry category-based rounds. Newcomers with experience in AI, cybersecurity, and data science are especially sought after.
Education and Childcare
Early childhood educators, school teachers, and teaching assistants are part of a relatively new Express Entry stream. These roles are essential to support family life and schooling in growing cities and under-served regions.
Agriculture and Food Processing
Workers in food production, meat processing, and farm operations are needed in several provinces. These jobs are usually outside of major cities, and many companies rely on immigration to meet workforce requirements year after year.
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.
What is the employment rate in Canada in 2025?
As of May 2025, the unemployment rate is 7.0%. Jobs in healthcare, education, and technical services are still expanding.
What skills will be in demand in Canada in 2025?
Skilled trades, nursing credentials, software development, data analysis, engineering, and teaching qualifications are among the most sought-after this year.
Which jobs will see the biggest increase in demand by 2025?
Construction trades, medical technologists, software developers, and educators are expected to see notable growth and hiring activity throughout 2025.
