In-Demand Jobs That Can Boost Express Entry Chances & Unlock Spousal Work Permits in Canada
Canada continues to prioritize immigration policies that address urgent labor market gaps—particularly in healthcare, trades, and food services. If you’re a foreign worker or planning to apply for Canadian permanent residence (PR), certain high-demand occupations can give you a critical advantage in Express Entry category-based draws, while others may qualify your spouse for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP).
These updates, based on official Statistics Canada data from April 2025, outline which occupations are in the highest demand and which ones are eligible for streamlined immigration benefits.
Top 3 High-Demand Sectors in Canada (as of April 2025)
According to job vacancy rates:
- Healthcare & Social Assistance – 4.1% vacancy rate
- Accommodation & Food Services – 4.0%
- Construction & Skilled Trades – 3.2%
Category-Based Express Entry Draws: Eligibility Criteria
To be considered under one of Canada’s category-based draws, you must have:
- At least 6 months of full-time continuous work experience in an eligible occupation.
- An active profile in the Express Entry system.
This gives you a significantly better chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
Healthcare Jobs Eligible for Category-Based Express Entry
Over 30 occupations are eligible in this sector, including:
- Registered Nurses (31301)
- Nurse Aides (33102)
- Pharmacists (31120)
- Social Workers (41300)
- Physiotherapists (31202)
- Dentists (31110)
- Medical Lab Technologists (32120)
- Paramedics & Respiratory Therapists
Full list includes jobs under TEER 2 & 3 codes, which also impact spousal work permit eligibility.
Accommodation & Food Services
Two main occupations are eligible under category-based Express Entry draws:
- Cooks (63200) – Listed under Trades category
- Butchers (63201) – Listed under Agri-Food category
Note: These occupations do not qualify for spousal open work permits under current TEER 2/3 rules.
Trades & Construction Jobs in High Demand
More than 40 skilled trades occupations are eligible, including:
- Electricians (72200, 72201)
- Welders (72106)
- Plumbers (72300)
- Heavy-Duty Mechanics (72401)
- Roofers & Drywall Installers
- Construction Supervisors & Estimators
These roles not only qualify for category-based draws but can also allow your spouse to work freely in Canada.
Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP) – Who Qualifies?
If you’re working in TEER 0, 1, or certain TEER 2 or 3 occupations in healthcare or construction, your spouse or common-law partner may be eligible to apply for an open work permit.
Eligible Healthcare TEER 2/3 Roles (Examples):
- Licensed Practical Nurses
- Respiratory Therapists
- Pharmacy Technicians
- Nurse Aides
- Massage Therapists
- Dental Assistants
Eligible Trades TEER 2/3 Roles (Examples):
- Carpenters
- Plumbers
- Electricians
- Heavy Equipment Operators
- Painters
- Concrete Finishers
Spouses of food service workers (even in high-demand sectors like cooks) do not qualify for SOWPs unless the role is TEER 0 or 1.
Provinces With Highest Job Vacancy Rates (JVR) – April 2025
Looking for provinces where hiring is hot? These regions have the highest demand:
| Province | Job Vacancy Rate |
|---|---|
| Manitoba | 3.3% |
| Saskatchewan | 3.3% |
| British Columbia | 3.1% |
| Quebec | 3.1% |
Those targeting healthcare or construction roles should prioritize job hunting in these areas.
Key Takeaways
- Use your occupation to your advantage in Express Entry.
- Check if your job qualifies for spousal work permit benefits.
- Target provinces with higher job vacancy rates.
- Apply early—priority occupations are being fast-tracked in 2025!
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
