The immigration landscape in Canada is constantly changing. It can be difficult to know exactly what pathway or job will help increase your chances for permanent residency.
There are category-based selection draws of in-demand occupations that can boost your PR chances through the Express Entry system, but there are some tips and strategies that can be employed to increase your chances.
Occupations in demand for Canadian immigration
The Express-Entry system has targeted draws for certain ‘in-demand occupations’ which address the current labour market shortages, attempting to increase workers in certain employment sectors of Canada. If you are studying or working in one of these fields, your chances of obtaining an invitation to apply for permanent residence are higher.
A review of the last year of Express Entry Rounds of invitations reveals the following as occupations or categories being selected for:
- Trade Occupations
- Education Occupations
- Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
- French language proficiency
The detailed information on the draws for each of these categories outlines the relevant job title and NOC code for qualifying jobs.
Key Express Entry categories for in-demand jobs
A review of each of the categories being targeted for draws shows there are multiple jobs and associated NOC codes for each category. To see if you qualify, it is important to review a complete list of the qualifying NOC codes. Below each of the categories is outlined and a brief description of how to qualify is discussed.
1. Trade Occupations
As Canada is experiencing severe labour shortages in Trade occupations, a specific category has been created to address the shortages. There are various NOC codes that qualify under this unit group such as:
- Carpenters
- Construction managers
- Cooks
- Electricians
- Painters and decorators
- Plumbers
- Welders
- Roofers
- Many more similar occupations.
If you feel your job falls into the trades field, it is important to review all the qualifying NOC codes to see if you job is being selected for.
2. Education Occupations
As of late, there have also been more draws under the education occupations unit group. The occupations selected for under this category are:
- Early childhood educations/assistants
- Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants
- Elementary and Kindergarten school teachers
- Secondary school teachers
- Instructors of persons with disabilities
This category is a bit narrower in scope, only selecting for the five NOC codes associated with the occupations listed above.
3. Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
The last years Express Entry draws have shown a regular and consistent draw in the healthcare and social services occupations. The category has 37 qualifying NOC codes. Some of the qualifying occupations include:
- Chiropractors
- Dentists
- Dental hygienists
- Dieticians
- General practitioners
- Massage therapists
- Nurse practitioners
- Optometrists
- Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations
- Pharmacists,
- Psychologists,
- Registered nurses,
- Social workers
- Veterinarians
These are just a handful of the qualifying occupations; a more thorough list can be found on the IRCC website.
4. French Language Proficiency
Though this category is not linked to a specific profession or occupation, it has been a category selected for often in the Express Entry system.
Qualifying for selection under this category requires your French language proficiency to have been assessed through a language test, with results less than two years old and assessed at a level 7 or higher in all language skill areas.
Plan your pathway to permanent residency in Canada
It can be quite overwhelming to think about your immigration journey at the early stages of choosing an education stream or career, but doing so can reduce your stress when trying to obtain permanent residency in Canada. Getting ahead and targeting employment in fields where labour shortages exist can give you a head start on your PR journey.
If you are looking for legal assistance for your application or to help create a plan for your immigration journey, achieving a clear and smooth path to permanent residency, please reach out to us at Jasmin Sandhu Law.