"In-demand jobs" lists are everywhere, but most are opinion. For immigration, the most useful signal is what IRCC itself targets: the occupations in its category-based Express Entry draws and the occupations that let a worker's spouse get an open work permit. Both lists are by NOC code.
Sources: IRCC category-based selection page (dated 2026-10-16) and IRCC's family open work permit eligibility page (modified 2026-06-12).
Healthcare and social services
The largest category list, with 37 codes. Examples:
| Job | NOC code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | 31301 | 1 |
| Licensed practical nurse | 32101 | 2 |
| Nurse aide, health care aide, PSW in a facility | 33102 | 3 |
| Pharmacy assistant | 33103 | 3 |
| Physiotherapist | 31202 | 1 |
| Medical laboratory technologist | 32120 | 2 |
| Social worker | 41300 | 1 |
| Social and community service worker | 42201 | 2 |
Skilled trades
25 codes, including:
| Job | NOC code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | 72310 | 2 |
| Electrician | 72200 | 2 |
| Plumber | 72300 | 2 |
| Welder | 72106 | 2 |
| HVAC mechanic | 72402 | 2 |
| Construction manager | 70010 | 0 |
| Painter | 73112 | 3 |
| Butcher | 63201 | 3 |
STEM
| Job | NOC code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Cybersecurity specialist | 21220 | 1 |
| Civil engineer | 21300 | 1 |
| Mechanical engineer | 21301 | 1 |
| Electrical engineer | 21310 | 1 |
| Civil engineering technologist | 22300 | 2 |
| Insurance agent or broker | 63100 | 3 |
Education and transport
| Job | NOC code | TEER |
|---|---|---|
| Early childhood educator | 42202 | 2 |
| Elementary school teacher | 41221 | 1 |
| Secondary school teacher | 41220 | 1 |
| Teacher assistant | 43100 | 3 |
| Automotive service technician | 72410 | 2 |
| Aircraft mechanic | 72404 | 2 |
| Pilot | 72600 | 2 |
The full lists, with every code, are on the Express Entry categories page.
Jobs that also bring your family
Since January 2025, only some jobs let a worker's spouse get an open work permit: all TEER 0 and 1 jobs, plus 137 selected TEER 2 and 3 occupations, mostly in health, trades, construction, transport, natural resources and education. Transport truck drivers (73300) and heavy equipment operators (73400) are on that list even though they are not in an Express Entry category. See the full SOWP list.
Provincial shortage lists
Provinces publish their own in-demand occupations, and their nominee programs change targets often. Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta each run draws aimed at specific NOC codes. Check your province's official program page for its current list, and match the code against your duties.
Before you plan around a list
A job title on a list means nothing if your duties match a different code. Find your NOC code from your duties first, then check whether it appears here.
Common questions
What jobs are most in demand in Canada for immigrants?
IRCC's targeted Express Entry draws focus on healthcare and social services, trades, STEM, education and transport occupations. Those category lists are the clearest signal of which jobs the federal government wants to recruit for.
Are in-demand jobs the same in every province?
No. Provinces publish their own shortage lists and nominee targets. Federal category lists apply across Canada, while provincial lists change with local labour markets.
Does an in-demand job guarantee PR?
No. It can mean a lower CRS cut-off in a category-based draw, but you still need to meet the program's requirements, including work experience, language results and a qualifying NOC match.