Canada’s Job Vacancies Hit Lowest Level Since 2018 – What This Means for Newcomers

Healthcare, trades, and office jobs all posted fewer openings. Ontario and Quebec led the decline, while smaller regions in BC and Northern Ontario still report some of the country’s highest vacancy rates.

For newcomers, the numbers may look worrying at first glance. However, there are still tens of thousands of open roles, just more concentrated in specific sectors and regions. In this article, we’ll look at where vacancies are falling, which jobs remain in demand, and how newcomers can use this information to shape their job search and immigration strategy.

Key Takeaways

• Vacancies dropped to 505,900 in Q2 2025, the lowest since 2018.
• Healthcare and trades lost ground but still show long-term demand.
• Ontario and Quebec led the fall; Northern Ontario and BC show the highest vacancy rates.
• Jobs that require a bachelor’s degree or higher now have 4.9 unemployed people competing for every vacancy.
• Newcomers should target high-demand jobs and regions tied to immigration streams. You can find more information about in-demand roles on our dedicated page, or check out our job board. 

Job Vacancies Fall to a Seven-Year Low in Canada

Q2 2025 saw 505,900 vacancies across Canada, the lowest level since early 2018. That’s down 18,900 (-3.6%) from the previous quarter and 72,900 (-12.6%) compared to last year. 

The national job vacancy rate fell to 2.8%, from 3.2% a year earlier. Long-term vacancies, meaning jobs left unfilled for 90 days or more, also dropped from 30.1% to 27.5%, indicating that employers are filling roles faster.

Job Sectors Hit Hardest by Falling Vacancies

Healthcare

Openings in healthcare decreased by 5,600 (-7.5%) this quarter and 18,000 (-20.7%) year-over-year. Still, nearly 69,000 jobs remain. Even with the recent drop, healthcare job openings remain well above pre-pandemic levels.

The following occupations saw the largest drops:

• Nurses: -8,200 (19,500)
• Nurse aides/orderlies: -3,900 (14,100)
• Practical nurses: -3,600 (8,700)
  

For newcomers: Healthcare workers are still in demand, but newcomers often encounter licensing and paperwork delays. Support roles are quicker to enter, though competition is strong from both Canadians and other newcomers. Regulated jobs, such as nursing, take longer, but Foreign Credential Recognition Programs in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia can help. 

The government’s 2025-2027 Immigration Levels Plan also gives priority to healthcare professionals, meaning those who seek credential recognition have solid long-term prospects. Most roles are regulated by provincial bodies, and the process takes both time and money.

With falling demand for these roles, we are interested to see if these roles remain on the eligible list for healthcare category-based draws in 2026. These are adjusted from time to time, so we suggest signing up for our email newsletter to stay updated on any changes to eligible occupations for the healthcare category. 

Trades and transport

Trades and transport vacancies dropped 5,900 (-6.1%) this quarter and 15,900 (-13.9%) year-over-year. The decrease was driven by a fall in full-time roles (-7,000; -7.8%), while part-time roles actually rose (+1,200; +16.7%). Still, there are 90,700 openings. 

The following occupations saw the largest drops:

• Construction helpers: -3,800 (10,600)
• Truck drivers: -2,700 (12,600)

For newcomers: The numbers dipped from record highs in late 2024, but the demand hasn’t gone away. If you’re a truck driver or a trades worker, you’re in a sweet spot. Full-time roles dipped, but the overall vacancy count shows Canada still has tens of thousands of unfilled roles in trades/transport. Plus, those jobs have lower levels of competition per vacancy than many degree-requiring roles. 

In terms of immigration options, Canada’s Express Entry category-based draws list trade occupations among their priorities, and many provinces also run Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams targeting these roles. This means trades workers not only face less competition in the job market, but also have a strong chance of qualifying for PR through programs that specifically prioritize occupations like truck drivers and construction trades.

Business, finance, and admin

Vacancies in business, finance, and administrative jobs fell 3,300 (-4.7%) in Q2 2025 and 8,700 (-11.1%) year-over-year. Still, about 66,300 roles remain nationwide.

The following occupations saw the largest drops:

• Admin officers: -2,000 (4,000)
• Shippers/receivers: -1,800 (2,500)
• Accountants: -1,000 (2,700)
  

For newcomers: These jobs exist, but there’s tough competition for newcomers. Employers often want Canadian experience or specific certifications. Canada’s accounting and finance sector has its own rules and expectations you’ll need to learn. If you’re an accountant, for example, in Ontario, that means CPA, and if you’re in admin, it may mean fluency with Canadian payroll and software systems. Without that, you’ll compete with local applicants who already tick those boxes. For some newcomers, entry-level logistics or customer support roles may be a practical first step before moving into higher-skilled office work. 

Other sectors

• Education and social services: -2,000
• Manufacturing/utilities: -1,500
• Legislative and senior management: -300
• Only growth: Occupations in art, culture, recreation, and sport +900)

For newcomers: Education, social services, and senior roles are heavily regulated and tough for newcomers without Canadian credentials, making entry difficult. Manufacturing is slowing, while the small bump in arts and culture reflects community recovery, but opportunities remain limited and highly competitive.

Job Vacancies by Region

Provinces losing jobs:

• Quebec: down 7,600 vacancies, leaving 113,300 open roles
• Ontario: down 7,300, leaving 179,000 open roles
• Manitoba: down 1,000, leaving 18,700 open roles
• Newfoundland & Labrador: down 800, leaving 4,600 open roles
• Prince Edward Island: down 500, leaving 2,000 open roles.

Highest vacancy rates:

• Northwest Ontario: 4.8% (tightest labour market in the country)
• Nechako, BC: 4.8% (strong demand despite fewer total jobs)
• Estrie, Quebec: 4.5% (above the national average of 2.8%).

Lowest vacancy rates:

• South Coast-Burin Peninsula, NL: 1.9% (one of the slackest labour markets)
• Central Manitoba: 2.0% (jobs fill quickly here)
• Windsor-Sarnia, Ontario: 2.1% 2.1% (limited openings compared to the national rate).
  

For newcomers: Ontario and Quebec lost the most openings, but regions like Northern Ontario and interior BC show the highest vacancy rates. That means a newcomer who’s willing to skip Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal might have an easier time finding work – and a smoother path to PR if they settle in a smaller region that’s actively trying to attract workers.

Education, Wages, and Your Odds of Getting Hired

Wages are still climbing for vacant jobs in Canada, but the pace of growth is slowing compared to earlier this year.

Competition for jobs (unemployed people per vacancy):

• Jobs that need a bachelor’s degree or higher: 4.9 people competing for each opening.
• Jobs that need a trade certificate or diploma: 1.8 people per opening (best odds).
• Jobs that require high school or less: 2.5 people per opening.
  

Average hourly pay for open jobs:

• Bachelor-level jobs $43.60
• High school-level jobs $21.65
• All jobs combined $28.00

For newcomers: A degree may open doors to higher pay, but it doesn’t guarantee quick entry into the job market. In contrast, trades often offer faster hiring and better odds of landing work.