Express Entry jobs for Canadian immigration

There’s a new pattern emerging from Express Entry draws. Category-based draws are oftentimes inviting candidates with lower scores compared to general draws. So, if you can qualify for category-based selection you do not have to have a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score above 500.

There are six Express Entry categories in 2024: French, STEM, healthcare, trades, transportation, and agriculture.

Having French competency can really help you move to Canada, not just to Quebec. Through Express Entry, having French can not only help boost your CRS score, but it can also help you get invited with scores as low as 336, which happened on Feb, 29, 2024. Learn more about this and other draws on our dedicated Express Entry draw page.

But, if you can’t speak French, having qualifying work experience in one of the eligible occupations can be a boon for not only your Express Entry experience, but your entire Canadian immigration journey.

These occupations are already primed for workers seeking to integrate into the Canadian labour market. We’ve rounded up data indicating how many job availabilities there are in each sector, and more resources on how you can find jobs in Canada.

In order to be eligible for category-based draws you need at least six months of full-time work experience in an eligible occupation. This work experience may have been completed within the three years prior to your invitation and application for permanent residency through Express Entry.

All job vacancy figures come from the most recent Statistics Canada Payroll employment, earnings and hours, and job vacancies, which captures the month of December, 2023.

You can navigate this page by using the jump menu below, or go straight to our Jobs Board to find immigrant-friendly job listings.

Healthcare jobs in Canada

Labour shortages in the healthcare sector are a significant issue in Canada, with demand for healthcare professionals often outpacing the available supply.

The following healthcare occupations are eligible for category-based selection.

Despite some improvement year-over-year, Canada is still experiencing a shortage of healthcare workers. There are some 125,900 job vacancies in Canada in healthcare positions across the nation.

Find healthcare jobs on the Canada Job Bank website.

STEM jobs in Canada

Canada is experiencing significant labor shortages in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, which include professions such as software development, engineering, data analysis, healthcare technology, and various other specialized technical roles.

These STEM occupations are eligible for category-based selection.

The latest data indicate there are over 38,800 job vacancies in the Professional, scientific and technical services sector, which include (but are not limited to) occupations eligible for Express Entry category-based draws.

Find STEM jobs on the Job Bank Canada website.

Trades jobs in Canada

Canada has been experiencing significant labor shortages in the skilled trades sector, which includes professions such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, welding, and automotive mechanics.

Here is the list of trades jobs that are eligible for category-based selection.

If you work in construction, see if our sister website, Outpost Recruitment, can help place you in a suitable job in Canada.

Otherwise, check the Canada Job Bank website for more listings.

Transport jobs in Canada

Canada’s transportation sector moves goods and people throughout the country. It is vital to provide resources to all the communities from coast to coast to coast.

However, the transport sector too suffers from labour shortages, which the government is attempting to manage through targeted immigration pathways like category-based selection.

The following transportation occupations are eligible for category-based draws.

There are over 37,800 jobs in the transportation and warehousing sector in Canada. Maybe one is waiting for you.

Check the Job Bank Canada website.

Agriculture and agri-food jobs in Canada

Agriculture and agri-food jobs tend to be difficult to fill in Canada, particularly due to the seasonal nature of most jobs.

However, even in full-time positions, it can be difficult to retain qualified talent.

For this reason, Canada has included these occupations amongst those eligible for category-based draws.

According to the latest job vacancy report, there were some 10,000 job openings in the agriculture sector this December.

Check out job listings on the Canada Job Bank website.

If you’re interested in moving to Canada but not sure which program you may be eligible for, check your eligibility for more than 20 Canadian immigration programs by taking Moving2Canada’s free Canada Immigration Quiz.