Maple News reports that several leading Canadian employers are actively recruiting for roles aligned with Canada’s category-based Express Entry draws—an immigration pathway that targets skilled professionals in high-demand fields.
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship system for managing economic immigration applications, and category-based draws allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to prioritize specialized occupations, such as healthcare, technology, engineering, and trades. Eligible candidates with at least six months of continuous, full-time experience in one of the designated occupations may significantly boost their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Canada’s top-ranked companies—based on a Forbes list of the country’s 100 best employers—are actively offering positions in several eligible sectors. For example, technology giants Google and Microsoft are hiring cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220), while Microsoft is also seeking engineers and technologists in electronics (NOC 21310, 22310). Organizations in energy, manufacturing, and mining sectors, such as BC Hydro, Fortis, and Agnico Eagle, are also recruiting for engineering and skilled trade roles that meet category-based criteria.
Public sector employers draw a large number of applicants, but foreign nationals should note that these organizations legally prioritize Canadian citizens and permanent residents. That said, departments like Parks Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada are still offering multiple opportunities in eligible trades and engineering professions.
Healthcare remains one of the most active hiring categories. The Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Workers Compensation Board of Alberta are recruiting professionals such as nurse practitioners (NOC 31302), pharmacy assistants (NOC 33103), physiotherapists (NOC 31202), and other allied health workers that qualify under Express Entry’s targeted draws.
Choosing the correct National Occupation Classification (NOC) code is essential when applying through Express Entry. Applicants should ensure their job duties closely match those listed under the relevant NOC category. For reference, IRCC’s official guidelines help candidates match their current or prospective job to the appropriate code.
Job seekers currently in Canada on open work permits are encouraged to prioritize jobs that can help them build experience in Express Entry’s eligible categories. This strategic career planning could accelerate their journey to permanent residency.
While the summarized list provides a snapshot of current hiring trends among Canada’s top employers, job openings may fluctuate based on business needs. Candidates are advised to conduct thorough research when evaluating employment opportunities.
As Canada continues to leverage immigration to meet labor market demands, category-based selection under Express Entry presents a clear and viable path for skilled individuals seeking career advancement and residency in the country.