According to Maple News, international students and recent graduates looking to transition from study permits to permanent residency (PR) in Canada have a strategic advantage—choosing the right employer and occupation. By securing at least six months of Canadian work experience in qualifying professions under specific Express Entry categories, applicants can receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) with significantly lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores than standard federal draws require.
This streamlined pathway offers a valuable alternative to more complex routes, such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). With the introduction of occupation-targeted Express Entry draws in 2023, candidates in certain in-demand fields now stand a better chance at obtaining PR.
Maple News highlights a selection of top Canadian employers that align with high-demand occupational categories within Express Entry. These employers were chosen based on the Globe and Mail’s recent list of top employers for young people and are active in sectors experiencing labor shortages, including healthcare, STEM, skilled trades, and agri-food.
It’s essential to remember that Express Entry defaults to occupations, not employers. While working for a top employer can provide training, career development, and support, eligibility depends on the specific job description. For instance, a software engineering role in a healthcare company may still qualify under the STEM category.
The four key occupational categories currently targeted under Express Entry include:
1. Healthcare and social services: This includes clinical roles like registered nurses and pharmacists, as well as support positions such as social workers and medical laboratory technologists.
2. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math): Occupations such as software developers, data scientists, and civil engineers fall under this stream.
3. Skilled Trades: Positions ranging from carpenters and electricians to heavy equipment mechanics are in high demand.
4. Agriculture and Agri-food: This includes roles like butchers, food processing laborers, and harvest workers, which support Canada’s food security and supply chains.
While employers in the education sector and healthcare roles for physicians were reviewed, they were excluded from the list due to high entry requirements that may not be accessible for most international students and recent graduates.
To increase chances of success through Express Entry, candidates must carefully evaluate job postings to ensure the role’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) code aligns with the targeted categories for the year. Understanding how NOC codes relate to actual job duties is vital, and assistance from a qualified immigration consultant can help in confirming eligibility.
Ultimately, international students and newcomers can maximize their PR prospects by aligning early career decisions with Canada’s evolving immigration priorities. Strategic employment choices—not just education credentials—are proving to be a key part of Canada’s talent pathway.