As Canada continues to face critical labour shortages in key industries, the Express Entry system remains a primary pathway for skilled professionals looking to gain permanent residence in 2025. According to Maple News, the Canadian government is targeting specific occupations through category-based draws, increasing opportunities for those in high-demand fields like healthcare, education, technology, and skilled trades.
By prioritizing talent that can support Canada’s evolving economic needs, the Express Entry draws are strategically aligned with the country’s long-term development goals. Candidates working in these targeted roles often receive higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, especially when factors like Canadian work experience, language skills, and credential alignment are present.
Here are 12 of the most in-demand occupations under the Express Entry system for 2025, along with their National Occupation Classification (NOC 2021) codes and median annual salaries:
1. Registered Nurse (NOC 31301) – $78,000: Rising demand across hospitals and care facilities due to Canada’s aging population.
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (NOC 32101) – $60,000: Critical support role in hospitals and long-term care centers under strain.
3. Specialist Physician (NOC 31100) – $250,000+: Acute shortages, especially in rural and underserved regions.
4. Early Childhood Educator (NOC 42202) – $50,000: More childcare spaces mean higher demand for certified professionals.
5. Elementary School Teacher (NOC 41221) – $75,000: Teacher retirements and population growth, particularly in francophone communities, drive demand.
6. College/Vocational Instructor (NOC 41210) – $80,000: Skills-focused education boosts labour supply in emerging industries.
7. Software Developer (NOC 21232) – $95,000: Rapid tech expansion in urban tech hubs like Toronto and Vancouver.
8. Data Analyst (NOC 21223) – $80,000: Rising need for insights to guide business decisions across sectors.
9. Financial Analyst (NOC 11101) – $82,000: Market volatility increases business demand for financial strategy.
10. Electrician (NOC 72410) – $65,000: Infrastructure growth and shift to renewable energy fuels this trade’s demand.
11. Welder (NOC 72106) – $60,000: Persistent shortages in construction and manufacturing projects.
12. Human Resources Manager (NOC 10011) – $105,000: Companies need strong HR leadership amid fierce competition for talent.
These roles have been identified through recent labour market trends and are central to Canada’s economic and social infrastructure. Healthcare and education alone are seeing sweeping transformations, with government investments and service delivery reforms opening up thousands of positions nationwide.
Candidates seeking to immigrate through Express Entry in 2025 should carefully review their NOC code eligibility, and align their skills, education, and work history accordingly. Maple News advises prospective applicants to stay updated on category-based draw priorities and to ensure their applications are optimized for CRS scoring.
With strategic career planning and accurate documentation, professionals working in these sectors stand a significantly higher chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency.
Stay informed with Maple News for ongoing updates on Express Entry changes, job demand forecasts, and immigration pathways.