Top 10 In-Demand Skilled Occupations in Canada [2025-2026 Guide]

Meta Description: Discover Canada's most in-demand skilled occupations for 2025-2026. Our guide covers the NOC codes, pathways, and eligibility for top jobs in tech, healthcare, trades, and more.

Slug: skilled-occupation-list-canada

TL;DR: The most in-demand skilled occupations in Canada for 2025-2026 are primarily in healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and engineering. The official list is based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, and eligibility for immigration programs like Express Entry is tied to a job's NOC TEER category. According to IRCC's official Express Entry page, candidates with work experience in high-demand fields often receive targeted invitations, making it crucial to align your skills with Canada's labour market needs.

What is Canada's Skilled Occupation List?

Canada's skilled occupation list is not a single, static document but a dynamic framework based on the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. The NOC is Canada's official system for describing and categorizing all occupations in the Canadian labour market. For immigration, your occupation's eligibility is determined by its Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) category. Occupations in TEER categories 0, 1, 2, and 3 are typically considered "skilled" and are eligible for programs like Express Entry. The government uses data from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Statistics Canada to identify occupations with persistent shortages, which then influence targeted draws.

• NOC 2021 Structure: The current system classifies over 500 occupations into 6 TEER categories (0 through 5).
• Program-Specific Lists: Some Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams and the Federal Skilled Worker Program use the broad TEER categories, while others have their own in-demand occupation lists.
• Targeted Draws: IRCC now holds category-based selection draws, prioritizing candidates with work experience in specific high-demand fields like healthcare, STEM, trades, and transport.

How Do I Find My NOC Code?

Finding your correct NOC code is the essential first step in your immigration journey. You must match your job duties, not just your job title, to the official description provided by the Government of Canada. According to the official Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) NOC website, you should search by keyword and then carefully review the lead statement, main duties, and employment requirements.

1. Visit the official Government of Canada NOC website.
2. Use the search tool with your job title or relevant keywords.
3. Compare your actual work experience to the "Main duties" listed for the occupation.
4. Note the 5-digit NOC code and the TEER category (e.g., 21231 – Software engineers and designers [TEER 1]).

A common mistake is choosing an NOC based solely on title. For instance, a "Project Manager" could fall under several different NOC codes depending on the industry (construction, IT, advertising). Accuracy is critical, as an incorrect NOC can lead to application refusal. If you're unsure, tools like Evola AI's platform can help you analyze your job duties against the official NOC database to find the most accurate match, reducing the risk of error.

What Are the Top In-Demand Skilled Occupations for 2025-2026?

Based on federal category-based draws, provincial nominee announcements, and labour market forecasts, the following sectors and occupations are consistently in high demand. This list is compiled from official sources like Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and provincial government pages.

1. Healthcare Occupations (NOC 3) Canada faces a critical shortage of healthcare professionals. This category is a top priority for IRCC's targeted draws.

• Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (NOC 31301)
• Physicians - General Practitioners and Family (NOC 31102) & Specialists (NOC 31101)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101)
• Nurse Aides, Orderlies and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102)
• Medical Laboratory Technologists (NOC 32120)

2. STEM Occupations (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Tech talent remains a key driver of Canada's economic growth, with numerous dedicated immigration pathways.

• Software Engineers and Designers (NOC 21231)
• Computer Systems Developers and Programmers (NOC 21232)
• Data Scientists (NOC 21211)
• Civil Engineers (NOC 21300)
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NOC 21310)

3. Skilled Trades Occupations These hands-on professions are essential for building and maintaining infrastructure and are consistently in short supply.

• Welders and Related Machine Operators (NOC 72106)
• Electricians (NOC 72200)
• Plumbers (NOC 72300)
• Carpenters (NOC 72310)
• Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics (NOC 72401)

4. Transport Occupations

• Transport Truck Drivers (NOC 73300)
• Aircraft Assemblers and Aircraft Assembly Inspectors (NOC 93200)

To see how your experience in one of these fields translates into a potential Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Express Entry, use our free, real-time CRS Calculator.

Which Immigration Programs Target These Occupations?

Multiple federal and provincial programs are designed to attract workers in these high-demand fields. Your occupation can be your ticket to a nomination or invitation.

• Express Entry Category-Based Selection: This is the most direct federal pathway. IRCC holds regular draws targeting candidates with specific work experience. In 2024-2025, priority categories included Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Transport, and Agriculture. You must be eligible for one of the three Express Entry programs (FSW, FST, CEC) and have recent work experience in a targeted occupation.
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Occupations-in-Demand Streams: Almost every province has streams that target specific local labour shortages. For example:
  • Ontario: Regularly issues Notifications of Interest (NOIs) for tech and healthcare jobs through its Human Capital Priorities stream.
  • British Columbia: Holds weekly Tech Pilot draws for 29+ tech occupations.
  • Saskatchewan: Maintains an "In-Demand Occupations List" for its International Skilled Worker stream.
  • Alberta: Prioritizes occupations in its Accelerated Tech Pathway and other sectors like healthcare and agriculture.

According to IRCC's official Provincial Nominee Program page, a provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA). It's vital to research which provinces are seeking your specific skill set.

How Can I Improve My Chances with an In-Demand Occupation?

Having an in-demand occupation is a significant advantage, but you must strategically position yourself within the immigration system.

1. Ensure NOC Accuracy: Double and triple-check that your job duties align perfectly with your chosen NOC code. This is the foundation of your application.
2. Maximize Your CRS Score: Even with a targeted occupation, a higher CRS score within that pool is beneficial. Improve your language test scores (IELTS/CELPIP for English, TEF for French), gain more work experience, or obtain a provincial nomination. You can simulate different scenarios with Evola AI's Immigration Success Predictor to identify the most impactful ways to boost your score.
3. Get a Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If you studied outside Canada, you need an ECA to prove your foreign education is equal to a Canadian credential. This is mandatory for Express Entry.
4. Secure a Valid Job Offer (If Possible): While not mandatory for all programs, a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can add 50 or 200 CRS points and make you eligible for additional PNP streams. Ensure the offer meets IRCC's strict requirements.
5. Prepare for Targeted Draws: Monitor IRCC and provincial announcement pages to understand draw trends. If your occupation is being targeted, ensure your Express Entry profile is active and up-to-date.

For language tests, understanding your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level is crucial. Use our CLB Converter tool to instantly see how your IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF scores translate into CLB levels for accurate CRS calculation.

What If My Occupation Isn't on an In-Demand List?

Don't be discouraged. Many successful immigrants come through general Express Entry draws or PNP streams that are not occupation-specific.

• General Express Entry Draws: IRCC still conducts all-program draws based on CRS score alone. A high score from factors like age, education, language ability, and skilled work experience (in any TEER 0-3 occupation) can secure an ITA.
• PNP General Streams: Programs like Ontario's Human Capital Priorities (non-targeted), Alberta Express Entry Stream, and Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities often select candidates based on comprehensive factors, not just a pre-set list.
• Explore Other Pathways: Consider programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) or rural and northern immigration pilots, which may have different criteria.

The key is to build the strongest possible profile. Consulting with a regulated immigration consultant (RCIC) or using a precision AI platform like Evola AI can help you navigate the complex web of options to find the best pathway for your unique profile, even if your job isn't on a "hot list."

Conclusion

Navigating Canada's skilled occupation landscape requires understanding the NOC system, aligning your skills with national and provincial labour needs, and choosing the right immigration pathway. While having experience in a high-demand field like healthcare, tech, or trades provides a significant advantage, it's only one part of the equation. A successful application hinges on accuracy, a competitive CRS score, and strategic planning.

Stay informed through official government channels and leverage all available tools to strengthen your profile. Your skilled occupation is a valuable asset—make sure you present it in the best possible light to achieve your Canadian dream.

Ready to see where your skills fit in Canada's future? Let Evola AI's intelligent platform analyze your profile, identify your best immigration pathways, and guide you every step of the way. Start your free assessment today.