Introduction
Every Express Entry draw tells a story about Canada’s labour market. While CRS scores and ITA numbers capture headlines, the real driver behind category-based draws is labour shortages. In 2025, IRCC has made its priorities crystal clear: healthcare workers, skilled tradespeople, and educators.
These three categories hold the largest share of invitations to apply (ITAs), with trades and education still wide open for candidates in the second half of 2025. If your background falls into one of these groups, this may be the year when preparation meets opportunity.
TOC:
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Healthcare: Critical Demand, Narrowing Opportunities
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Education Occupations Details - NOC Code, Salary & Vacancies
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Trades: Occupations Details - NOC Code, Salary & Vacancies
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Why These Categories Dominate As High Demand Occupations In Canada
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Essential Steps To Know Before Applying For Canada Immigration
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Conclusion
Healthcare: Critical Demand, Narrowing Opportunities
Canada’s healthcare system continues to face enormous pressure. According to Job Bank Canada and Statistics Canada, there are:
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28,000+ registered nurse vacancies
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23,000 physician shortfalls nationwide
To respond, IRCC set aside 8,000 ITAs for healthcare in 2025. But by August, 7,500 were already issued, leaving fewer than 500 remaining.
Healthcare Occupations Details - NOC Code, Salary & Vacancies
|
Occupation |
Vacancies (2025) |
Median Salary |
Immigration Pathways |
|
Registered Nurses (NOC 31301) |
28,000+ |
$78,000 |
Frequent EE & PNP draws |
|
Family Physicians (NOC 31102) |
23,000 |
$200,000+ |
High demand, rural incentives |
|
Pharmacists (NOC 31120) |
N/A |
$75,000–135,000 |
Included in healthcare category |
Key Insight: If you’re in healthcare and haven’t been invited yet, only 500 ITAs are remaining for 2025. Candidates should look at provincial streams—Ontario, BC, and Nova Scotia all run healthcare-targeted draws in addition to Express Entry.
Education Occupations Details - NOC Code, Salary & Vacancies
Education is the second major category IRCC is prioritizing in 2025, with 3,000 ITAs allocated. So far, only 1,000 have been issued, meaning two-thirds of opportunities remain open.
Why teachers? Retirements, population growth, and early childhood education needs have created a serious shortage across provinces. Ontario, BC, and Manitoba especially report difficulty filling positions.
Education Category Overview
|
Role |
NOC |
Median Salary |
Demand Notes |
|
Early Childhood Educators |
42202 |
$40,000–55,000 |
High vacancy in Ontario & BC |
|
Secondary School Teachers |
41220 |
$70,000–85,000 |
Ongoing retirements, demand in urban centres |
|
College Instructors |
41210 |
$80,000+ |
Growth in international student programs |
Key Insight: For educators with ECAs (Educational Credential Assessments) and strong IELTS/CELPIP scores, the second half of 2025 is the moment to act. Adding French proficiency further boosts chances—especially in Ontario and New Brunswick.
Trades: Occupations Details - NOC Code, Salary & Vacancies
While healthcare is almost full and education is half filled, trades remain completely untouched. Out of 3,300 ITAs planned for 2025, zero have been issued so far.
Canada is facing a surge in infrastructure projects, housing development, and energy expansion. Tradespeople are in short supply, and IRCC is counting on immigration to fill the gap.
Top Trades in Demand (2025)
|
Occupation |
NOC |
Median Salary |
Priority Provinces |
|
Electricians |
72200 |
$70,000 |
Alberta, Saskatchewan |
|
Carpenters |
72310 |
$60,000 |
BC, Manitoba |
|
Welders |
72106 |
$68,000 |
Alberta, Ontario |
|
Plumbers |
72300 |
$65,000 |
Ontario, Alberta |
|
Heavy Equipment Operators |
73400 |
$72,000 |
Saskatchewan, Manitoba |
Key Insight: With more than 3,000 ITAs waiting, trades candidates hold the biggest advantage in 2025. CRS cut-offs for this category are expected to be much lower than in general rounds, making it accessible for applicants in the 470–490 CRS range.
Why These Categories Dominate As High Demand Occupations In Canada
IRCC’s focus is data-driven. Each of these categories aligns with national priorities:
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Healthcare → Address chronic shortages in hospitals and clinics.
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Education → Support population growth and improve childcare access.
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Trades → Fuel housing and infrastructure projects in line with Canada’s economic plan.
Unlike general draws, where the competition is fierce and scores climb, category-based draws are meant to directly match labour gaps with qualified candidates.
Essential Steps To Know Before Applying For Canada Immigration
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Ensure NOC Accuracy
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Double-check your work history against the updated NOC 2021 codes.
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Misaligned NOCs can disqualify otherwise strong candidates.
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Language Tests Matter
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Hitting CLB 9 is still a game-changer.
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French proficiency adds up to +50 CRS points and eligibility for French-language draws.
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Consider PNP Timing
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Provinces now receive IRCC’s three-month ITA outlook calendar.
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Many will align their own draws with federal rounds—especially Alberta and Ontario for trades and education.
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Document Readiness
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Don’t wait until you’re invited. Have police certificates, proof of funds, and ECAs ready. Processing delays could cost you an ITA.
Conclusion
Canada’s immigration system has shifted from a one-size-fits-all approach to a labour-market driven model. In 2025, healthcare, trades, and education stand at the centre of this strategy.
For tradespeople and educators, the opportunity is not just open—it’s wide open. For healthcare workers, the clock is ticking, but alternative provincial options exist.
If your skills align with these categories, 2025 may be the year your patience finally pays off.