Canada New Priority Sectors For 2026 and Their NOC Codes

Canada’s immigration strategy for the 2026–2028 period clearly emphasises economic immigration and aligning with labour-market needs.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) states that “we are focusing on attracting the best talent in the world and fill critical labour gaps in high-demand occupations that complement the domestic workforce”.

While IRCC has not publicly published a full granular list of all NOC codes that will be priority under every stream for 2026–28, we can reasonably infer from the published policy signals the following sectors and approximate NOC groupings:

Healthcare & Social Services

• The “Healthcare and social services occupations” category is explicitly listed under IRCC’s category-based selection.
• Likely NOC codes (2021 system) include those for registered nurses (31301), nurse practitioners (31302), social workers (41300), social/community service workers (42201), therapists (41301) etc.
• These roles respond to chronic shortages in Canada’s health workforce and support regional/remote access.

Skilled Trades & Technical Occupations

• IRCC signals “skilled trades” and “emerging technologies” among the targeted sectors.
• NOC code examples: Electricians (72200), Plumbers (72300), Carpenters (72310), Welders (72106) under the trades category. Also heavy-duty equipment mechanics (72401) etc. (as listed in a category-based selection breakdown).
• These occupations support Canada’s infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing sectors.

Education & Teaching Occupations

• Education occupations are explicitly referenced as a priority under category-based selection.
• Typical NOC codes might include Secondary school teachers (40312), Elementary school and kindergarten teachers (40311) and perhaps educational counsellors (41302).
• With demographic shifts and regional needs for teachers and educational support staff are increasingly in demand.

Business & Finance Roles / Innovation / STEM

• IRCC mentions “emerging technologies, health care and skilled trades” as part of their targeted workforce strategy.
• Likely relevant NOCs: Financial auditors & accountants (11110), Business development officers (41603), Information systems analysts and consultants (21231), Cybersecurity specialists (21220) etc.
• These roles help drive Canada’s economic growth, innovation agenda, and help integrate immigrant talent into higher-value sectors.

Transportation & Logistics Occupations

• While less overt, analyses (e.g., stakeholder submissions) suggest transportation occupations (e.g., transport truck drivers) face long-term shortages and may be prioritised.
• Sample NOC codes: Transport truck drivers (73300), Bus drivers and transit operators (73301) etc.
• With supply-chain demands and regional connectivity, these occupations support both economy and labour-market needs.

Summary Table

Note: These NOCs are indicative, inferred from policy statements and category lists. Applicants should check the latest official IRCC / provincial lists for exact NOC eligibility.

Updated Immigration Priorities for Employers According to Labour Market

Employers in Canada seeking to leverage immigrant talent under the so-called “PAIC immigration” (i.e., economic immigration under category Express Entry or provincial streams) need to note the updated priorities:

• IRCC’s Levels Plan emphasises economic immigration, with 64% of new permanent residents in 2027–28 allocated to economic categories.
• Employers should increasingly align job offers and recruitment to occupations flagged as in-demand. Provinces under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) are prioritising sectors like healthcare, trades, education, construction, and transport.
• Under the Express Entry system’s category-based selection rounds, IRCC explicitly lists categories such as: Healthcare & social services, STEM, Trades, Agriculture & agri-food, Education.
• For employers, this means:
  • Structuring job offers in “priority” occupations increases the chance of successful immigration pathways.
  • Ensuring the occupation matches NOC codes that IRCC / provincial programs are targeting.
  • Considering regional labour-market gaps (rural/remote), which may be given higher weight.

Tips for employers

• Regularly check provincial PNP nomination lists and provincial labour-market plans.
• Use NOC mapping: ensure the job you’re offering corresponds to the NOC code listed in IRCC/PNP eligibility.
• Consider offering roles in rural or underserved regions – as Canada emphasises regional labour-market needs.
• Engage early with immigration consultants to align job offer, NOC, wage and settlement aspects for foreign workers.

Key Changes to Priority Sectors and Occupation List: 2025 Vs 2026

Comparing the immigration landscape between 2025 and 2026 reveals key shifts:

1. Reduction in overall temporary resident intake
   • The 2026 target for new temporary residents is 385,000 (down from a higher target in 2025) with further reductions in 2027–28.
   • For temporary workers: 230,000 in 2026 (vs greater numbers in 2025).
2. Stabilisation of permanent resident targets with focus on economic category
   • Permanent residents are set at 380,000 annually for 2026–28, with economic category representing ~64% by 2027–28.
   • This marks a clear signal: Canada will be more selective and aligned with high-demand occupations.
3. Greater emphasis on in-Canada talent conversion
   • Up to 33,000 temporary workers in specified in-demand sectors will be fast-tracked to permanent residence in 2026–27.
   • This means that for immigration candidates already working in Canada in priority occupations, the pathway improves.
4. Shift in priority occupation categories
   • The category-based selection list (2025) already included sectors like healthcare, trades, STEM, education. For 2026, stakeholder input suggests transportation and logistics occupations may see increased priority.
   • The updated employer/PNP priority lists illustrate more emphasis on healthcare, childcare, construction trades, transportation, regions outside major cities.
5. Stronger regional/linguistic dimension
   • Francophone immigration outside Quebec is set to rise: target 10.5% by 2028.
   • Regions and provinces with labour gaps (including rural/remote) will have enhanced emphasis.

In short: If in 2025 the focus was broader, by 2026–28 the focus sharpens: fewer generic student/temporary pathways, more targeted economic immigration aligned with key sectors and occupations.

Preparing Immigration Strategy As Per Your Occupation

Whether you’re a skilled professional, employer, or job-seeker from India or elsewhere planning for Canada immigration, here’s how you should prepare:

1. Map your occupation to the NOC code
   • Identify your job role, check Canada’s NOC (2021) database, and see whether your NOC appears in category-based selection lists or provincial priority occupation lists.
   • Ensure your job description aligns with the NOC code—this is critical for immigration pathways, employer-driven immigration and PNP.
2. Check whether your occupation is in a priority sector
   • If you work in healthcare, social services, education jobs, transportation, business/finance or skilled trades, you are aligned with the sectors Canada is prioritising.
   • If you’re outside these sectors, consider how your skills might up-skill or pivot into an in-demand occupation.
3. Plan for employer-driven immigration
   • Employers offering job offers in targeted occupations help your case—especially under PNP streams and economic immigration.
   • If you already hold a job offer in Canada in a priority occupation, ensure that the offer meets provincial requirements (wage, duties, NOC match) and that it aligns with IRCC/PNP occupational priority lists.
4. Leverage local/Canadian work experience where possible
   • Temporary workers in priority occupations already in Canada have improved pathways to permanent residence (e.g., the 33,000 fast-track spots) under the 2026–28 plan.
   • If possible, gain Canadian work experience, even part-time; it strengthens your profile under category-based selection.
5. Stay abreast of changes in priority lists and provincial needs
   • Provincial Nominee Program streams will vary by province/territory and may change their priority occupations depending on labour-market dynamics. For example, some provinces are limiting recruitment in certain sectors or capping occupations like transportation or retail.
   • Keep updated with IRCC’s announcements, provincial PNP bulletins, sectoral labour outlooks (e.g., from Employment and Social Development Canada) and NOC updates.
6. Prepare your credential recognition, language, and settlement plan
   • For many regulated occupations (healthcare professionals, teachers, trades), you’ll need certification/recognition in Canada.
   • Strong language ability (English and/or French) is always beneficial and often required.
   • Having a settlement strategy (location, community, region) matters—rural/remote areas may be given higher priority and could offer faster pathways.

Why This Matters & Key Takeaways

• The “Canada Priority Sectors” for 2026–28 reflect a strategic shift: less volume in generic immigration, more focus on targeted high-impact occupations and sectors that support economic growth.
• For the “NOC list”, the 2021-version codes in sectors like healthcare, skilled trades, education, business/finance, transportation will be key. Always check the updated list from IRCC.
• “Employer-driven immigration” is gaining height: job offers in priority sectors make a difference.
• “Labour market needs” are the driver: Canada isn’t just opening gates wider, it’s choosing strategically.
• For candidates in “Skilled trades”, “Healthcare occupations”, “Education jobs”, “Business and finance roles”, “Social services”, “Transportation occupations” — you are already in the sweet-spot.
• Canada immigration is evolving: Under the IRCC’s guidance and the 2026–28 Levels Plan, the focus is on long-term contribution, retention and regional labour-market support instead of simply arrival numbers.

Final Thoughts

If you’re planning your move in 2026–28, don’t just hope for visas — strategise.
Align your profile with Canada’s priority sectors, map to the right NOC code, target employer-driven streams or provincial nomination where possible, and emphasise how you fill a labour-market gap.