Complete guide to in-demand occupations across all Canadian provinces and territories
Are you looking to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry? Understanding which professions receive priority in Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) can dramatically increase your chances of securing permanent residence.
A provincial nomination adds 600 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points to your Express Entry profile—virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence with accelerated processing times.
This comprehensive guide breaks down priority sectors and occupations across all Canadian provinces and territories for 2025, helping you strategically position yourself for success.
Why Provincial Nominations Matter for Express Entry
Provincial Nominee Programs allow Canadian provinces to select candidates from the federal Express Entry pool whose skills match their specific labor market needs. When a province nominates you, you receive:
- 600 additional CRS points (essentially guaranteeing an ITA)
- Faster processing times for your PR application
- Direct pathway to permanent residence in your chosen province
- Enhanced job market integration in regions with labor shortages
Understanding Canada’s Occupation Classification System
Throughout this guide, occupations are referenced using Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. Jobs are categorized into six Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) levels:
- TEER 0: Management occupations
- TEER 1: University degree required
- TEER 2: College diploma or apprenticeship training
- TEER 3: College, apprenticeship, or occupation-specific training
- TEER 4: High school or occupation-specific training
- TEER 5: Short-term work demonstration or on-the-job training
Most Express Entry-aligned PNP streams target TEER 0-3 occupations.
Quick Reference: Priority Sectors by Province
| Province/Territory | Top Priority Sectors |
| Alberta | Healthcare, Technology, Law Enforcement, Construction |
| British Columbia | Healthcare, Technology, Childcare, Construction |
| Ontario | Healthcare, Childcare |
| Saskatchewan | Healthcare, Technology, Agriculture, Trades |
| Manitoba | (See detailed section) |
| New Brunswick | Healthcare, Education, Construction |
| Nova Scotia | Healthcare, Construction |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Healthcare, ICT, Aquaculture |
| Prince Edward Island | Healthcare, Childcare, Trades |
| Yukon | Regulated Healthcare Professions |
| Northwest Territories | All TEER 0-3 Occupations |
Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP)
Priority Sectors and Streams
Healthcare Occupations
- Stream: Alberta Express Entry – Dedicated Healthcare Pathway
- Eligible Professions: Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, paramedics, continuing care assistants
- Advantage: Dedicated pathway with priority processing
Technology Occupations
- Stream: Alberta Express Entry – Accelerated Tech Pathway
- Eligible Professions: Software engineers, web developers, database administrators, computer network technicians, information systems analysts
- Advantage: Accelerated processing for tech professionals
Law Enforcement
- Stream: Alberta Express Entry – Law Enforcement Pathway
- Eligible Professions:
- Commissioned police officers (NOC 40040)
- Police investigators (NOC 41310)
- Police officers except commissioned (NOC 42100)
- Advantage: Specialized pathway for public safety professionals
Other Priority Sectors
- Agriculture, Aviation, Construction: Alberta Express Entry (general stream)
View complete list of tech occupations | Healthcare occupations
British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BCPNP)
Priority Sectors and Streams
Healthcare
- Streams: Health Authority – Express Entry BC, Skilled Worker
- Target Occupations: Nurses, physicians, medical laboratory technologists, diagnostic imaging professionals
- Special Note: Health Authority stream requires direct recruitment by BC health authorities
Technology
- Stream: Skilled Worker
- Priority Occupations: Software developers, IT project managers, systems analysts, network administrators (TEER 0-3 only)
Childcare
- Stream: Skilled Worker
- Target Occupations: Early childhood educators, childcare supervisors
Construction
- Stream: Skilled Worker
- Priority Trades: Electricians, plumbers, carpenters, construction managers
Veterinary Care
- Stream: Skilled Worker
- Eligible Occupations: Veterinarians, veterinary technicians
Eligibility: Only TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations qualify for priority consideration.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
Priority Sectors and Streams
Healthcare
- Streams:
- Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities
- Ontario Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker*
- Recent Focus: Nurses, personal support workers, medical radiation technologists, respiratory therapists
Childcare
- Streams:
- Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities
- Ontario Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker*
- Target Occupations: Early childhood educators, childcare coordinators
*French-Speaking stream requires CLB 6 English (all abilities) and CLB 7 French (all abilities)
Important Note: Ontario conducts targeted draws based on labor market needs. Priority occupations change frequently based on provincial requirements.
Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP)
Priority Sectors and Allocation Strategy
Key Fact: 75% of nominations reserved for in-Canada applicants, 25% for overseas candidates
Healthcare
- Streams:
- International Skilled Worker – Health Talent Pathway
- International Skilled Worker: Saskatchewan Express Entry
- Saskatchewan Experience – Health Talent Pathway
- Priority Given To: In-province healthcare workers
Technology
- Streams:
- International Skilled Worker – Tech Talent Pathway
- International Skilled Worker: Saskatchewan Express Entry
- Saskatchewan Experience – Tech Talent Pathway
Agriculture & Trades
- Stream: International Skilled Worker: Saskatchewan Express Entry
- Note: Subject to sector-specific caps
View SINP excluded occupations
Maritime Provinces
New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)
Priority Sectors:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Construction
Streams:
- NB Express Entry – Employment in New Brunswick Pathway
- NB Express Entry – New Brunswick Interests
Excluded Occupations (Not Accepting EOIs):
- Accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 12200)
- Administrative assistants (NOC 13110)
- Bakers (NOC 63202)
- Cooks (NOC 63200)
- Retail sales supervisors (NOC 62010)
- Retail and wholesale trade managers (NOC 60020)
- Restaurant and food service managers (NOC 60030)
Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP)
Priority Sectors:
- Healthcare and Social Assistance (NAICS 62)
- Construction (NAICS 23)
Key Priority: Workers with work permits expiring in 2025
Physician-Specific Stream:
- General practitioners and family physicians (NOC 31102)
- Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine (NOC 31100)
- Specialists in surgery (NOC 31101)
- Requirement: Approved job offer from qualifying health authority
Streams:
- Labour Market Priorities for Physicians
- Labour Market Priorities
- Experience: Express Entry
Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program (NLPNP)
Priority Sectors with Exemption from Labour Market Testing:
- Healthcare
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Aquaculture
Stream: NLPNP Express Entry Skilled Worker
Advantage: Priority processing and exemption from provincial labour market assessment
Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PEI PNP)
Priority Sectors:
- Childcare
- Healthcare
- Skilled Trades
Stream: PEI Express Entry
Additional Priorities:
- Current PEI residents with valid work permits
- Workers in “other key industries facing labour shortages” (not publicly specified)
Strategy: Strong preference for candidates already living and working in PEI
Northern Territories
Yukon Nominee Program (YNP)
Priority Sector: Regulated Healthcare Professions (for overseas applicants)
Stream: Yukon Express Entry
2025 Priority Groups:
- Residents who have lived and worked in Yukon for at least one year
- Yukon University graduates
- Francophone or French-speaking candidates
- Temporary Measure Letter of Support recipients
Important: Overseas applicants accepted only for regulated healthcare positions
Northwest Territories Nominee Program (NTNP)
Eligible Occupations: All TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations
Stream: NWT Express Entry
Current Priority: Valid work permit holders who meet all eligibility criteria
Future Planning: Review the NWT 20-year labour forecast for long-term occupation trends
Strategic Tips for Maximizing Your Provincial Nomination Chances
1. Target Multiple Provinces
If your occupation is in demand across several provinces, create Expression of Interest profiles in multiple PNPs to maximize opportunities.
2. Gain Canadian Experience
Most provinces prioritize candidates already working in-province. Consider obtaining a work permit to increase your competitiveness.
3. Improve Language Scores
Higher Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores significantly improve your base CRS score and provincial selection chances.
4. Secure a Job Offer
While not always required, a valid job offer in a priority occupation substantially increases nomination probability.
5. Monitor Draw Trends
Provincial draw patterns change based on labor market needs. Subscribe to official PNP newsletters for real-time updates.
6. Consider French Proficiency
Several provinces (Ontario, New Brunswick, Yukon) prioritize French-speaking candidates—adding this skill can open additional pathways.
7. Research Regional Needs
Some provinces prioritize specific regions within their territory. Understanding local labor shortages can guide your settlement planning.
Common Occupations Across Multiple Provinces
Healthcare (Highest Demand Nationally)
- Registered Nurses: Needed in all provinces
- Physicians: Priority in AB, BC, NS, YT
- Personal Support Workers: High demand in ON, AB
- Licensed Practical Nurses: Sought in AB, SK, NB
Technology (Growing Demand)
- Software Developers: Priority in AB, BC, SK
- IT Project Managers: Needed in BC, NL
- Database Administrators: Sought in AB, SK
Trades (Regional Demand)
- Electricians: Priority in BC, NS, SK, PEI
- Plumbers: Needed in BC, SK, PEI
- Carpenters: Sought in BC, NS, NB
Early Childhood Education
- ECE Workers: Critical shortage in BC, ON, PEI
Next Steps: Applying for Provincial Nomination
Step 1: Create Your Express Entry Profile
Enter the federal Express Entry pool with a complete profile including education credentials, language test results, and work experience.
Step 2: Submit Provincial Expression of Interest
Most provinces require a separate EOI submission to their PNP portal indicating your interest in that province.
Step 3: Wait for Nomination Invitation
If selected, you’ll receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the province inviting you to apply for nomination.
Step 4: Submit Complete PNP Application
Respond to the NOI with a complete provincial nomination application within the specified timeframe (usually 30-90 days).
Step 5: Accept Nomination in Express Entry
Once nominated, accept the nomination in your Express Entry profile to receive 600 CRS points.
Step 6: Receive ITA and Apply for PR
With 600 additional points, you’ll receive an ITA in the next federal Express Entry draw and can submit your permanent residence application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply to multiple provinces simultaneously? Yes, you can submit EOIs to multiple PNPs, but you can only accept one provincial nomination.
Q: Do I need a job offer for all Express Entry PNP streams? No, many streams select directly from the Express Entry pool without requiring a job offer, though having one significantly helps.
Q: How long does provincial nomination processing take? Processing times vary by province, ranging from 2-6 months depending on the stream and application volume.
Q: Can I decline a provincial nomination? Yes, but declining may impact future applications to that province. Only apply to provinces where you genuinely intend to settle.
Q: What happens if my occupation isn’t listed as a priority? You can still be selected if you have strong credentials, though priority occupations have significantly higher selection rates.
Conclusion: Position Yourself for Success
Understanding provincial priorities is crucial for Express Entry success in 2025. Healthcare, technology, skilled trades, and childcare professions consistently rank as top priorities across most provinces.
If your occupation aligns with provincial needs, focus on:
- Maximizing your CRS score
- Obtaining Canadian work experience where possible
- Improving language proficiency
- Researching which provinces best match your qualifications
With strategic planning and proper positioning, a provincial nomination can transform your Canadian immigration journey from uncertain to virtually guaranteed.
Disclaimer: Immigration policies and priority occupations change frequently. Always verify current requirements on official provincial nominee program websites before applying.
