Canada’s labour market in 2025 is undergoing major shifts. According to Statistics Canada, the number of job vacancies fell to 505,900 in the second quarter of 2025 — the lowest since 2018. Despite this decline, there are still sectors experiencing strong demand for workers. This creates excellent opportunities for job seekers, newcomers, and international students who want to transition into Permanent Residency (PR).
In this blog, we’ll highlight the top 10 occupations with the highest job vacancies in Canada, the fastest-growing fields, and explain how ICC Immigration can help you secure your future in Canada.
Canada’s Job Market in 2025
Canada’s unemployment-to-job-vacancy ratio has increased to 2.9 unemployed individuals per job in Q2 2025, up from 2.0 in Q1 2024. While this shows a tightening job market, it also underlines the importance of targeting high-demand occupations to stand out.
Key sectors like healthcare, logistics, construction, and social services continue to offer thousands of positions. These jobs not only pay competitive wages but also often align with Canadian immigration programs, including Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Top 10 Occupations in Canada With Highest Job Vacancies (Q2 2025)
| Occupation | Job Vacancies (2025) | Average Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurses & Psychiatric Nurses | 19,545 | $36.65 |
| Retail Salespersons & Visual Merchandisers | 15,745 | $17.90 |
| Nurse Aides & Orderlies | 14,130 | $25.20 |
| Construction Trades Helpers & Labourers | 10,630 | $23.70 |
| Licensed Practical Nurses | 8,720 | $31.50 |
| Social & Community Service Workers | 9,265 | $24.75 |
| Light Duty Cleaners | 8,435 | $20.25 |
| Cooks | 13,090 | $19.30 |
| Transport Truck Drivers | 12,615 | $27.35 |
| Administrative Officers | 3,980 | $27.15 |
Healthcare dominates the list, with nurses, nurse aides, and social service workers in especially high demand. Logistics and construction also remain strong, offering long-term career stability.
Top 10 Fastest-Growing Occupations in 2025
Even as some sectors slow down, others are experiencing significant growth. The occupations below recorded the largest annual increases in job vacancies:
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Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance Labourers (+21%)
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Financial Advisors (+121%)
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Construction Managers (+32.7%)
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Operators in Amusement & Recreation (+21.7%)
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Software Engineers & Designers (+20.5%)
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Human Resources Managers (+52.1%)
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Specialized Cleaners (+27.6%)
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Dental Assistants (+33.8%)
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Database Analysts & Administrators (+63.3%)
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Computer & Information Systems Managers (+18.9%)
If you’re planning your immigration or upskilling, focusing on these emerging fields could dramatically increase your employability.
Provincial Job Market Trends
Provinces with lower unemployment rates typically offer the best chances of landing a job:
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Saskatchewan (5.6%) and British Columbia (5.7%) lead with strong demand in healthcare and logistics.
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Newfoundland & Labrador (10.8%) and Prince Edward Island (8.0%) show higher unemployment, making competition tougher.
When planning your move, consider the regional demand to improve your success rate.
Why Target High-Demand Occupations?
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Better job security: Roles in healthcare, construction, and technology are less prone to automation.
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Higher wages: Registered nurses and software engineers command hourly rates well above the national average.
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Immigration benefits: High-demand occupations often receive more points under Express Entry and PNP streams.
By aligning your skills with these sectors, you improve your eligibility for Canadian PR and future-proof your career.
How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
ICC Immigration specializes in guiding newcomers, international students, and professionals toward long-term success in Canada. Instead of relying on uncertain pathways such as asylum claims, our team helps you navigate stable and proven immigration options.
Our Services Include:
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Permanent Residency Applications: Whether through Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or other pathways, we streamline the process to ensure smooth and efficient applications.
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Work Permits and Study Permits: We help you explore temporary routes to build your career or education in Canada, which can later transition into PR.
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Family Sponsorships: Reunite with loved ones in Canada while securing your PR status.
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Expert Legal Advice: With constantly evolving immigration policies, our experienced team ensures your application complies with the latest regulations and maximizes your chances of success.
Choosing ICC Immigration means you’re taking control of your future. We’re here to provide personalized guidance so you can confidently navigate the process and achieve stability and security in Canada.