For international students and recent graduates in Canada, choosing the right employer and right occupation can significantly accelerate the journey toward Permanent Residency (PR). With Canada’s Express Entry system increasingly favouring category-based draws, candidates who gain six months or more of Canadian work experience in eligible occupations may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) at much lower CRS scores than traditional all-program draws.
For many graduates, this has become one of the easiest and most predictable pathways to Canadian PR, often faster than Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
This blog explores top Canadian employers hiring in Express Entry-eligible occupations, based on leading employer trends across Canada, and explains how to confirm whether a job truly supports your PR goals.
Why Employer Choice Matters for Express Entry
It’s important to clarify: Express Entry categories are based on occupations—not employers. However, certain employers consistently hire for roles that fall under Express Entry category-based occupations, making them ideal for international graduates.
Key Express Entry categories covered in this guide include:
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Healthcare and Social Services
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STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
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Skilled Trades
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Agriculture and Agri-Food
Top Employers in Healthcare and Social Services
Canada continues to face critical labour shortages in healthcare, making this category one of the strongest PR pathways.
Eligible roles include nurses, lab technologists, physiotherapists, pharmacists, veterinary professionals, social workers, and community service workers.
Notable employers hiring in this space include:
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Major pediatric and rehabilitation hospitals
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Public healthcare authorities
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Federal departments such as Health Canada
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Veterinary and animal health networks
These employers often offer:
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Structured graduate programs
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Paid training and mentorship
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Student-to-PR career pathways
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Research and leadership development opportunities
👉 Why this matters for PR: Healthcare occupations are frequently targeted in Express Entry category draws, meaning lower CRS cut-offs and faster ITAs.
Top Employers in STEM Occupations
The STEM category remains one of the most powerful immigration routes under Express Entry. Eligible occupations include:
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Engineers (civil, electrical, mechanical, industrial)
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Engineering technologists and technicians
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Cybersecurity specialists
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IT professionals
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Architecture and science managers
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Insurance agents and brokers (yes, they’re included)
Leading STEM employers in Canada commonly offer:
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New-graduate rotational programs
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Mentorship and leadership pipelines
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Professional designation support (P.Eng, CPA, etc.)
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Inclusive hiring for international talent
👉 SEO insight: STEM roles are among the highest-ranking keywords for Canadian immigration searches, making them essential for long-term PR planning.
Top Employers in Skilled Trades
Skilled trades are no longer a “backup option”—they are now a priority immigration category.
Eligible trades include:
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Electricians, plumbers, welders, machinists
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Carpenters, cabinetmakers, bricklayers
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Construction managers and estimators
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Industrial and energy-sector supervisors
Top employers in this space typically provide:
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Paid apprenticeships
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College-industry partnerships
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On-the-job certification pathways
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Long-term employment stability
👉 Why trades matter: Trade occupations are heavily targeted due to Canada’s housing and infrastructure needs, resulting in frequent Express Entry category draws.
Agriculture and Agri-Food: A Niche but Powerful Option
Currently, this category includes butchers (retail and wholesale)—a smaller list, but with strong demand.
Large food processing and grocery employers often support:
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Long-term employment
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Internal promotions
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Stable Canadian work experience
For candidates in this field, Express Entry eligibility can be more predictable due to limited competition.
How to Confirm If a Job Qualifies for Express Entry
Before accepting any job, always verify eligibility:
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Match the job title with the NOC 2021 occupation list
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Compare main duties, not just the title (this is critical)
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Review the “exclusions” section in the NOC description
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Ensure the role meets skill level and category requirements
❗ A job title alone does not guarantee Express Entry eligibility—job duties determine everything.
How ICC Immigration Can Help You Secure Your Future in Canada
Navigating Express Entry, work permits, and PR pathways requires expert planning—especially in today’s evolving immigration landscape.
ICC Immigration is committed to helping international students, graduates, and workers choose safe, legal, and strategic immigration pathways that lead to long-term success.
Our Services Include:
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Permanent Residency Applications
We manage PR files through Express Entry, PNPs, and other federal pathways with precision and care. -
Work Permits & Study Permits
From PGWPs to employer-specific permits, we help you build Canadian experience that leads to PR. -
Family Sponsorships
Reunite with loved ones while securing permanent status in Canada. -
Expert Immigration Advice
Our regulated professionals ensure your application complies with current IRCC policies, reducing refusals and delays.
Instead of relying on uncertain or risky immigration routes, take control of your future with a clear, structured path to Permanent Residency in Canada.
Whether you are already in Canada or planning your journey, ICC Immigration is here to guide you—every step of the way.