Explore the top 10 jobs for Express Entry in 2025, if you are looking to immigrate to Canada? Find high-demand occupations, job responsibilities, NOC codes, and why these careers improve your chances of permanent residency.
Top 10 Jobs for Canada Express Entry Immigration in 2025: If you’re a prospective immigrant, you’ve probably been researching Canada and how to move to this beautiful country. Canada is a country of breathtaking landscapes, maple syrup, and kind and welcoming people. It is also one of the most pro-immigrant countries in the world. To immigrate to Canada, the Express Entry system is one of the most popular pathways to Permanent Residence for skilled workers in 2025.
As demand rises in essential sectors like technology, healthcare, and skilled trades, Canada’s immigration system focuses on the skilled professionals who can support economic growth. Pursuing a career in high-demand occupations improves your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada.
On This Page You Will Find:
- What is express entry?
- Overview of Express Entry Jobs in 2025: Learn about the top in-demand occupations and how they align with Canada’s immigration programs.
- Top 10 Jobs for Express Entry: Explore detailed descriptions of the most sought-after roles, including NOC 2021 codes, responsibilities, and why these jobs are in demand.
- Why These Jobs Matter for Express Entry 2025
- FAQs About Express Entry Jobs: Get answers to common questions about eligibility, application processes, and job opportunities across Canada.
What is express entry?
Canada is a federal state, and it has Federal Economic Immigration Programs and Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Federal Economic Immigration Programs such as Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades Programs, and Canadian Experience Class, as well as some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are processed through the system called Express Entry. Do not get confused here. Express Entry is not an immigration program itself, rather it is a system that allows IRCC to process economic immigration applications submitted through one of these programs in a fast and efficient way.
Here are the top 10 jobs for Canada Express Entry immigration in 2025, along with their NOC 2021 codes and job insights.

1. Mechanical Engineers (NOC 21301)
The engineering sectors in Canada are expanding, and mechanical engineers are in high demand. They play a key role in driving innovation, automation, and sustainability across manufacturing, energy, and transportation industries.
Mechanical engineers work in various industries, including:
- Manufacturing (automotive, acoustics, machinery, consumer goods)
- Energy & Power Generation (renewable energy, nuclear power, thermal power plants)
- HVAC & Refrigeration (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration systems)
- Transportation (automotive, railway, aerospace, marine)
- Consulting & Engineering Services (design, analysis, project management)
- Robotics & Automation (industrial automation, robotics design)
Primary Responsibilities: Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation, and performance of mechanisms, components, and systems, as well as design power plants, machines, components, tools, fixtures, and equipment.
Why It’s in Demand: Mechanical engineers are in high demand in Canada in 2025 because many industries need their skills to develop new technology and improve machines. Sectors like manufacturing, energy, and transportation rely on Mechanical Engineers to create efficient and sustainable solutions. As the country grows, more job opportunities are opening for mechanical engineers.

2. Civil Engineers (NOC 21300)
Civil engineering is a high-demand profession in Canada. While Civil Engineers play a crucial role in shaping modern infrastructure, they design, plan, and oversee the construction and maintenance of buildings, roads, bridges, and water systems.
Civil engineers work in various industries, including:
- Construction & Infrastructure (roads, bridges, tunnels, buildings)
- Transportation (highways, railways, airports, urban transit)
- Environmental Engineering (water treatment, waste management, sustainable development)
- Energy & Utilities (hydroelectric dams, renewable energy projects, power plants)
- Municipal & Government Services (urban planning, public infrastructure projects)
- Consulting & Engineering Services (structural design, geotechnical analysis, project management)
Primary Responsibilities: Plan and design major civil projects such as buildings, roads, bridges, dams, water and waste management systems, and structural steel fabrications, monitor air, water, and soil quality, and develop procedures to clean up contaminated sites.
Why It’s in Demand: Civil engineers are in high demand in Canada in 2025 because of the country’s growing need for infrastructure development and maintenance. Population growth and urban expansion also create more job opportunities in this field.

3. Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NOC 21310)
Electrical and electronics engineers are important to design, develop, test, and maintain electrical systems, electronic devices, and communication networks. These engineers are employed in sectors such as manufacturing, telecommunications, aerospace, and power utilities. They play a key role in technological advancements and infrastructure development.
Electrical and electronics engineers work in various sectors, including:
- Power Generation & Utilities (electricity generation, distribution, renewable energy)
- Telecommunications (communication networks, satellite systems, wireless technologies)
- Aerospace & Defense (avionics, radar systems, defense technologies)
- Consumer Electronics (television systems, smartphones, computers, home appliances)
- Manufacturing (electronics production, electrical system design, testing)
- Research & Development (innovation in electronics, materials science, technology advancement)
Primary Responsibilities: Conduct research into the feasibility, design, operation and performance of electrical generation and distribution networks, electrical machinery and components and electronic communications, instrumentation and control systems, equipment, and components, as well as design electrical and electronic circuits, components, systems, and equipment, and investigate electrical or electronic failures.
Why It’s in Demand: Electrical and electronics engineers are in high demand in Canada due to the country’s growing need for advanced technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure development.

4. Dentists (NOC 31110)
Dentists play a crucial role in maintaining good oral health for patients. They provide a wide range of preventive and restorative treatments. Therefore, healthcare professionals are essential as Canada addresses rising healthcare needs.
Dentists and dental specialists work in various sectors, including:
- Private Practice (general dentistry, specialized care like orthodontics, pediatric dentistry)
- Hospitals & Clinics (dental departments, oral surgery, emergency care)
- Public Health Facilities (community health programs, prevention and education initiatives)
Primary Responsibilities: Examine patients’ teeth, gums and surrounding tissue to diagnose disease, injury and decay and plan appropriate preventative or corrective treatment. Provide basic dental care, including filling cavities, cleaning teeth, applying veneers, and doing root canals. Prescribe antibiotics or other medication as required. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Remove damaged or decayed teeth, as well as tumors and abnormal growth in the mouth and face. Perform surgery on the mouth and jaw to address issues like cleft lip, palate, and jaw growth problems.
Why It’s in Demand: Dentists are in high demand within the Healthcare and Social Services Occupations Category for Express Entry systems in 2025. This is due to the growing need for skilled professionals to provide essential oral healthcare across the country. As Canada’s population continues to expand and age, the demand for dental services increases, making dentists an in-demand occupation in 2025.

5. Pharmacists (NOC 31120)
Pharmacists are essential in healthcare. They help patients to guide them about the right medications and their use. They help improve health outcomes by managing prescriptions, preventing harmful drug interactions, and providing essential medical advice.
Pharmacists work in various sectors, including:
- Community Pharmacies (retail pharmacies, providing medication dispensing and consultation services)
- Hospital Pharmacies (working with healthcare teams to oversee and manage patient medications)
- Industrial/Pharmaceutical Companies (research, development, and manufacturing of drugs)
- Government Departments & Agencies (regulation and oversight of drug safety, public health initiatives)
- Health Centers & Clinics (offering healthcare advice and medication management services)
- Private Practice / Self-Employed (providing independent pharmaceutical services)
Primary Responsibilities: Check prescriptions for proper dosage, compound prescribed pharmaceutical products by calculating, measuring and mixing the quantities of drugs and other ingredients required and filling appropriate containers with correct quantity, dispense prescribed pharmaceuticals to customers or other health care professionals and advise them on indications, contra-indications, adverse effects, drug interactions and dosage.
Why It’s in Demand: Pharmacists are in high demand in Canada because of the country’s growing healthcare needs and aging population, which leads to a greater need for medications and healthcare services. Their expertise in managing medications and providing patient care is vital for improving health outcomes and supporting public health.

6. Social Workers (NOC 41300)
Social Workers help to meet the basic and complex needs of our society, those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.
Social workers work in various sectors including:
- Hospitals and Healthcare (supporting patients with mental health or medical issues)
- Schools (helping students and families with social and emotional problems)
- Social Service Agencies (providing help to people in need)
- Child Welfare (working with children and families to keep them safe)
- Prisons (supporting inmates and their families)
- Community Centers (offering help to people in the community)
- Employee Assistance Programs (helping workers with personal issues)
- Indigenous Communities (providing support within Indigenous groups)
- Private Practice (offering counseling and therapy services independently)
Primary Responsibilities: Interview clients individually, in families, or groups, to assess their situation and problems and determine the types of services required, provide guidance and therapy to help clients build skills for managing and overcoming their social and personal challenges. Develop support programs for clients, including referrals to organizations that offer financial aid, legal support, housing, and healthcare services, and other services, develop or advise on social policy legislation, conduct social research and assist in community development, provide mediation services and psychosocial assessments.
Why It’s in Demand: Social workers are in high demand in Canada because there is a growing need for help with mental health, social issues, and support for vulnerable groups. As the population grows and faces new challenges, social workers are essential in providing the care and services people need to improve their lives. Social Workers are added in the new categories of Healthcare and Social Services occupations for the Express Entry system 2025 under the National Classification (NOC ) code 41300.

7. Plumbers (NOC 72300)
Plumbers are essential for providing safe drinking water and effective wastewater disposal, ensuring healthy and sanitary living conditions. They prevent leaks, water damage, and plumbing issues, keeping homes, businesses, and industries functioning efficiently.
Plumbers work in a variety of sectors, including:
- Residential Construction – Installing and maintaining plumbing systems in homes.
- Commercial Buildings – Working in offices, malls, hotels, and other commercial spaces.
- Industrial Facilities – Maintaining large-scale plumbing systems in factories and plants.
- Municipal Services – Repairing and maintaining public water supply and sewage systems.
- Maintenance and Repairs – Working in the maintenance departments of factories, plants, and similar establishments.
- Plumbing Contractors – Employed by plumbing companies or operating independently as self-employed professionals.
Primary Responsibilities: Install, repair and maintain domestic, commercial or industrial plumbing fixtures and systems, Locate and mark positions for pipe connections, passage holes and fixtures in walls and floors, measure, cut, bend and thread pipes using hand and power tools or machines, join pipes using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement or soldering, brazing and welding equipment.
Why It’s in Demand: Plumbers are in high demand in Canada in 2025, as they play a crucial role in ongoing construction and infrastructure projects across the country. The growing population and urban expansion create a need for skilled workers to install, repair, and maintain plumbing systems in homes, businesses, and industries. Plumbers are categorized as Trade occupations under NOC 72300 for the Express Entry system.

8. Cooks (NOC 63200)
Cooks prepare and cook a wide variety of foods in different settings. They work in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, schools, central food commissaries, and other institutions.
Cooks work in various sectors, including:
- Restaurants – Preparing meals for customers in dining establishments.
- Hotels – Cooking for guests in hotel kitchens and dining rooms.
- Hospitals & Healthcare Institutions – Preparing meals for patients and hospital staff, including special dietary needs.
- Educational Institutions – Cooking meals for students and staff in schools or universities.
- Central Food Commissaries – Preparing large quantities of food for distribution to multiple locations.
- Catering Services – Preparing meals for events, parties, and special occasions.
Primary Responsibilities: Prepare and cook special meals for patients as instructed by dietitian or chef, maintain inventory and records of food, supplies, and equipment, clean kitchen and work area, plan menus, determine size of food portions, estimate food requirements and costs, and monitor and order supplies.
Why It’s in Demand: Cooks are in high demand in Canada in 2025 because of the growing need for food services in various industries, including restaurants, healthcare, and hospitality. As a trade occupation category under the Express Entry system, qualified cooks have opportunities to apply for permanent residence in Canada, making it easier for skilled workers to contribute to the country’s food service sector.

9. Carpenters (NOC 72310)
Carpenters are skilled tradespeople who specialize in constructing, installing, and repairing structures made from wood, metal, and other materials.
Carpenters work in several sectors, including:
- Construction Industry: Residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, where they build and install structures such as houses, offices, and factories.
- Maintenance and Renovation: Working in the repair and renovation of existing structures, including residential homes, industrial plants, hospitals, and mills.
- Woodworking and Manufacturing: In factories, plants, and other establishments where they craft and install wooden products and fixtures.
- Self-Employment: Many carpenters are self-employed and take on a variety of projects independently.
Primary Responsibilities: Prepare layouts in conformance to building codes, using measuring tools, measure, cut, shape, assemble and join materials made of wood, wood substitutes, lightweight steel and other materials, build foundations, install floor beams, lay subflooring and erect walls and roof systems, fit and install trim items, such as doors, stairs, moulding and hardware, maintain, repair and renovate residences and wooden structures in mills, mines, hospitals, industrial plants and other establishments.
Why It’s in Demand: Carpenters are in high demand in Canada in 2025 because of the growing construction and housing projects. As more buildings are being built and renovated, skilled carpenters are needed in Canada to fulfill the construction sector. Therefore, Carpenters are categorized as a key job in the Express Entry system under trade occupations.

10. Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106)
Welders and related machine operators are skilled tradespeople who use welding, brazing, and soldering techniques to join and repair metal parts. They work with different types of metals in industries such as construction, manufacturing, aviation, and shipbuilding.
Welders and related machine operators work in several sectors, including:
- Construction Industry
- Manufacturing Industry
- Shipbuilding and Marine Industry
- Aerospace Industry
- Automotive and Transportation Industry
- Heavy Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing
- Oil, Gas, and Pipeline Industry
- Energy and Power Generation Industry
- Custom Metal Fabrication and Artistic Welding
- Maintenance and Repair Services
Primary Responsibilities: Operate manual or semi-automatic welding equipment to fuse metal segments using processes such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), plasma arc welding (PAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), oxy-acetylene welding (OAW), resistance welding and submerged arc welding (SAW), operate brazing and soldering equipment.
Why It’s in Demand: Welders are in high demand in Canada due to the country’s growing infrastructure, manufacturing, and industrial projects. As skilled trades are essential for economic growth, welding is recognized as a key occupation under the Express Entry system for 2025, categorized under NOC 72106.
Why These Jobs Matter for Express Entry 2025
These jobs are essential for Express Entry because they fall under Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system, making them eligible for immigration programs. Skilled workers in these high-demand trades can earn higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. By filling labor shortages in key industries, these professionals contribute to Canada’s economy while securing stable employment opportunities. By focusing on these high-demand professions, immigrants can enhance their employability and secure a successful future in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Express Entry 2025
1. What are the eligibility requirements for Express Entry in 2025?
Candidates must meet the criteria of one of the three programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Requirements include skilled work experience, language proficiency (English or French), and education credentials.
2. What is the minimum CRS score required for Express Entry in 2025?
The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score varies with each draw. In 2025, it depends on the number of applicants in the pool and Canada’s immigration targets. Higher scores improve the chances of receiving an ITA.
3. Can trade workers apply for Express Entry in 2025?
Yes, trade workers can apply under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) if they meet the required experience and language proficiency. Many trade occupations under NOC 2021 are in high demand, improving their chances of selection.
4. How long does Express Entry take in 2025?
Processing times vary, but most Express Entry applications are processed within six months after submitting a complete application and required documents. However, factors like document verification and background checks may affect processing times.