Dear Miss Powell,

A group of recent graduates met to discuss opportunities abroad. We were looking at Canada as an option for us to immigrate. We would like to know what are the occupations that would do well there and in what areas we could consider doing further studies. We look forward to hearing from you.

L.L.

Dear L.L.

Canada has been restructuring its immigration system over the last few months and therefore it is imperative that you focus on studying and gaining experience in industries that that are growing or have occupations that are in demand. Bear in mind that the Canadian job market is characterized by a diverse range of occupations across various sectors and is driven by factors such as technological advancement, demographic shifts and economic trends.

Canada has already transitioned to category-based draws from the express entry pool, with a main focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM), Trade, Transport and Agricultural Occupations. This should be your guide, combined with examining the individual province list of in demand occupations. I will outline below some of the main occupations that I expect to see the government and provinces focus on for the coming year.

Healthcare Sector

Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses: Canada has an ageing population and so with the increase demand for healthcare registered nurses and psychiatric nurses remain in high demand.

Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates: These are the personnels that provide support and assistance to nurses and doctors to ensure the smooth operation of healthcare facilities.

Technology Sector

Web and Software Developers: Most businesses are experiencing significant growth due to their digital transformation and the increasing reliance on technology. This means that web and software developers highly sought after. These professionals are responsible for the design, development and maintenance of software application and maintaining various websites and applications.

Cybersecurity Professionals: As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the demand for cybersecurity experts has surged. Professionals are needed to protect organizations from cyberattacks and ensure that all industries are protecting sensitive data and systems

Business and Finance

Accountants and Financial Advisers: As businesses expand there has been an increasing demand for accountants and financial advisers. These personnel are crucial for managing financial records, providing tax advice, and helping individuals and businesses make informed financial decisions.

Human Resources Managers: As organizations strive to attract and retain talent, human resources managers play a key role in recruitment, employee relations, and organizational development. Their skill and expertise are crucial to building effective teams and improving the work environment.

Education and Social Services

Social and Community Service Workers: These professionals provide support to individuals and communities, addressing social issues and improving quality of life. These individuals typically working in non-profit organizations, government agencies and healthcare facilities

University Professors and Lecturers: Higher education institutions continue to seek qualified educators to teach and conduct research to help grooming and educating the next generation of Canadians.

Skilled Trades

Electricians and Welders: As rural areas expand and major city centres restructure and improve building codes, skilled trades such as electricians and welders are in high demand.

Transport Truck Drivers: The logistics and transportation sector continues to grow exponentially thereby creating a steady demand for truck drivers. We see that there are mass movement of goods across Canada and the truck drives play an integral role in supporting the supply chain and commercial industries.

The Canadian job market currently reflects a dynamic landscape with opportunities across multiple sectors. Healthcare, technology, skilled trades, business, finance, education, and social services all offer promising career paths for job seekers. By aligning your skills with these in-demand occupations, you can enhance your employment prospects and increase your chance of receiving permanent residence.

Pay attention to the Express Entry category-based selection for permanent residence and to the occupations that provinces are selecting to grant provincial nomination, as those can assist you with deciding what master’s programme to choose and which jobs you should try to gain valuable work experience as this will increase your chances of being selected for permanent residence.

Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public in Canada. Send your questions or comments via WhatsApp or tel: 613-695-8777. You may also request a Zoom/telephone consultation via WhatsApp, Facebook or Instagram.