Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers who want to immigrate and build a career in Canada. But not every job qualifies. Express Entry is designed to attract workers with in-demand skills, education, and work experience that contribute to Canada’s economy.
If you’re considering applying, it’s important to know which jobs fall under Canada’s eligible categories.
1. Understanding the Express Entry System
Express Entry manages applications for three federal immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
To qualify, your occupation must be listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, which groups jobs by type and skill level.
2. Eligible Occupation Categories
The following job groups typically qualify for Express Entry:
TEER 0 (Management Jobs):
Example: Restaurant managers, marketing managers, project managers.
TEER 1 (Professional Jobs Requiring a Degree):
Example: Doctors, engineers, IT professionals, accountants, teachers.
TEER 2 (Technical Jobs & Skilled Trades):
Example: Electricians, mechanics, construction supervisors, chefs.
TEER 3 (Skilled Trades Requiring College Diploma or Training):
Example: Butchers, plumbers, welders, heavy equipment operators.
Jobs classified under TEER 4 and 5 (low-skilled or labor jobs) generally do not qualify for Express Entry but may be eligible under other immigration programs.
3. In-Demand Occupations for Express Entry
While eligibility is broad, certain jobs are especially in demand in 2025:
Healthcare: Registered nurses, physicians, pharmacists, physiotherapists.
Technology: Software engineers, web developers, cybersecurity analysts, data scientists.
Skilled Trades: Welders, electricians, industrial mechanics, plumbers.
Education: Secondary school teachers, early childhood educators.
Business & Finance: Accountants, financial auditors, human resource managers.
These professions often receive higher priority because of Canada’s current labor shortages.
4. How to Check if Your Job Qualifies
You can confirm eligibility by:
Searching your occupation in the NOC database on the Government of Canada website.
Checking if your job’s TEER level (0, 1, 2, or 3) aligns with Express Entry requirements.
Ensuring you meet the program-specific criteria (education, language proficiency, and work experience).
5. Why Your Job Matters in Express Entry
Your occupation impacts:
Eligibility for Express Entry programs.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which determines if you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) opportunities, since many provinces nominate applicants with experience in high-demand jobs.
Final Thoughts
Not all jobs qualify for Express Entry, but Canada continues to open doors for skilled professionals in healthcare, trades, IT, education, and business. By checking your NOC code and understanding your eligibility, you can take the right steps toward building a career and future in Canada.
At Jobs Connect, we help skilled workers stay updated on immigration programs and career opportunities that lead to permanent residency in Canada.
