Key Takeaways:
- Choosing the right employer and occupation can help international students and recent graduates in Canada gain permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry categories.
- Gaining at least six months of work experience in an eligible occupation can lead to a significantly lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for PR candidates.
- Top employers in various sectors, such as healthcare, STEM, trades, and agriculture, offer opportunities for students and new graduates to gain relevant work experience.
- Confirming whether a job posting corresponds to a category-eligible occupation requires checking the National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 page and matching job titles and main duties.
- Employers in various sectors offer programs and initiatives to support students and new graduates, such as mentorship, training, and career development opportunities.
Introduction to Express Entry Categories
Express Entry categories are based on occupations, not employers, and are designed to help international students and recent graduates in Canada gain permanent residence. By choosing the right employer and occupation, individuals can put themselves on a strong track to gain PR. Gaining at least six months of work experience in an eligible occupation under an Express Entry category can help PR candidates receive an invitation to apply (ITA) with a significantly lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score than typically seen for other draw types. This article will explore the top employers in various sectors that hire for occupations that qualify for Express Entry categories.
Top Employers in Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
The healthcare and social services category spans clinical healthcare and regulated/support roles across the health system, including physician and specialist, nursing, allied health, diagnostic and lab, pharmacy, paramedical, and animal health roles. Top employers in this field include Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Hospital for Sick Children, Providence Health Care, Health Canada, and VCA Canada Ltd. These employers offer various programs and initiatives to support students and new graduates, such as undergraduate research programs, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
Top Employers in STEM Occupations
The STEM list is broad and includes engineering-heavy roles, cybersecurity specialists, architecture, and science managers. Top employers in this field include AtkinsRéalis, LEA Consulting Ltd., BC Hydro, Hitachi Rail, Sophos Inc., and AIG Insurance Company of Canada. These employers offer programs such as mentorship, training, and career development opportunities, as well as structured intern onboarding and leadership development programs. Notably, the current STEM list also includes insurance agents and brokers, which are not typically seen as "STEM" jobs.
Top Employers in Trades Occupations
The trades category covers a broad range of hands-on skilled trades and construction leadership, including construction managers, home building/renovation managers, and construction estimators. Top employers in this field include PCL Construction, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, ATCO Ltd., Gibson Energy Inc., and CRH Canada Group Inc. These employers offer programs such as apprenticeships, mentorship, and career development opportunities, as well as comprehensive onboarding and training programs.
Top Employers in Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations
The agriculture and agri-food category currently consists of only one eligible occupation: Butchers – retail and wholesale. Top employers in this field include Loblaw Companies Ltd. and Maple Leaf Foods Inc. These employers offer programs such as co-ops, internships, and career-growth resources for students and new graduates, as well as leadership development programs and mentorship opportunities.
Confirming Eligible Occupations
To confirm whether a job posting corresponds to a category-eligible occupation, individuals can take the following steps: (1) do a preliminary check of the category, trying to match the job title from the posting with the job titles of the occupation-eligible category available on the official National Occupation Classification (NOC) 2021 page; (2) check the occupation’s main duties against the roles and responsibilities listed in the job posting; and (3) pay special attention to the "exclusions" section of the occupation page to ensure the job posting does not fall under any excluded occupation. By following these steps, individuals can determine whether a job posting is included in one of Express Entry’s categories and increase their chances of gaining PR in Canada.