In-Demand Employers for Express Entry Category Jobs in Canada
Top Employers in Canada Hiring for Express Entry Category-Based Jobs in 2025
Canada’s Express Entry system has evolved to offer more targeted pathways for skilled workers, particularly through its category-based draws. These specialized rounds of invitations prioritize candidates with experience in high-demand sectors like healthcare, trades, and STEM. For foreign nationals working in Canada—or planning to—this presents a significant opportunity to fast-track their pathway to permanent residency (PR).
In this blog, we explore how some of Canada’s leading employers, as ranked by Forbes, are hiring for roles aligned with Express Entry’s targeted categories. We’ll also dive into how you can determine your eligibility and what you need to qualify for a category-based draw.
What Are Category-Based Draws?
Category-based draws are specialized selection rounds under the Express Entry system. These focus on specific occupations or attributes such as language proficiency, allowing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to prioritize the most needed skill sets.
To qualify, you must:
- Have at least 6 months of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a relevant National Occupation Classification (NOC) code;
- Acquired within the last 3 years
- Meet general Express Entry criteria.
Express Entry Priorities for 2025
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and social services
- Trades occupations
- Education occupations
Other active categories include STEM and agriculture/agri-food occupations, but the above will receive heightened attention.
Top Canadian Employers Hiring for Eligible Express Entry Jobs
1. Google
Eligible Job Role: Cybersecurity Specialists (NOC 21220)
2. Microsoft
Industry: Technology
Eligible Roles:
- Cybersecurity Specialists (NOC 21220)
- Electrical & Electronics Engineers (NOC 21310)
- Engineering Technologists & Technicians (NOC 22310)
Microsoft has multiple offices across the country and offers remote work flexibility.
3. The Hershey Company
Industry: Food Manufacturing
Eligible Role : Industrial Electricians (NOC 72201)
Locations in Ontario and Quebec see regular demand for skilled trades.
4. Parks Canada (Public Sector)
Industry : Government / Environment
Eligible Roles:
- Carpenters (NOC 72310)
- Non-industrial Electricians (NOC 72200)
- Painters/Decorators (NOC 73112)
- Water Well Drillers (NOC 72501)
- Welders (NOC 72106)
5. Fisheries and Oceans Canada (Public Sector)
Industry: Government
Eligible Roles:
- Civil Engineers (NOC 21300)
- Mechanical Engineers (NOC 21301)
- Cooks (NOC 63200)
6. BC Hydro (Public Sector)
Industry: Utilities
Eligible Roles:
- Civil Engineers (NOC 21300)
- Electrical Engineers (NOC 21310)
- Engineering Technicians (NOC 22300)
7. OpenText
Eligible Role: Cybersecurity Specialists (NOC 21220)
Based in Waterloo, OpenText is a major software employer focused on data security and management.
8. Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
Eligible Roles:
- Nurse Practitioners (NOC 31302)
- Nurse Coordinators/Supervisors (NOC 31300)
- Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians (NOC 31120, 31303)
- Therapists and Nurse Aides (NOC 41301, 33102, 33103)
9. The Co-operators
Eligible Role: Insurance Agents & Brokers (NOC 63100)
10. Workers Compensation Board of Alberta (Public Sector)
Eligible Roles:
- Physician Assistants & Allied Health Professionals (NOC 31303)
- Physiotherapists (NOC 31202)
11. Tesla
Industry: Automotive / Tech
Eligible Roles:
- Electrical Engineers (NOC 21310)
- Mechanical Engineers (NOC 21301)
- Engineering Technicians (NOC 22301)
12. Fortis
Industry: Utilities / Energy
Eligible Roles:
- Mechanical Engineers (NOC 21301)
- Industrial Electricians (NOC 72201)
- Manufacturing Engineers (NOC 21321)
13. Agnico Eagle
Industry: Mining
Eligible Roles:
- Industrial Mechanics (NOC 72400)
- Heavy-duty Mechanics (NOC 72401)
Recent CRS Cut-Offs for Category-Based Draws
Understanding how competitive your CRS score needs to be can help you gauge your chances of receiving an ITA.
| Category | Recent CRS Cut-Off |
|---|---|
| STEM Occupations | 491 |
| Healthcare & Social Services | 504 |
| Trade Occupations | 433 |
General Eligibility Requirements for Express Entry
You must be eligible under at least one of the three federal programs:
| Requirement | CEC | FSWP | FSTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Experience | 1 year in Canada (past 3 years) | 1 year globally (past 10 years) | 2 years in trade (past 5 years) |
| Job Offer / Certificate | Not required | Not required | Required (Job offer or Trade Certificate) |
| Language Proficiency | CLB 7 (TEER 0/1), CLB 5 (TEER 2/3) | CLB 7 in all abilities | CLB 5 (speaking/listening), CLB 4 (reading/writing) |
| Education | Not required | Required (ECA or Canadian credential) | Not required |
| Settlement Funds | Not required (with job) | Required (unless with job offer) | Required (unless with job offer) |
How to Know if a Job Is Eligible
To confirm if a job qualifies under a category-based draw:
- Match the duties and responsibilities of the job posting with an eligible NOC code from IRCC.
- Use the NOC search tool and description breakdown.
- Ensure your experience is recent (within 3 years) and continuous for at least 6 months.
Final Thoughts
For professionals seeking to stay and build a life in Canada, aligning their work experience with Express Entry’s targeted categories can be a game-changer. By working for leading employers who regularly recruit for eligible roles, foreign nationals increase their odds of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry’s category-based draws.
Whether you’re already working in Canada or planning your move, it’s essential to stay updated on current IRCC categories and ensure your job experience fits a qualifying NOC.
Looking to apply?
Make sure to explore all Express Entry streams and use your work permit time wisely by targeting roles that open pathways to PR.
