Canada Immigration: 16 New Jobs Now Eligible for Canada PR

Canada’s immigration landscape is constantly changing, creating more opportunities for skilled workers globally. In response to ongoing labor shortages, the country has recently included 16 new professions in its National Occupational Classification (NOC) list.

This update allows individuals in these fields to apply for permanent residency through programs like Express Entry and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).

Understanding the National Occupational Classification (NOC) System

The NOC system categorizes occupations based on skill levels, job duties, and responsibilities. Regular updates ensure that Canada can adapt to its evolving labor market needs. As of October 2024, the latest revision introduces 16 new eligible professions. This expansion aims to tackle labor shortages in essential sectors such as healthcare, transportation, and construction.

Let’s explore these newly recognized occupations. Each role contributes significantly to the Canadian workforce and offers promising salary expectations.

1. Payroll Administrators

• Average Salary: CAD 55,000 – 65,000 per year
• Payroll administrators play a critical role in organizations. They ensure timely and accurate employee payments, manage tax deductions, and handle benefits. As businesses grow, the need for skilled payroll administrators rises, particularly with increasing compliance regulations.

2. Dental Assistants and Dental Laboratory Assistants

• Average Salary: CAD 45,000 – 55,000 per year
• Dental assistants support dentists in providing patient care and preparing instruments. Meanwhile, dental laboratory assistants create essential dental prosthetics. With an emphasis on dental health, the demand for these professionals is surging in Canada’s healthcare sector.

3. Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates

• Average Salary: CAD 40,000 – 50,000 per year
• These healthcare workers provide essential services in hospitals and nursing homes. They assist with daily patient needs, such as bathing and feeding. As Canada’s population ages, the demand for compassionate healthcare workers continues to increase.

4. Pharmacy Technical Assistants and Pharmacy Assistants

• Average Salary: CAD 40,000 – 50,000 per year
• Pharmacy assistants support pharmacists by preparing medications and managing inventory. They play a vital role in ensuring pharmacies run smoothly. The rise in healthcare services has fueled the need for these crucial support roles.

5. Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants

• Average Salary: CAD 38,000 – 50,000 per year
• Teacher assistants offer essential support in classrooms. They help prepare lessons and work with students individually. Due to teacher shortages, particularly in special education, these roles have become increasingly important.

6. Sheriffs and Bailiffs

• Average Salary: CAD 50,000 – 60,000 per year
• Sheriffs and bailiffs maintain order in courtrooms and enforce legal documents. Their work supports the justice system, ensuring that legal processes function smoothly. The evolving legal landscape has driven the demand for these professionals.

7. Correctional Service Officers

• Average Salary: CAD 60,000 – 75,000 per year
• These officers manage security in correctional facilities. They supervise inmates and enforce safety protocols. Canada’s focus on strengthening the criminal justice system has increased the need for skilled correctional officers.

8. By-law Enforcement and Other Regulatory Officers

• Average Salary: CAD 55,000 – 65,000 per year
• These officers enforce local regulations related to health and safety. Their responsibilities include conducting inspections and ensuring compliance with municipal laws. As cities grow, the demand for by-law enforcement becomes more pressing.

9. Estheticians, Electrologists, and Related Occupations

• Average Salary: CAD 35,000 – 45,000 per year
• In the beauty industry, estheticians and electrologists provide skincare and hair removal services. The booming beauty sector has led to an increase in demand for these professionals, especially in urban areas.

10. Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers

• Average Salary: CAD 45,000 – 55,000 per year
• These professionals install and service critical systems in buildings. As the construction industry expands, skilled installers are essential for property maintenance and renovations.

11. Pest Controllers and Fumigators

• Average Salary: CAD 40,000 – 50,000 per year
• Pest controllers manage infestations to protect public health. With urbanization and agricultural growth, the need for their services has escalated.

12. Other Repairers and Servicers

• Average Salary: CAD 45,000 – 55,000 per year
• This broad category includes experts who repair household and industrial equipment. As technology advances, the need for skilled repairers continues to rise.

13. Transport Truck Drivers

• Average Salary: CAD 50,000 – 60,000 per year
• Truck drivers are vital for transporting goods across Canada. With a significant shortage of drivers, skilled individuals are in high demand.

14. Bus Drivers, Subway Operators, and Other Transit Operators

• Average Salary: CAD 45,000 – 60,000 per year
• These operators ensure the smooth functioning of public transportation. As urban areas expand, reliable transit systems become increasingly important.

15. Heavy Equipment Operators

• Average Salary: CAD 55,000 – 75,000 per year
• Heavy equipment operators manage large machinery for construction projects. Canada’s infrastructure development plans are driving the need for skilled operators.

16. Aircraft Assemblers and Aircraft Assembly Inspectors

• Average Salary: CAD 60,000 – 80,000 per year
• These professionals work in Canada’s aerospace industry, assembling and inspecting aircraft. With the sector’s growth, skilled workers are increasingly in demand.

How to Apply for Permanent Residency

These 16 professions are now eligible for Canada’s Express Entry system, a points-based immigration pathway. You can also apply through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), allowing provinces to nominate workers based on local needs.

For those seeking visa-sponsored jobs in these fields, consider platforms like Job Bank Canada, Indeed Canada, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.