Canada Immigration Occupations: Updated Top 20 Priority NOCs

Canada immigration occupations in 2025 are classified under the NOC 2021 system (TEER 0–5). IRCC is prioritizing 6 occupation groups through Category-based draws with a CRS threshold of only 379–470 points — 80–150 points lower than a General draw. This article lists 20 Canada immigration occupations with the highest approval chances, along with NOC code, average salary and shortage level.

The NOC 2021 system — the basis for classifying Canada immigration occupations

NOC (National Occupational Classification) is a 5-digit code system classifying occupations in Canada. TEER (Training, Education, Experience, Responsibilities) replaces the old Skill Level:

• TEER 0: management (Senior Manager, Director).
• TEER 1: occupations requiring a university degree (programmers, engineers, doctors).
• TEER 2: college diploma/technical training + supervisory roles (Computer Network Tech, Registered Nurse).
• TEER 3: vocational certification (welder, chef, electrician).
• TEER 4–5: semi-skilled / unskilled — not sufficient for FSW eligibility.

Express Entry accepts TEER 0/1/2/3. Look up NOC codes at IRCC NOC tool.

6 priority occupation groups for Canada Category-based immigration 2025

1. Healthcare & Social Services — nursing, pharmacy, physiotherapy, social work.
2. STEM — software developer, engineer, data scientist.
3. Skilled Trades — welder, electrician, machinist, chef.
4. Transport — long-haul truck driver, air traffic controller, aviation technician.
5. Agriculture & Agri-food — farm manager, food engineer.
6. French Proficiency — any occupation with TEF B2+.

Top 20 easiest Canada immigration occupations to get approved in 2025

Healthcare & Caregiving Group

• NOC 31301 — Registered Nurse (RN): salary 75,000–95,000 CAD/year, shortage of ~30,000 people.
• NOC 31302 — Nurse Practitioner: 100,000–125,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 33102 — Nurse Aide: 38,000–48,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 31201 — Chiropractor / Physiotherapist: 70,000–90,000 CAD/year.

Technology Group (STEM)

• NOC 21232 — Software Engineer / Developer: 90,000–130,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 21233 — Web Developer: 70,000–95,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 21223 — Database Analyst / DevOps: 85,000–115,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 21311 — Computer Engineer: 95,000–125,000 CAD/year.

Skilled Trades Group

• NOC 72106 — Welder, 3G–6G: 60,000–85,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 72200 — Electrician: 70,000–95,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 72300 — Plumber: 65,000–90,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 63200 — Chef: 50,000–70,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 72401 — Heavy-duty Mechanic: 70,000–95,000 CAD/year.

Transportation & Aviation Group

• NOC 73300 — Transport Truck Driver: 55,000–75,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 72404 — Aircraft Mechanic: 70,000–95,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 72601 — Air Pilot: 90,000–140,000 CAD/year.

Engineering & Management Group

• NOC 21300 — Civil Engineer: 80,000–110,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 21301 — Mechanical Engineer: 80,000–115,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 10010 — Financial Manager: 95,000–135,000 CAD/year.
• NOC 21331 — Education / Research: 65,000–100,000 CAD/year.

How to check if your occupation qualifies for Canada immigration

1. Access the IRCC NOC 2021 tool and enter your occupation name in English.
2. Read the job description (lead statement, main duties) — match ≥ 60% with your actual job.
3. Confirm TEER 0/1/2/3 (TEER 4/5 does not qualify for Express Entry).
4. Check the current Category-based priority occupation list (updated annually).
5. Cross-check with each province’s PNP — for example, Saskatchewan has its own Occupations In-Demand list.

Canada immigration occupations with low CRS scores in 2025

• Long-haul truck driver (NOC 73300): Saskatchewan SINP scores leniently, no job offer required.
• Welder (NOC 72106): The 2024 Category-based draw had a round open at 379 points.
• Cook / Chef (NOC 63200): AIP and PNP NS accept applicants with a job offer.
• Personal Support Worker (NOC 33102): The Healthcare category opened at 400–450.

Frequently asked questions about Canada immigration occupations

Which Canada immigration occupations are easiest to get approved for Vietnamese applicants in 2025?

Welder (NOC 72106), registered nurse (RN 31301), chef (63200), software developer (21232) and transport truck driver (73300) are the 5 highest-demand occupations, further supported by favorable Category-based draw policies.

What if my occupation is not on the priority NOC list?

You can still apply through the Express Entry General draw if your CRS ≥ 480, or find a provincial PNP that lists your occupation as In-Demand. Some provinces such as Manitoba have 200+ occupations open more broadly than the federal list.

How do I prove work experience for Canada immigration occupations?

You need a Reference Letter from your employer clearly stating: position, duration, salary, hours worked per week, and a detailed description that matches the NOC lead statement + ≥ 80% of the main duties.

Can I change my NOC after submitting my Express Entry profile?

Yes, by updating your profile — there is no need to withdraw and recreate it. However, changing your NOC after receiving an ITA is high-risk and may lead to refusal due to declaration inconsistency.

Summary

Canada immigration occupations in 2025 clearly favor healthcare, STEM and skilled trades. If your occupation is among the 20 NOCs above, your chances of obtaining PR within 18 months are very feasible. See more at Express Entry CRS, Canada PNP across 11 provinces. Need to verify your exact NOC? Do a free profile assessment with M2W.