If you’re building work experience in Canada and aiming for permanent residency through Express Entry, it’s worth knowing which employers are currently hiring in occupations eligible for category-based draws.
In 2025, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is focusing on specific job categories in demand. Candidates with recent, continuous work experience in these occupations stand a stronger chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
The Immigration Professional has compiled this guide based on the top employers in Canada, according to Forbes’ rankings, and the Express Entry roles they commonly hire for.
Before you apply, it’s essential to ensure that the job you’re targeting aligns with Express Entry requirements. If you’re unsure, Book Your Canadian immigration Consultation with us today for guidance tailored to your profile.
What Are Category-Based Draws?
Category-based draws are specific Express Entry invitation rounds designed to select candidates in occupations that address labor market needs. Unlike general draws, they don’t require the highest CRS scores—only that you meet both the Express Entry eligibility and specific category requirements.
To qualify, candidates must meet the following:
- Six months of full-time, continuous work experience (or equivalent part-time) in an eligible occupation.
- Work experience must be within the last three years and can be gained outside Canada.
- You must also be eligible under one of the three Express Entry programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Express Entry Categories Prioritized in 2025
IRCC has announced the following priority categories for this year:
| Express Entry Category |
|---|
| Healthcare and social services |
| Trades occupations |
| Education occupations |
| French-language proficiency |
Top Canadian Employers Hiring for Eligible Jobs
Here is a summary of top-ranked companies in Canada that are hiring for positions aligning with Express Entry category-based draws. All listed jobs are eligible based on the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.
| Company | Rank | Industry | Eligible NOC Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Technology | Cybersecurity Specialists (21220) | |
| Microsoft | 2 | Technology | Cybersecurity (21220), Electrical Engineers (21310), Techs (22310) |
| The Hershey Company | 5 | Manufacturing | Industrial Electricians (72201) |
| Parks Canada | 12 | Government | Carpenters (72310), Electricians (72200), Painters (73112), Welders (72106) |
| Fisheries & Oceans Canada | 13 | Government | Civil Engineers (21300), Cooks (63200), Mechanical Engineers (21301) |
| BC Hydro | 18 | Utilities | Civil Engineers (21300), Electrical Engineers (21310), Technologists (22300) |
| OpenText | 24 | Software | Cybersecurity Specialists (21220) |
| CHEO (Children’s Hospital) | 31 | Healthcare | Nurses (31300–31302), Pharmacists (31120), Therapists (41301) |
| The Co-operators | 33 | Financial Services | Insurance Agents and Brokers (63100) |
| Workers Compensation Board of Alberta | 34 | Government | Physician Assistants (31303), Physiotherapists (31202) |
| Tesla | 39 | Automotive/Tech | Mechanical Engineers (21301), Electrical Engineers (21310), Technologists (22301) |
| Fortis | 45 | Utilities | Industrial Engineers (21321), Electricians (72201), Mechanical Engineers (21301) |
| Agnico Eagle | 47 | Mining | Millwrights (72400), Equipment Mechanics (72401) |
Recent CRS Cut-off Scores for Category-Based Draws
Staying up to date with cut-off scores can help you plan better. Here are recent benchmarks:
| Category | CRS Cut-off (Most Recent) |
|---|---|
| STEM Occupations | 491 |
| Healthcare and Social Services | 504 |
| Trades Occupations | 433 |
Note: These scores are often lower than general draws, offering more accessible pathways to PR.
Express Entry Program Comparison
Here’s a quick overview of the requirements for Canada’s three federal immigration programs under Express Entry:
| Criteria | CEC | FSWP | FSTP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Work Experience | 1 year in Canada | 1 year continuous (global) | 2 years in a skilled trade |
| Job Offer or Certification | Not required | Not required | Required (or trade certification) |
| Language Requirement | CLB 5–7 | CLB 7 | CLB 4–5 |
| Education | Not required | Required (ECA or Canadian credential) | Not required |
| Settlement Funds | Not required | Required (unless working in Canada) | Required (unless working in Canada) |
Why Choosing the Right Job Matters
If your goal is to become a Canadian permanent resident through Express Entry, it’s critical to align your work experience with in-demand occupations. Canada’s leading employers are actively hiring in fields that are being prioritized by IRCC in 2025.
By targeting these roles, you improve your chances of qualifying for a category-based draw and receiving an ITA. Don’t leave your immigration future to chance—get expert guidance and make your experience count.
Book Your Canadian immigration Consultation today and get one-on-one help from our licensed experts at The Immigration Professional.
