Do You Know? Certain Jobs and Employers Can Boost Your Chances of Canadian Permanent Residence

Canada continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for skilled professionals worldwide. With a strong economy, inclusive society, and opportunities across multiple industries, it offers a life of stability and growth. For Australians aspiring to immigrate, Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) is a pathway to long-term settlement.

What many applicants do not realise is that certain jobs and employers can directly impact your PR journey. While recent policy changes have shifted the weight of job offers in the immigration system, the role of employers remains vital in specific pathways.

• Canadian PR offers long-term settlement rights with access to work, study, and healthcare benefits.
• In 2024, Canada admitted over 470,000 new permanent residents, many from healthcare, trades, and technology.
• Skilled professionals in in-demand fields like nursing, IT, and trades have higher chances via PNPs.
• Nearly 40% of Express Entry invitations in 2024 came through Provincial Nominations, showing employer importance.
• Job offers from designated employers under AIP provide a direct route to Canadian Permanent Residence.

 

Pathways for Canada PR

Permanent Residence status in Canada gives individuals the right to live and work across the country with access to social benefits. To understand the role of jobs and employers, it is important to examine the main immigration pathways.

 

Canada Express Entry

The Canada Express Entry system is the most popular route for skilled workers. It manages applications under three federal programs—the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. High scores increase the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

 

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Each Canadian province and territory (except Quebec and Nunavut) runs its own immigration streams under the Provincial Nominee Program. These programs allow provinces to nominate skilled workers who can fill specific local shortages. Many PNPs require a valid job offer, and a successful nomination grants 600 additional CRS points, almost guaranteeing permanent residence.

 

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

Targeting labour gaps in Atlantic Canada, this program requires applicants to secure a job offer from a designated employer. It is particularly beneficial for healthcare professionals, tradespeople, and service industry workers. The AIP offers a clear pathway for those willing to settle in provinces like Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, or Prince Edward Island.

 

Rural and Community Pilots

Canada also runs smaller immigration programs for rural and northern communities. These pilots connect newcomers with employers in less-populated regions, ensuring balanced population growth and economic development across the country.

 

Occupations in High Demand in Canada

Certain sectors in Canada are consistently short of skilled workers. Applicants with experience in these fields often find pathways smoother.

Detailed information about the occupation in high demand in Canada is given below:

Sector	High-Paying Job Roles	Average Annual Salary (CAD)
Healthcare	Physicians, Surgeons, Pharmacists, Nurse Practitioners, Medical Specialists	95,000 – 280,000
Information Technology (IT)	Software Engineers, Data Scientists, IT Managers, Cybersecurity Analysts, Cloud Architects	85,000 – 160,000
Engineering	Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Petroleum Engineers, Project Managers	80,000 – 150,000
Finance & Banking	Investment Bankers, Chartered Accountants, Risk Managers, Financial Analysts, Portfolio Managers	85,000 – 180,000
Education	University Professors, School Principals, Curriculum Specialists, Secondary School Teachers, Education Consultants	70,000 – 130,000
Legal Services	Corporate Lawyers, Legal Advisors, Immigration Lawyers, Compliance Officers, Arbitrators	90,000 – 200,000
Business & Management	Management Consultants, Business Analysts, Operations Managers, HR Managers, Marketing Directors	85,000 – 170,000
Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology	Biochemists, Pharmacologists, Research Scientists, Clinical Project Managers, Quality Assurance Managers	80,000 – 140,000
Architecture & Urban Planning	Architects, Urban Planners, Landscape Architects, Design Managers, Construction Project Managers	75,000 – 135,000
Public Administration & Policy	Policy Analysts, Economists, Public Relations Managers, Government Program Officers, Strategic Advisors	78,000 – 145,000

 

How Employers Influence Immigration Pathways

Employers play a central role in Canada’s immigration system, often acting as the bridge between international professionals and permanent residency. Their support is not only valuable but, in many cases, essential for eligibility. Depending on the program, the role of employers may involve offering valid job contracts, providing settlement assistance, or simply enabling candidates to gain Canadian work experience. The table below highlights how employers influence different immigration pathways.

Employer Role	Immigration Impact	Conditions
Job Offers in Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)	A valid job offer is mandatory for many employer-driven PNP streams, making it one of the most direct routes to PR.	Job offers must be full-time, permanent, and meet provincial wage standards.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	Only designated employers are authorised to support PR applications under this program.	Employers must be provincially approved and provide settlement support to new hires.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)	Work experience gained with a legitimate Canadian employer significantly boosts CRS scores.	The role must be in a skilled category under TEER 0–3.
Rural and Northern Immigration Pilots (RNIP)	Employers in smaller communities provide job offers to fill local skill shortages.	Employment must align with the specific labour needs of participating rural regions.
Temporary Work Pathways	Employers often support temporary workers in transitioning to permanent residence.	Employment must be valid, ongoing, and compliant with Canadian labour laws.

 

Canadian Employers That Increase Your Chances of PR

Securing employment with the right Canadian employer can substantially strengthen an applicant’s prospects for Permanent Residence. Certain employers are formally recognised under immigration programs, while others provide the skilled work experience valued in the selection process. The table below outlines the categories of employers that influence PR pathways and the sectors in which such opportunities are most popular.

Employer Category	How They Help with PR	Where Opportunities Exist
Designated Employers under the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	Mandatory for applicants to secure a job offer in Atlantic provinces; these employers provide a direct pathway to PR.	Healthcare networks, construction firms, service industries in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island.
Employers Participating in Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)	Partner with provinces to address skill shortages; job offers can lead to a provincial nomination worth 600 CRS points.	Provincial healthcare systems, IT companies, educational institutions, and infrastructure projects.
Reputable Employers Offering Skilled Work Experience	Provide Canadian experience in TEER 0–3 jobs, which adds CRS points and strengthens adaptability.	Tech firms, finance and banking institutions, engineering consultancies, multinational corporations.
Employers Supporting Temporary-to-Permanent Transitions	Help temporary workers move to PR through long-term contracts, compliance support, and assistance with applications.	Hospitality groups, universities, large retailers, and national service providers.

 

 

Eligibility for Canada Permanent Resident

To qualify for Canadian Permanent Residency, applicants must meet specific criteria set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). These requirements ensure that candidates can contribute effectively to the Canadian economy and integrate into society. The key eligibility factors include:

• Age: Applicants typically receive higher points if they are between 18 and 35 years old.
• Education: A minimum of secondary education is required, with higher qualifications earning more points.
• Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience (TEER 0–3 under the NOC system) is generally required.
• Language Proficiency: Proof of English and/or French skills through recognised tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF.
• Proof of Funds: Demonstrating sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival, unless already employed in Canada.
• Health and Character Requirements: Passing medical examinations and police clearance checks.
• Adaptability: Additional points may be awarded for factors like Canadian work experience, relatives in Canada, or a spouse’s qualifications.

 

Policy Changes in 2025 – What You Need to Know

Immigration policies evolve to reflect Canada’s labour market needs and ensure fairness in the system. In 2025, one of the most significant updates directly affected how job offers are treated within the Express Entry framework. While this change reshaped the scoring system, employers continue to remain a vital part of Canada’s Permanent Residence pathways.

Removal of Job Offer CRS Points

Until March 2025, candidates with valid job offers could gain an additional 50 to 200 points on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This advantage often helped applicants cross the cut-off threshold in Express Entry draws. However, the policy was removed to curb fraudulent job offers and to rebalance the system towards rewarding human capital factors such as education, language proficiency, and professional experience. As a result, job offers no longer add bonus points in Express Entry, and applicants must strengthen their profiles through other eligibility factors.

Continued Importance of Employers

Although job offers no longer carry bonus CRS points, employers remain central to Canadian immigration in other ways. Provincial programs still require valid employment contracts to nominate candidates, and the Atlantic Immigration Program continues to accept only job offers from designated employers. For many international professionals, employers also provide the crucial Canadian work experience needed to transition from temporary to permanent residence. In essence, while the scoring mechanics have changed, the value of employer support in the immigration journey remains as strong as ever.

 

Why Jobs Still Matter in the Canada PR Journey

While recent changes have removed bonus CRS points for job offers under Express Entry, employment continues to play a critical role in Canada’s immigration system. For international professionals, securing the right job or employer support can open multiple pathways to Permanent Residence. Here’s how jobs still matter in the PR journey:

Pathway	How Jobs Influence PR	Key Advantage for International Professionals
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)	Many provinces tie their immigration streams to local labour shortages, making valid job offers a core requirement for nomination.	A provincial nomination grants 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an invitation to apply for Permanent Residence.
Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)	Applicants must secure employment with a designated employer, where employer status is as important as candidate skills.	Provides a direct pathway to PR for professionals in fields like healthcare, trades, and services in Atlantic provinces.
Canadian Work Experience	Employment in Canada carries extra CRS points and demonstrates adaptability and workplace integration.	Strengthens eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and improves overall competitiveness.
Temporary-to-Permanent Pathways	Many migrants begin on temporary work permits, relying on employer support to transition to PR.	Supportive employers offering ongoing contracts and immigration assistance make PR transition smoother.

 

 

Steps Australians Can Take to Strengthen Their Profile

Australians planning to apply for Canadian PR can take the following steps to align their careers with immigration requirements:

• Identify your NOC/TEER code to ensure your job qualifies as skilled work.
• Complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to validate foreign qualifications.
• Achieve strong language test scores in IELTS or CELPIP to maximise CRS points.
• Target designated employers, especially in Atlantic provinces or PNP streams.
• Research provincial labour demands to identify where your occupation is needed.
• Pursue Canadian work experience, even short-term, to strengthen your profile.
• Track policy updates, as immigration programs evolve regularly.

 

Traits of Jobs and Employers That Improve PR Prospects

The following characteristics of jobs and employers can directly enhance your PR chances:

• Roles listed in healthcare, trades, technology, agriculture, or education.
• Job offers that are permanent, full-time, and non-seasonal.
• Employers recognised as designated under specific programs.
• Organisations that provide settlement support to newcomers.
• Employers located in provinces or communities with identified labour shortages.

Canada’s immigration system continues to evolve, but one constant remains—jobs and employers are central to success. While Express Entry no longer awards CRS points for job offers, employers remain vital through provincial programs, designated employer streams, and Canadian work experience opportunities.

For Australians aiming to secure Canadian PR, the strategy is clear: pursue occupations in demand, align with employers who can support your application, and leverage provincial pathways. With thoughtful planning and targeted efforts, your career could be the very key that opens the door to a permanent future in Canada.

 

FAQs

 

Do job offers still increase CRS points under Express Entry?

No, job offers in Canada do not increase CRS points under Express Entry. As of March 2025, job offers no longer provide additional CRS points under Express Entry. This change was introduced to reduce fraud and place greater emphasis on human capital factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. However, job offers are still crucial in other pathways like Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), where they are often mandatory. Having a valid job offer may not boost your CRS score, but it can directly impact your eligibility for PR.

 

Which jobs are most in demand in Canada for PR applicants?

The jobs most in –demand in Canada for PR applicants are given below:

Job Role	Average Annual Salary (CAD)
Physicians & Surgeons	200,000 – 280,000
Software Engineers	95,000 – 135,000
Financial Managers	110,000 – 160,000
Civil Engineers	85,000 – 120,000
Data Scientists	90,000 – 130,000
Registered Nurses (RNs)	80,000 – 105,000
Corporate Lawyers	120,000 – 200,000
University Professors	95,000 – 140,000
IT Managers	110,000 – 150,000
Human Resources Directors	95,000 – 135,000

 

 

What is a designated employer, and why is it important?

A designated employer is an organisation approved by a Canadian province to participate in specific immigration programs, most notably the Atlantic Immigration Program. These employers meet strict criteria, such as good business standing and the ability to support settlement services for international hires. For applicants, securing a job offer from a designated employer is critical because it is often a mandatory condition to apply through certain employer-driven programs. Without such an employer, candidates may be ineligible for these immigration streams, regardless of their qualifications or work experience.

 

How does Canadian work experience help in the PR process?

Canadian work experience significantly boosts an applicant’s PR prospects. Under Express Entry, work experience gained in Canada carries higher CRS points than foreign experience. It also makes candidates eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), a program designed specifically for those with local employment history. Beyond points, Canadian work experience demonstrates adaptability, integration, and familiarity with workplace culture, all of which strengthen an applicant’s overall profile. For many temporary workers or international graduates, this experience serves as the bridge between a short-term visa and Permanent Residence.

 

Should Australians focus more on Express Entry or Provincial Programs?

The choice depends on individual profiles. Express Entry is ideal for candidates with strong human capital factors—education, language ability, and work experience. However, since job offers no longer provide CRS points, some applicants may struggle to reach competitive cut-off scores. In such cases, Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are highly valuable. Many PNPs prioritise applicants with job offers in high-demand occupations. For Australians, a balanced approach works best: create an Express Entry profile while actively pursuing opportunities with designated employers or provincial streams that align with your occupation.