Canada’s immigration policies continue to evolve, offering more opportunities for skilled workers from around the world. In a bid to address labor shortages, Canada has added 16 new professions to its National Occupational Classification (NOC) list.
These new eligible occupations open doors for individuals looking to establish a permanent life in Canada through programs like Express Entry and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
This article explores each of these newly eligible occupations, explaining their significance in the Canadian workforce and the average salaries you can expect.
What Is the National Occupational Classification (NOC) System?
The NOC system is Canada’s method of classifying occupations based on skill levels, types of work performed, and responsibilities. It is regularly updated to ensure that Canada can meet the country’s evolving labor market needs. The latest update, effective as of October 2024, includes 16 new occupations, enabling professionals from these fields to apply for permanent residency.
This expansion directly addresses growing labor shortages in healthcare, transportation, construction, and various technical sectors. Let’s break down these new eligible occupations and what they mean for prospective immigrants.
1. Payroll Administrators
Average Salary: CAD 55,000 – 65,000 per year
Role Overview:
Payroll administrators are the unsung heroes of any organization, ensuring that employees are paid on time and accurately. They handle everything from processing wages to tax deductions and benefits, making sure compliance with local and national tax laws is met.
Why In Demand:
As businesses grow in complexity and compliance regulations become more stringent, the demand for skilled payroll administrators is increasing. Canada’s growing economy needs these professionals to manage workforce compensation effectively.
2. Dental Assistants and Dental Laboratory Assistants
Average Salary: CAD 45,000 – 55,000 per year
Role Overview:
Dental assistants support dentists in clinical settings, helping with patient care, preparing instruments, and handling administrative tasks. Dental laboratory assistants focus on creating dental prosthetics, such as crowns and dentures.
Why In Demand:
Canada’s healthcare sector is growing rapidly, and with an increasing focus on dental health, the need for dental assistants is surging. Dental laboratory assistants are critical in ensuring the smooth operation of dental clinics by handling lab work efficiently.
3. Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates
Average Salary: CAD 40,000 – 50,000 per year
Role Overview:
These professionals play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing essential care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. They assist nurses and doctors in daily patient care, including bathing, feeding, and transporting patients.
Why In Demand:
Canada’s aging population is driving demand for healthcare workers, particularly in long-term care facilities. Nurse aides and patient service associates are essential for providing compassionate, hands-on care.
4. Pharmacy Technical Assistants and Pharmacy Assistants
Average Salary: CAD 40,000 – 50,000 per year
Role Overview:
Pharmacy assistants help licensed pharmacists by preparing medications, managing inventory, and interacting with patients. They also ensure that pharmacies operate smoothly and comply with safety regulations.
Why In Demand:
With the expansion of healthcare services, the demand for pharmacy assistants has risen. These professionals are crucial in providing patient care and ensuring that pharmacies meet the needs of local communities.
5. Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants
Average Salary: CAD 38,000 – 50,000 per year
Role Overview:
Teacher assistants provide classroom support by helping with lesson preparation, working with students one-on-one, and assisting children with special needs. They play a vital role in creating inclusive and effective learning environments.
Why In Demand:
Teacher shortages in certain Canadian provinces have increased the need for assistants, particularly in special education and rural schools.
6. Sheriffs and Bailiffs
Average Salary: CAD 50,000 – 60,000 per year
Role Overview:
Sheriffs and bailiffs maintain order in courtrooms, ensure legal documents are served, and enforce court rulings. They are essential in supporting the justice system and ensuring that court processes run smoothly.
Why In Demand:
As legal systems expand and evolve, there is a growing need for trained personnel to manage courtrooms and enforce legal procedures effectively.
7. Correctional Service Officers
Average Salary: CAD 60,000 – 75,000 per year
Role Overview:
Correctional service officers are responsible for maintaining security in correctional facilities, supervising inmates, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
Why In Demand:
Canada is focused on strengthening its criminal justice system, which has led to an increased demand for correctional officers to ensure the safe management of correctional institutions.
8. By-law Enforcement and Other Regulatory Officers
Average Salary: CAD 55,000 – 65,000 per year
Role Overview:
These officers enforce local regulations related to zoning, health, and safety in urban settings. Their job involves conducting inspections, issuing fines, and ensuring compliance with municipal laws.
Why In Demand:
As Canadian cities grow, urban planning and safety regulations become more complex, increasing the need for by-law enforcement officers.
9. Estheticians, Electrologists, and Related Occupations
Average Salary: CAD 35,000 – 45,000 per year
Role Overview:
These professionals work in the beauty industry, offering services like skincare treatments, hair removal, and other personal care.
Why In Demand:
With a booming beauty and wellness sector, Canada is seeing increased demand for estheticians and electrologists, particularly in urban areas.
10. Residential and Commercial Installers and Servicers
Average Salary: CAD 45,000 – 55,000 per year
Role Overview:
These professionals install and service essential components like doors, windows, and heating systems in homes and commercial buildings.
Why In Demand:
The construction industry is expanding, and with it, the demand for skilled installers who can manage property maintenance and renovations.
11. Pest Controllers and Fumigators
Average Salary: CAD 40,000 – 50,000 per year
Role Overview:
Pest controllers manage infestations and ensure public health by eliminating pests from residential, commercial, and agricultural areas.
Why In Demand:
With urbanization and agriculture expanding, the need for pest control services has increased to protect homes and food production facilities.
12. Other Repairers and Servicers
Average Salary: CAD 45,000 – 55,000 per year
Role Overview:
This broad category includes professionals who repair household and industrial equipment.
Why In Demand:
As technology evolves, so does the need for repairers who can maintain and fix complex systems, from kitchen appliances to factory machinery.
13. Transport Truck Drivers
Average Salary: CAD 50,000 – 60,000 per year
Role Overview:
Truck drivers are responsible for transporting goods across Canada, keeping the country’s supply chains moving.
Why In Demand:
With a critical shortage of drivers, Canada is looking for skilled individuals to meet the demands of its growing economy.
14. Bus Drivers, Subway Operators, and Other Transit Operators
Average Salary: CAD 45,000 – 60,000 per year
Role Overview:
These professionals keep public transportation systems operational, ensuring efficient and safe transit in urban centers.
Why In Demand:
As cities grow, so does the need for reliable public transit, making these jobs crucial for maintaining urban mobility.
15. Heavy Equipment Operators
Average Salary: CAD 55,000 – 75,000 per year
Role Overview:
Heavy equipment operators handle large machinery like cranes and bulldozers, playing a crucial role in construction and infrastructure projects.
Why In Demand:
Canada’s infrastructure development plans are fueling demand for skilled operators who can manage construction projects.
16. Aircraft Assemblers and Aircraft Assembly Inspectors
Average Salary: CAD 60,000 – 80,000 per year
Role Overview:
These professionals work in Canada’s growing aerospace industry, assembling aircraft and ensuring their safety through inspections.
Why In Demand:
With the expansion of Canada’s aerospace sector, there is an increasing need for skilled workers to meet production and safety standards.
How to Apply for PR with These Occupations
These 16 professions are now eligible for Canada’s Express Entry system, which is a points-based immigration pathway for skilled workers. Additionally, you can apply through Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which allow provinces to nominate workers based on local labor demands.
If you’re looking for visa-sponsored jobs in these professions, consider these platforms:
- Job Bank Canada
- Indeed Canada
- Glassdoor
- British Columbia PNP Tech Pilot
In conclusion, Canada’s expansion of its eligible occupations is a golden
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