Most In-Demand Canada Express Entry Healthcare Occupations 2025: Updated List
2025-08-22 | Abroad Pathway Immigration | Leave a Comment
Canada’s Express Entry immigration system continues to prioritize healthcare occupations, reflecting an urgent national need to strengthen frontline services and address chronic expertise shortages. In 2025, the Canadian government refined its targeted occupation list for Express Entry category-based draws, focusing its efforts on roles with a direct impact on patient care and overall health service delivery.
What Changed in 2025?
The 2025 policy update tightened eligibility, with some laboratory, administrative, and complementary medicine roles removed to ensure the system zeroes in on critical, patient-facing jobs. There’s now greater emphasis on healthcare and allied professionals able to directly address gaps in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Social services and support roles remain included, reflecting the importance of mental health and social integration to Canada’s overall wellbeing.
The List of 37 Healthcare and Social Services NOC Codes
Among the 37 NOC codes in the Canada 2025 healthcare category-based draw, the following occupations generally require Canadian professional licensure or registration to practice. These roles are among the most in-demand healthcare jobs in Canada 2025, making them highly sought after for healthcare jobs for immigrants in Canada:
- Registered Nurses and Registered Psychiatric Nurses (31301)
- Nurse Practitioners (31302)
- Licensed Practical Nurses (32101)
- Nursing Coordinators and Supervisors (31300)
- Physicians – General Practitioners and Family Physicians (31102), Specialists in Clinical and Laboratory Medicine (31100), and Specialists in Surgery (31101)
- Chiropractors (31201)
- Dentists (31110)
- Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists (32111)
- Dieticians and Nutritionists (31121)
- Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (31112)
- Occupational Therapists (31203)
- Optometrists (31111)
- Physiotherapists (31202)
- Psychologists (31200)
- Pharmacists (31120)
- Pharmacy Technicians (32124)
- Medical Laboratory Technologists (32120)
- Medical Radiation Technologists (32121)
- Medical Sonographers (32122)
- Respiratory Therapists, Clinical Perfusionists, and Cardiopulmonary Technologists (32103)
- Veterinarians (31103)
- Midwives (part of 31303)
These roles have protected titles, are regulated, and require a license from a Canadian provincial/territorial regulatory authority to practice. Many other roles on the list, such as social workers (41300), may also require licensure depending on the province and employment setting. Always confirm licensing requirements with the regulatory body for your target province
Why the Focus on These NOC Codes?
Canada’s demographic trends—a rapidly aging population and widespread labor shortages—mean that robust healthcare and social services are more essential than ever. By centering the immigration system on priority NOC codes, Canada ensures new arrivals can immediately contribute to the country’s quality of care and public health outcomes.
Planning to Immigrate?
If you’re interested in immigrating under one of the eligible NOC codes, it is crucial to:
- Check if your profession requires provincial/territorial licensure and begin the credential assessment process early.
- Gather work experience documentation that matches the NOC definition and essential job duties.
- Monitor current Express Entry draws and processing requirements to optimize your application strategy.
Canada’s healthcare Express Entry stream is evolving to meet real social needs. Focused, occupation-based immigration provides skilled workers with a clear, attainable pathway to permanent residency, while also securing Canada’s future by addressing acute healthcare and social support shortages.
How Abroad Pathway Immigration Can Help You?
Navigating the complexities of Canada’s immigration system can be challenging, especially for healthcare professionals aiming to qualify under the Express Entry 2025 category-based draws. Abroad Pathway Immigration offers expert guidance and personalized support to simplify your immigration journey and maximize your chances of success.
- Comprehensive Assessment: We evaluate your qualifications, work experience, and licensure requirements, ensuring you meet the specific criteria for your healthcare occupation’s NOC code.
- Credential Evaluation Assistance: We help you understand and complete the credential assessment process necessary for Canadian licensure, a critical step for regulated healthcare professions.
- Application Preparation and Submission: Our team assists in preparing a strong Express Entry profile, organizing all required documents, and submitting your application within the latest guidelines to avoid delays or errors.
- Licensing and Regulatory Guidance: We provide advice on navigating provincial and territorial regulatory bodies to acquire the professional licensure needed to practice your healthcare profession in Canada.
- Ongoing Support and Updates: Immigration policies and Express Entry draws can change; we keep you informed with the latest updates and provide continuous support throughout your immigration process.
With Abroad Pathway Immigration, healthcare professionals receive a tailored, step-by-step approach to achieve their Canadian immigration goals efficiently and confidently. Let us be your trusted partner in turning your dream of living and working in Canada into reality.
