Canada’s top employers are actively recruiting skilled workers across multiple sectors, many of which align directly with occupations eligible for category-based selection under Canada’s Express Entry immigration system. This connection can be a significant advantage for newcomers or temporary residents aiming to transition to permanent residency (PR).
If you have at least six months of full-time, continuous work experience in an eligible occupation, you could qualify for a category-based draw — a priority selection stream that can significantly increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
In this guide, we will be discussing Canada’s top employers hiring for category-based draws. We’ll also break down how top employers contribute to Express Entry opportunities, which roles are in demand, and how you can position yourself for success if you’re working or job hunting in Canada.
But before you target these jobs, it’s important to confirm that you meet the basic eligibility requirements for Express Entry. Category-based draws only apply if you’re already eligible for at least one of the three main federal immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Each program has its own requirements for work experience, language ability, education, and settlement funds. Once you know you qualify, you can use your job experience to target roles that match Canada’s priority occupation categories.
How Category-Based Selection Helps Your PR Journey?
Canada’s category-based selection is designed to help the country attract talent in sectors facing urgent shortages. Sectors like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Healthcare and Social Services, Trades, Education, and French-language proficiency are currently top priorities.
If you qualify under one of these streams, your chances of receiving an ITA are higher than if you rely solely on your CRS score. That’s why choosing a job that matches a qualifying National Occupation Classification (NOC) is so important.
Canada’s Top Employers With Qualifying Roles
Below, you’ll find a list of Canada’s top employers hiring for category-based draws. Remember, these roles can change over time, so always verify the NOC duties against the job description before applying.
| Company | Ranking | Industry | Category-Based Draw Eligible Jobs |
| 1 | Technology | • Cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220) | |
| Microsoft | 2 | Technology | • Cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220) • Electrical and electronics engineers (NOC 21310) • Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22310) |
| The Hershey Company | 5 | Food Manufacturing | • Industrial electricians (NOC 72201) |
| Parks Canada | 12 | Government / Environmental | • Carpenters (NOC 72310) • Electricians (except industrial and power system) (NOC 72200) • Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) (NOC 73112) • Water well drillers (NOC 72501) • Welders and related machine operators (NOC 72106) |
| Fisheries and Oceans Canada | 13 | Government | • Civil engineers (NOC 21300) • Cooks (NOC 63200) • Mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) |
| BC Hydro | 18 | Utilities / Energy | • Civil engineers (NOC 21300) • Civil engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22300) • Electrical and electronics engineers (NOC 21310) |
| Opentext | 24 | Software / Information Management | • Cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220) |
| Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario | 31 | Healthcare | • Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (NOC 33102) • Nurse practitioners (NOC 31302) • Nursing coordinators and supervisors (NOC 31300) • Pharmacists (NOC 31120) • Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (NOC 33103) • Pharmacy technicians (NOC 31303) • Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies (NOC 41301) |
| The Co-operators | 33 | Financial Services / Insurance | • Insurance agents and brokers (NOC 63100) |
| Workers Compensation Board of Alberta | 34 | Government / Insurance / Healthcare | • Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals (NOC 31303) • Physiotherapists (NOC 31202) |
| Tesla | 39 | Automotive / Technology | • Electrical and electronics engineers (NOC 21310) • Mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) • Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians (NOC 22301) |
| Fortis | 45 | Utilities / Energy | • Industrial and manufacturing engineers (NOC 21321) • Industrial electricians (NOC 72201) • Mechanical engineers (NOC 21301) |
| Agnico Eagle | 47 | Mining | • Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics (NOC 72400) • Heavy-duty equipment mechanics (NOC 72401) |
Recent Express Entry Cut-Off Scores
Knowing the recent CRS cut-offs for your target category helps you gauge your competitiveness:
| Category | CRS Cut-Off Score Of Most Recent Draw |
| Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) | 491 |
| Healthcare and social services occupations | 504 |
| Trade occupations | 433 |
These scores show how valuable category-based selection can be for skilled workers who may have CRS scores under 500 but have work experience in a priority field.
Inside Canada’s Top Employers
Below is more detail on the top employers, what they’re like to work for, and what you can expect if you apply.
Ranking: #1
Industry: Technology
The first and one of Canada’s top employers hiring for category-based draws is Google.
Google tops Forbes’ list of best employers in Canada for 2025. With offices in Toronto and Montreal plus flexible remote work, it offers opportunities for tech professionals to work on cutting-edge projects.
One popular qualifying role is Cybersecurity specialist (NOC 21220), which fits the STEM category.
Employee Reviews: 4.3/5 on Glassdoor and Indeed.
Interview Difficulty: 3.4/5. About half of candidates interviewed applied online.
Microsoft
Ranking: #2
Industry: Technology
Microsoft has offices in major Canadian cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Ottawa. Many roles are remote or hybrid.
Microsoft regularly hires for positions like Cybersecurity specialists, Electrical and electronics engineers, and Engineering technologists, all of which fit Express Entry’s STEM category.
| NOC Title | NOC Code |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians | 22310 |
Employee Reviews: 4.1/5.
Interview Difficulty: 3.1/5; 40% of hires applied online.
The Hershey Company
Ranking: #5
Industry: Food Manufacturing
The Hershey Company is a household name with offices in Ontario and Quebec. The company hires for Industrial electricians (NOC 72201), which fits the Trades category.
Employee Reviews: 3.7/5.
Interview Difficulty: 3.0/5. Over half of interviews start from online applications.
Parks Canada (Public Sector)
Ranking: #12
Industry: Government / Environmental
A major public sector employer, Parks Canada manages national parks and historic sites across the country. They hire for Trades roles like Carpenters, Electricians, Painters, Well drillers, and Welders.
| NOC Title | NOC Code |
| Carpenters | 72310 |
| Electricians (except industrial and power system) | 72200 |
| Painters and decorators | 73112 |
| Water well drillers | 72501 |
| Welders and related machine operators | 72106 |
Employee Reviews: 4.2/5.
Interview Difficulty: 3.2/5. Over 86% of interviews come from online applications.
Fisheries And Oceans Canada (Public Sector)
Ranking: #13
Industry: Government
Fisheries and Oceans Canada (FOC) is responsible for managing Canada’s fisheries, oceans, and freshwater resources. They hire for STEM and Trades jobs including Civil engineers, Cooks, and Mechanical engineers.
| NOC Title | NOC Code |
| Civil engineers | 21300 |
| Cooks | 63200 |
| Mechanical engineers | 21301 |
Employee Reviews: 4.1/5.
Interview Difficulty: 3.0/5. Over 71% of interviews were through online applications.
British Columbia Hydro (Public Sector)
Ranking: #18
Industry: Utilities / Energy
BC Hydro generates and delivers electricity in British Columbia. They hire for STEM roles like Civil engineers, Engineering technologists, and Electrical engineers.
| NOC Title | NOC Code |
| Civil engineers | 21300 |
| Civil engineering technologists and technicians | 22300 |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 |
Employee Reviews: 4.3/5.
Interview Difficulty: 3.0/5. About half of hires came through referrals.
OpenText
Ranking: #24
Industry: Software / Information Management
OpenText is another one of Canada’s top employers hiring for category-based draws. It is also one of Canada’s largest software companies, specializing in enterprise information management and cybersecurity. The company’s headquarters is in Waterloo, Ontario, with offices in other provinces and remote positions available.
OpenText often hires Cybersecurity specialists (NOC 21220) — an occupation under Express Entry’s STEM category. Cybersecurity roles are increasingly in demand as data privacy and online threats become more complex, making this an excellent target occupation for skilled newcomers.
Employee Reviews: 3.5/5 on Glassdoor and Indeed.
Interview Difficulty: 3.4/5. Employees praise the company’s work-life balance, benefits, and positive workplace culture.
Children’s Hospital Of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)
Ranking: #31
Industry: Healthcare
CHEO is one of Canada’s most respected pediatric hospitals, located in Ottawa. It offers specialized care for children and youth, meaning a steady demand for qualified healthcare professionals.
Roles that align with the Healthcare and Social Services Express Entry category include:
| NOC Title | NOC Code |
| Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates | 33102 |
| Nurse practitioners | 31302 |
| Nursing coordinators and supervisors | 31300 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 |
| Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants | 33103 |
| Pharmacy technicians | 31303 |
| Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies | 41301 |
Employee Reviews: 4.1/5.
Interview Difficulty: 2.8/5. Around 60% of interviewees applied online. The hospital’s reputation, supportive team culture, and community impact are big draws for many healthcare professionals.
The Co-operators
Ranking: #33
Industry: Financial Services / Insurance
The Co-operators is a national insurance and financial services provider headquartered in Guelph, Ontario, with offices all over Canada. The company is known for community engagement and employee-focused policies.
They frequently hire Insurance agents and brokers (NOC 63100), which qualify under the STEM priority category due to their skilled, regulated nature.
Employee Reviews: 3.8/5.
Interview Difficulty: 3.4/5. Workers appreciate The Co-operators’ flexible work options, compensation, and people-first culture.
The Workers Compensation Board Of Alberta (WCBA) (Public Sector)
Ranking: #34
Industry: Government / Insurance / Healthcare
WCBA administers Alberta’s Workers’ Compensation Act, helping injured workers and their employers navigate claims and health services. Because of this dual insurance and health focus, the board employs skilled workers who fit Express Entry’s Healthcare and Social Services category.
Eligible roles include:
| NOC Title | NOC Code |
| Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals | 31303 |
| Physiotherapists | 31202 |
Employee Reviews: 3.6/5.
Interview Difficulty: Noted for its supportive work environment, good pay and benefits, and healthy work-life balance.
Tesla
Ranking: #39
Industry: Automotive / Technology
Tesla is another one of Canada’s top employers hiring for category-based draws.
Tesla, the electric vehicle innovator, has Canadian offices in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia. While its headquarters is in Austin, Texas, Tesla Canada supports local sales, service, and energy projects.
Tesla frequently hires engineers and technicians for vehicle production and maintenance — roles that fit well under the STEM Express Entry category.
| NOC Title | NOC Code |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 |
| Mechanical engineers | 21301 |
| Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians | 22301 |
Employee Reviews: 3.3/5.
Interview Difficulty: Employees note competitive pay and the excitement of working with cutting-edge green technology.
Fortis
Ranking: #45
Industry: Utilities / Energy
Fortis is one of North America’s largest utilities companies, delivering electricity and gas services across multiple provinces and U.S. states. Its Canadian operations provide stable opportunities in skilled trades and engineering.
Eligible jobs include:
| NOC Title | NOC Code |
| Industrial and manufacturing engineers | 21321 |
| Industrial electricians | 72201 |
| Mechanical engineers | 21301 |
Employee Reviews: 4.0/5.
Interview Difficulty: 2.5/5. Fortis is recognized for steady employment, competitive pay, and training opportunities for engineers and tradespeople.
Agnico Eagle
Ranking: #47
Industry: Mining
Agnico Eagle is a leading Canadian gold mining company with operations in Ontario, Quebec, and Nunavut. It employs thousands of workers in extraction, processing, and maintenance roles.
Key trades roles eligible for category-based draws include:
| NOC Title | NOC Code |
| Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics | 72400 |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 |
Employee Reviews: 4.0/5.
Interview Difficulty: Moderate. Many roles are located in northern regions, offering attractive wages, housing supports, and rotational schedules.
Priority Express Entry Categories For 2025
IRCC’s published Express Entry categories include:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and Social Services occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- STEM occupations
- Trades occupations
- Education occupations
While all categories remain valid, the priority draws for 2025 emphasize:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare and Social Services
- Trades
- Education
If you’re targeting PR in 2025, aligning your work experience with these sectors can give you a clear advantage.
Requirements For Category-Based Draw Eligibility
To qualify for a category-based draw, you must meet both:
- The specific conditions for your target occupational category
- The general Express Entry requirements for your federal immigration program
Occupational Eligibility:
- Six months of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work in a single eligible NOC.
- The work must have been done in the three years before you submit your Express Entry profile.
- The experience can be from Canada or abroad.
General Express Entry Program Requirements
| Eligibility Criteria | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) |
| Work Experience | 1 year of Canadian work experience within the past 3 years. | 1 year of continuous paid work in the last 10 years. | 2 years of full-time work in a skilled trade within the past 5 years. |
| Job Offer or Certification | Not required | Not required | Required: valid job offer OR certificate of qualification in the skilled trade. |
| Language Requirements |
| Minimum CLB 7 in English or French in all abilities. |
|
| Education | Not required | Must have a Canadian credential OR a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign credentials. | Not required |
| Selection Factors | Not applicable | Must score at least 67 out of 100 on the FSWP grid. | Not applicable |
| Settlement Funds | Not required | Required unless working in Canada with a valid job offer. | Required unless working in Canada with a valid job offer. |
One year of work means at least 1,560 hours (up to 30 hours/week). Moreover, this can be a combination of full-time or equivalent part-time work.
Also, a certificate of qualification proves you meet the trade’s regulatory requirements in Canada.
How Category-Based Draws Work?
As we have discussed Canada’s top employers hiring for category-based draws, let us know how category-based draws actually work. Well, when IRCC runs a category-based draw:
- The pool is filtered to include only candidates meeting the category’s criteria.
- Candidates are then ranked by their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
- If your CRS score is at or above the cut-off for that round, and your profile was created before the tie-breaking time, you’ll receive an ITA.
Final Tips For International Workers
Securing a job with a top Canadian employer can do more than pay the bills — it can lay the groundwork for your permanent future in Canada. Use these insights to:
- Confirm your job matches an eligible NOC.
- Make sure your work experience meets the category-based draw conditions.
- Keep your Express Entry profile up to date.
- Monitor recent CRS cut-offs for your category to stay competitive.
Whether you’re a tech innovator, healthcare hero, skilled tradesperson, or bilingual educator, your work today can be your ticket to Canadian PR tomorrow.
MakeHomeCanada, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at [email protected].
