For international students and recent graduates in Canada, choosing the right job can make a huge difference in how quickly you qualify for permanent residence (PR).
If you gain at least six months of Canadian work experience in an Express Entry category-eligible occupation, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) at a much lower CRS score than in general draws. For many graduates, this is one of the simplest and fastest pathways to PR, often easier than navigating Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
This feature focuses on top Canadian employers that hire for Express Entry–eligible occupations, based on The Globe and Mail’s Top Employers for Young People in Canada (January 20, 2026).
Express Entry categories are based on occupations, not employers. These employers are listed because they regularly hire in eligible roles, but eligibility always depends on the specific job you’re hired for.
Healthcare and Social Services
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
Agriculture and Agri-food
(Education occupations and Physicians with Canadian experience are not included, as most roles have higher entry requirements for international graduates.)
Top employers in healthcare and social services
This category includes clinical healthcare, regulated support roles, and community-based services. Eligible occupations range from nurses and allied health professionals to social workers and community service workers.
Recommended employers
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Undergraduate research programs in childhood disability
Dedicated roles for Indigenous students and students with disabilities
Accessible co-op placements with OT, job-coach, and peer support
Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
Accelerated BScN Scholar Practitioner Program
Research Training Centre supporting 1,400+ trainees
Career-readiness programs and research seed funding
Providence Health Care
Paid student nurse employment programs
Practice-based research challenges with mentorship
Fully funded training into healthcare assistant roles
Health Canada
Young Professionals Network with senior-level mentorship
Student bridging and rehire pathways into permanent roles
Structured onboarding and career development support
VCA Canada Ltd.
Paid summer roles for veterinary students
Six-month mentorship for new graduates
Fully funded veterinary technician education and loan-to-RRSP matching
Top Employers in STEM occupations
The STEM category under Express Entry is broader than many expect. It includes engineers, engineering technologists, cybersecurity professionals, architects, science managers and even insurance agents and brokers.
(Employers in this category often overlap with energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and technology sectors.)
Top employers in skilled trades
Trades occupations include hands-on technical roles and construction leadership positions—from electricians and welders to construction managers and estimators.
Recommended employers
PCL construction
Paid student placements (4–16 months) with mentorship
Accelerated leadership programs for early-career professionals
Structured six-month onboarding for new graduates
ArcelorMittal Dofasco
Large-scale apprenticeship programs with Mohawk College
Hands-on and simulated technical training
Intern programs focused on operations exposure and career skills
ATCO Ltd.
Four-year Engineer-in-Training rotational program
CPA-approved rotational finance program
Financial wellness training for students and grads
Gibson Energy Inc.
Engineer-in-Training programs with field placements
Strong mentorship and cross-functional exposure
CPA rotational programs with paid exam support
CRH Canada Group Inc.
Internships ranging from 3–16 months
Certification support and structured learning
Leadership forums with senior-level exposure
Top employers in agriculture and agri-food
Currently, this Express Entry category includes one eligible occupation: Butchers – retail and wholesale
Loblaw Companies Ltd.
Co-ops and internships across business and operations
Career planning tools and learning academy resources
Peer mentoring and student networking programs
Maple Leaf Foods Inc.
Three-year graduate leadership rotational program
Paid mentorship and executive exposure
Year-round co-op hiring across multiple departments
How to Confirm If a Job Is Express Entry–Eligible
Before accepting a role, take these steps to protect your PR pathway:
- Check the NOC 2021 occupation title
Match the job title from the posting with eligible occupations listed under your Express Entry category.
- Compare job duties carefully
This is the most important step. Your job must closely match the main duties listed in the NOC description.
- Review the “exclusions” section
Even similar-sounding roles may be excluded under a different occupation code. Immigration officers assess what you actually do, not what your role is called.