Top In-Demand Jobs in Canada for 2026: What Immigrants Should Target

If you are planning to move to Canada in 2026, your career choice can significantly affect how fast you secure a job, permanent residence, and long-term stability.

Recent labour market insights from Indeed show that the country continues to experience critical shortages in essential services. While artificial intelligence is changing some industries, Canada is still urgently hiring in health care, education, and specialized technical roles.

For newcomers, these sectors present some of the most reliable pathways to employment.

1) Health care professionals remain Canada’s biggest need

No surprise here: an aging population and staff shortages mean employers across provinces are actively recruiting.

High-demand occupations include:

• Psychologists

• Psychotherapists

• Dentists

• Nurse practitioners

• Family physicians

• Physiotherapists

Many of these roles offer strong salaries and, more importantly for immigrants, consistent hiring volumes.

👉 Provinces are also expanding nomination streams and licensing support for internationally trained medical professionals.

Important: Most of these jobs require Canadian licensing, and the process can take time. Planning credential recognition early is crucial.

2) Education jobs offer steady opportunities

Canada continues to recruit qualified educators, particularly as retirements increase.

Roles with ongoing demand include:

• Professors

• Elementary school teachers

For internationally educated teachers and academics, bridging programs and provincial certification are usually required, but once licensed, employment prospects are stable.

3) AI and advanced tech skills are rising in value

While some digital occupations have slowed, specialists who build or manage AI systems are in demand.

One of the fastest-growing examples is the machine learning engineer. These professionals design and improve the technology companies rely on, making them attractive hires across finance, health, and research sectors.

Compared with health care, these jobs are more likely to offer remote or hybrid work.

4) What this means for immigration planning

Choosing an occupation that Canada urgently needs can improve your chances in programs such as:

• Express Entry category-based draws

• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

• Employer-driven work permits

Targeting the right field can mean:

✔ faster invitations
✔ better job security
✔ stronger salary growth
✔ easier settlement for your family

5) Strategy matters more than ever

Many applicants make the mistake of focusing only on moving to Canada. Smart applicants focus on where Canada is hiring.

Aligning your education, licensing steps, and job search with real labour shortages can dramatically change your outcome.

Final thoughts

Canada’s economy may fluctuate, but the need for health care workers, educators, and high-skill specialists is expected to remain strong well beyond 2026.

If you are serious about immigrating, the best time to plan toward these occupations is now, before you enter the pool.