Dear future neighbour,
If you’ve been trying to get a work permit for Canada, you probably know the struggle. The waiting game can feel endless, and sometimes it seems like your application is stuck somewhere in a pile of paperwork. But this is some good news that could change everything for you: Canada is now speeding things up for people working in certain jobs.
Why This Matters to You
Let’s be honest, when you’re planning to move to a new country, every day counts. You want to start your new life, begin your job, and settle down as quickly as possible. The Canadian government gets this, which is why they’re now putting some applications on the fast track.
If you work in healthcare or agriculture and food-related fields, your work permit application might get processed much faster than before. This isn’t just a small thing, it could be the difference between starting your dream job in a few weeks versus waiting for several months.
Which Jobs Get This Fast-Track Treatment?
This is where it gets interesting. Canada has created a special list of jobs that they really need people for right now. These aren’t random choices, they picked jobs where there simply aren’t enough workers to go around.
In healthcare, almost every position you can think of is included. Nurses, doctors, medical lab workers, pharmacists, nurse aides, the list goes on. Whether you’re a registered nurse coordinating patient care or a paramedic saving lives on the front lines, you’re on this priority list.
For those in agriculture and food work, there’s also great news. Butchers, farm supervisors, livestock workers, people who work in food processing plants, and greenhouse workers all qualify. These jobs keep food on Canadian tables, and the country needs more hands to keep everything running smoothly.
How Does This Actually Work?
You might be wondering, “Do I need to fill out a special form or apply somewhere different?” The answer is no, and that’s actually the beauty of it.
This priority processing happens automatically when you apply for your work permit as long as you do one important thing: make sure the job code on your application matches the job you’ve been offered. Canada uses something called NOC codes (National Occupation Classification) to organize different jobs. Your employer should give you the right code, and you just need to use that exact code when filling out your work permit application.
Think of it like this: when you use the right code, your application goes into a special, faster-moving line. No extra fees, no complicated steps, just smart organization that gets your paperwork moving quicker.
There’s More Good News
Getting your work permit faster is great, but what about staying in Canada permanently? Many people want to know if these priority jobs also help them become permanent residents.
The answer is yes, at least for most of them. If you work in one of these healthcare jobs and you qualify for Express Entry (Canada’s main permanent residence program), you’ll have a better chance of getting an invitation to apply for permanent residence. The score you need is usually lower than what other people need.
For agriculture workers, things are a bit different. Only butchers working in retail and wholesale get this extra benefit in Express Entry. But don’t let that discourage you, there are other paths to permanent residence, including provincial programs that love agricultural workers.
See below the eligible occupations for priority work permit processing
Healthcare occupations
| Occupation title | NOC code |
|---|---|
| Nursing coordinators and supervisors | 31300 |
| Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses | 31301 |
| Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine | 31100 |
| Specialists in surgery | 31101 |
| Police investigators and other investigative occupations | 41310 |
| General practitioners and family physicians | 31102 |
| Nurse practitioners | 31302 |
| Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals | 31303 |
| Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists | 32103 |
| Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating | 31209 |
| Pharmacists | 31120 |
| Medical laboratory technologists | 32120 |
| Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations | 33101 |
| Medical radiation technologists | 32121 |
| Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists | 32123 |
| Licensed practical nurses | 32101 |
| Paramedical occupations | 32102 |
| Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates | 33102 |
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
| Occupation title | NOC code |
|---|---|
| Butchers – Retail and wholesale | 63201 |
| Meat cutters and fishmongers – Retail and wholesale | 65202 |
| Agricultural service contractors and farm supervisors | 82030 |
| Livestock labourers | 85100 |
| Specialized livestock workers and farm machinery operators | 84120 |
| Harvesting labourers | 85101 |
| Nursery and greenhouse labourers | 85103 |
| Fish and seafood plant workers | 94142 |
| Labourers in food and beverage processing | 95106 |
| Labourers in fish and seafood processing | 95107 |
| Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers | 94141 |
What This Means for Your Future
Think about it: you get to Canada faster, you start working sooner, and for many of you, there’s a clearer path to making Canada your permanent home. It’s like Canada is rolling out a welcome mat specifically for you.
This isn’t just about filling jobs but about building communities. Canada needs people who will care for the sick, grow food, and keep essential services running. In return, they’re making it easier for you to build the life you’ve always wanted.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Understanding these opportunities is one thing, but actually navigating the Canadian immigration system can still feel overwhelming. Should you apply now or wait? Which province is best for your situation? How do you make sure your application is perfect the first time?
Whether you’re looking at Express Entry, trying to figure out provincial nomination programs, or even considering school admissions as a pathway to Canada, you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Our team helps people just like you turn their Canadian dreams into reality every single day. We know the shortcuts, we understand the system, and we’re here to make your journey as smooth as possible.
Don’t let confusion or uncertainty keep you from the life you deserve. Book a 30 minute or 60 minute consultation with us today and let’s create a personalized roadmap for your Canadian future. Your new life is waiting, let’s make it happen together.