In-Demand Jobs for Canadian Immigration 2026: LMIA, OINP, Express Entry
Canada’s 2026 immigration targets prioritize skilled workers in healthcare, trades, tech, and transport to fill over 500,000 labor gaps. Programs like LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment), OINP (Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program), and Express Entry category draws favor NOC TEER 0-3 occupations with shortages. Focus on jobs offering $50,000–$120,000 salaries, like nurses (average $92,566) or software engineers (average $100,000+). This guide lists specific jobs, salaries, eligibility, and application steps for LMIA-eligible jobs in Canada, OINP-targeted occupations 2026, and more.
LMIA Basics: Secure a Work Permit for High-Demand Jobs
LMIA allows employers to hire foreigners for unfilled roles. A positive LMIA adds 50–200 Express Entry CRS points. In 2026, high-wage LMIA (above provincial median, e.g., $28.39/hr in Ontario) processes in 10–12 weeks; Global Talent Stream (GTS) in 2 weeks for tech jobs. Low-wage LMIA is active in cities like Vancouver and Winnipeg.
LMIA Eligibility Criteria
Job: TEER 0-3 NOC, full-time, average salary $60,000+
Employer: Must advertise on Job Bank for 4 weeks, prove no Canadians available •
You: 1+ year experience, CLB 5+ English/French
Top LMIA Jobs 2026 with NOC and Salaries
Projected shortages: over 54,000 nurse openings and 28,000+ truck drivers by 2031.
Healthcare: Registered Nurses (NOC 31301, avg. $92,566), Licensed Practical Nurses (NOC 32101, avg. $68,320)
Tech (GTS Category B): Software Engineers (NOC 21231, $100,000+), Computer Engineers (NOC 21311, avg. $90,000)
Trades: Electricians (NOC 72200, $55,000–$85,000), Welders (NOC 72106, avg. $60,000), Construction Millwrights (NOC 72400, $77,000–$108,000)
Transport: Truck Drivers (NOC 73300, $52,000–$80,000)
Other: Cooks (NOC 63200, $48,000+), Aircraft Mechanics (NOC 72404, $70,000+)
Steps to Apply for LMIA Job
1Search Job Bank for “LMIA approved” postings (thousands active in healthcare).
Apply to employer; provide resume and experience proof.
Employer submits LMIA to ESDC ($1,000 fee, 4-week ad proof required).
If approved, apply for work permit via IRCC (average 155 days processing).
Use the work permit/LMIA in Express Entry: upload for +50 points.
OINP: Ontario’s Fast-Track for 21,500 Nominations in 2026
OINP nominates over 21,500 people in 2026, up 31% from previous years. Streams like Employer Job Offer (Foreign Worker, In-Demand Skills) require job offers; Human Capital Priorities links to Express Entry (CRS 400+). Recent draws issued thousands of ITAs with scores as low as 34–80. Processing time: 90–120 days.
OINP Eligibility
Job offer: Full-time, permanent, TEER 0-5 in targeted NOC
Experience: 9–12 months in the role
Language: CLB 4+; wage at or above median (e.g., $25/hr in GTA)
Targeted OINP Jobs 2026 with NOC and Salaries
Draws target around 172 occupations; healthcare alone has 24 major shortages.
Healthcare: Managers in Healthcare (NOC 30010, $100,000+), Registered Nurses (NOC 31301, $92,566), Early Childhood Educators (NOC 42202, $50,000)
Trades: Electricians (NOC 72011, $55,000–$85,000), Carpenters (NOC 72013, $60,000), Welders (NOC 72106, $60,000), Construction Estimators (NOC 22303, $79,000–$128,000)
Tech/STEM: Computer Systems Managers (NOC 20012, $110,000), Electrical Engineers (NOC 21310, $90,000), Software Engineers (NOC 21231, $100,000+)
In-Demand Skills (TEER 4-5): Home Support Workers (NOC 44101, $45,000), Truck Drivers (NOC 73300, $52,000–$80,000), Machine Operators (NOC 94100, $50,000), Construction Helpers (NOC 75110, $50,000)
Steps to Apply for OINP
Create Express Entry profile if eligible (CRS 400+ for Human Capital stream).
Secure a job offer from an Ontario employer in a targeted NOC.
Register on the OINP e-filing portal and submit an Expression of Interest (free).
If invited in a draw, apply online ($1,500–$2,000 fee; submit job offer, experience proof, language test).
Receive nomination → +600 CRS points → apply for PR via IRCC (6 months processing).
Express Entry: Category Draws for 2026 Priorities
Express Entry targets around 110,000 admissions in 2026. Category-based draws now require 12 months of experience in the targeted field (up from 6 months). Categories include: French language, Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Education, Transport, Physicians, Senior Managers (NOC 00012–00015), Researchers, Military.
Key Jobs in Express Entry Categories
Healthcare: Physicians (NOC 31100, $200,000+), Nurses (as listed above)
STEM: Engineers (NOC 21300–21399, $90,000), IT Analysts (NOC 21221, $85,000)
Trades: Plumbers (NOC 72300, $52,000–$80,000), Mechanics (NOC 72400, $77,000–$108,000)
Transport: Pilots (NOC 72600, $100,000+), Truck Drivers (as listed above)
Steps for Express Entry
1. Check eligibility: score at least 67/100 points (age, education, experience, language).
2. Submit profile: take language test (aim for CLB 7+), get ECA for foreign education.
3. Enter the pool; aim for CRS 450+ (use the official CRS calculator).
4. If your occupation matches a category draw, receive an ITA (draws every 1–2 weeks).
5. Submit full PR application: $1,365 fee per adult, 6-month processing target.
Practical Tips on How to Get Your Canadian PR
Boost CRS score: get provincial nomination (+600), secure a job offer (+50–200), improve French (+50).
Job search: Use Job Bank (filter for LMIA), LinkedIn (search “OINP jobs Ontario 2026” or “LMIA sponsored”).
Challenges: Unemployment around 5% in many trades; regulated professions (nurses, engineers) require provincial licensing (6–12 months).
