Canada is giving applicants in certain essential roles the advantage of faster processing for their employer-specific work permits. This applies to:
- LMIA-based work permits
- Francophone Mobility Work Permits
- International Experience Canada (IEC) work permits
Which jobs qualify for priority processing?
The priority occupations address persistent labour shortages across Canada, mainly in healthcare and agriculture/agri-food sectors.
Healthcare Roles Include (NOC Codes):
- Nursing coordinators & supervisors (31300)
- Registered nurses & psychiatric nurses (31301)
- Specialists in clinical/lab medicine (31100) & surgery (31101)
- Police investigators & other investigative roles (41310)
- General practitioners & family physicians (31102)
- Nurse practitioners (31302)
- Physician assistants, midwives, allied health (31303)
- Respiratory & cardiopulmonary technologists (32103)
- Pharmacists (31120)
- Medical lab technologists & assistants (32120, 33101)
- Medical radiation & cardiology technologists (32121, 32123)
- Licensed practical nurses (32101)
- Paramedical occupations (32102)
- Nurse aides & patient service associates (33102)
Agriculture & Agri-Food Roles Include (NOC Codes):
- Butchers – retail & wholesale (63201)
- Meat & fish cutters (65202)
- Farm supervisors & service contractors (82030)
- Livestock labourers & specialized machinery operators (85100, 84120)
- Harvesting, nursery, greenhouse labourers (85101, 85103)
- Fish & seafood plant workers (94142, 95107)
- Food & beverage processing labourers (95106)
- Industrial butchers & poultry preparers (94141)
How to get priority processing:
Applicants don’t apply separately—IRCC automatically prioritizes applications if you:
- Apply for an employer-specific work permit in a qualifying occupation.
- Use the exact NOC code listed on your job offer/LMIA.
- Ensure consistency between your job title, LMIA, and work permit application.
Note: This doesn’t apply to open work permits like PGWPs or IEC working holiday permits.
Does this help with permanent residence?
Yes! Workers in priority occupations may get an Express Entry advantage, potentially receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) with lower CRS scores.
- Most healthcare priority roles are included in Express Entry’s healthcare category (except Police Investigators, 41310).
- In agriculture/agri-food, only Butchers (63201) are included in Express Entry’s occupational list.
Eligible workers with at least six months of experience in these roles can increase their chances of getting Canadian PR faster.
