Canada Is Prioritizing These Occupations for Faster Work Permit Processing

Canada is prioritizing certain “essential service” occupations for faster processing of employer-specific work permit applications.

This is not a separate immigration stream. Instead, eligible applications may be processed more quickly when the job falls under specific National Occupation Classification (NOC) codes identified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

This priority applies mainly to employer-specific work permits, including:

• LMIA-based work permits

• Francophone Mobility work permits

• Certain International Experience Canada (IEC) employer-specific permits

Open work permits (such as the Post-Graduation Work Permit or Working Holiday permits) generally do not qualify because they are not tied to a specific employer and NOC code.

Official IRCC work permit information:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada.html

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Healthcare Occupations Receiving Priority Processing

The following healthcare occupations are currently identified for priority work permit processing:

These occupations align with Canada’s ongoing healthcare labour shortages.

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Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations Receiving Priority

The following occupations are also prioritized:

These roles reflect persistent labour shortages in food production and supply chains.

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How Priority Processing Works in Practice

There is no special form to request priority processing.

Priority is triggered when:

1. The job offer or LMIA lists an eligible NOC code

2. The same NOC code is used correctly in the work permit application

3. All documents are consistent with that NOC

Applicants should:

• Use the exact NOC code provided in the employer’s LMIA or Employer Portal submission

• Ensure job duties match the selected NOC

• Avoid inconsistencies between documents

Because the system routes applications partly based on occupation, correct NOC selection is critical.

Official NOC search tool:
https://noc.esdc.gc.ca/

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Does Priority Processing Mean Guaranteed Approval?

No.

Priority processing may reduce wait times, but applicants must still:

• Meet eligibility requirements

• Provide complete documentation

• Pass medical and security checks

• Obtain a positive LMIA (if required)

Processing speed can still vary depending on workload and application completeness.

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Do These Occupations Have Better PR Opportunities?

In many cases, yes.

Several healthcare occupations listed above are also included in Express Entry’s healthcare category-based draws.

Official Express Entry categories:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/category-based-selection.html

If you gain at least six months of qualifying experience in a category occupation and meet Express Entry eligibility, you may be invited with a lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score compared to general draws.

However:

• Not all occupations on the priority work permit list appear in Express Entry category-based selection

• PR is never automatic

• You must still meet language, education, and program eligibility requirements

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Reality Check

Priority work permit processing:

• Applies mainly to employer-specific permits

• Does not apply to most open work permits

• Does not guarantee approval

• Does not automatically lead to permanent residence

It is designed to help employers fill urgent labour shortages faster.