Canada has introduced priority processing for work permits in occupations deemed essential, including healthcare and agriculture roles, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said. The move aims to address persistent labour shortages in these sectors and speeds up employer-specific work permits such as LMIA-based permits, Francophone Mobility Work Permits, and International Experience Canada permits.

Occupations eligible for priority processing

Healthcare roles on the priority list include registered nurses, nurse practitioners, general practitioners, medical laboratory technologists, pharmacists, and paramedical professionals. In agriculture and agri-food, eligible occupations include butchers, meat cutters, farm supervisors, livestock workers, harvesting labourers, and fish and seafood plant workers. Each role corresponds to a National Occupation Classification (NOC) code that must be accurately listed on the work permit application to qualify.

How applicants can benefit

IRCC’s priority processing is triggered automatically when applicants submit an employer-specific work permit in an eligible occupation. Candidates must use the exact NOC code tied to their job offer or LMIA and ensure all documents, including job descriptions, are consistent. Open work permits, such as post-graduation work permits, are not eligible because they are not linked to a specific employer.

Pathway to Permanent Residence

Workers in these occupations may also have an advantage under Express Entry for permanent residence. Candidates with at least six months of experience in these roles can receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) at lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. Most healthcare occupations on the priority list align with Express Entry categories, while only select agriculture roles, like retail butchers, are included.

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IRCC’s new measures are introduced to reduce processing delays for workers filling critical gaps, supporting both the Canadian labour market and skilled immigration pathways.