Canada Job Vacancies: Tips for Immigrants and Visa Seekers
Canada’s job market is experiencing a shift, with vacancies decreasing in April 2025. The total number of job openings now stands at 501,300, marking the lowest point since October 2017. However, despite this decline, there are still areas of opportunity, especially for newcomers willing to explore industries with strong demand, such as health care, food services, and various sectors in the Prairies.
April 2025 Job Market Snapshot
Total job vacancies: 501,300
Month-over-month change: -3.2%
Year-over-year change: -15.4%
Job vacancy rate: 2.8% (the lowest since 2017)
Unemployed persons per vacancy: 3.1 (up from 2.9 in March)
Why are Vacancies Declining?
The job market has faced a slowdown, with employers becoming cautious amid high borrowing costs and reduced consumer spending. While the unemployment rate has increased to 6.9%, this rise is primarily due to a larger workforce rather than significant layoffs.
Where is the Demand?
- Health Care and Social Assistance – 4.1% vacancy rate
Even with a 23.9% drop in openings over the past year, health care remains a top sector for job seekers. Positions for doctors, nurses, and personal support workers continue to be in high demand across various provinces. - Accommodation and Food Services – 4.0% vacancy rate
Restaurants and hotels are actively looking for staff, especially cooks and servers, despite a 21.7% decline in vacancies year-over-year. Many employers are leveraging provincial nominee streams to attract talent. - Finance and Insurance – vacancies down 18% in April
While hiring has slowed sharply, tech-savvy newcomers with skills in risk analysis or fintech may still find opportunities in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal. - Wholesale Trade – vacancies down 13.7% in April
This sector has seen a decline, reflecting softer retail sales nationwide.
Provincial Job Landscape
| Province | April Vacancies | MoM Change | Vacancy Rate | Highlights for Immigrants |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manitoba | 17,300 | Little change | 3.3% | Demand for health care, trucking, and food manufacturing |
| Saskatchewan | 13,700 | Little change | 3.3% | Agricultural tech, nursing, and construction trades |
| British Columbia | 78,700 | -8.5% | 3.1% | Tech and tourism sectors still hiring |
| Alberta | 61,200 | -9.4% | 2.9% | Energy transition and film production driving demand |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 4,200 | -26.3% | 2.1% | Offshore projects creating sporadic job openings |
Even at the lowest vacancy rates, provinces are still targeting essential occupations like nurses and early childhood educators through skilled streams.
Unemployment-to-Vacancy Ratio
Currently, Canada has about 3.1 unemployed individuals for each open job. While this ratio can favour employers, it’s still below the global average of around 5:1. Provinces with ratios under 3:1 often process Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nominations more quickly for in-demand roles.
Strategic Job Search Tips for Newcomers
- Focus on high-need sectors – Health care, childcare, and skilled trades are consistently in demand.
- Consider regional programmes – Smaller provinces may offer faster nominations due to higher vacancy rates.
- Upgrade your credentials – Local equivalency can be crucial in a competitive market.
- Watch for seasonal hiring – Areas like accommodation and food services tend to ramp up hiring in spring and summer.
- Utilise employer-specific streams – Programs like the Recognised Employer Pilot can expedite the work-permit process.
Have your say! Got a question, opinion, or experience to share about working in Canada? Leave a comment below and join the conversation.
