Ontario Identifies 9 In-Demand Occupations Eligible for Permanent Residency

Ontario in-demand occupations for PR have become a focus area in the 2025 immigration roadmap. With nearly a 50% reduction in nomination quotas for 2025, Ontario is focusing on select disciplines that drive its economy—primarily healthcare and information technology. These positions could lead to permanent residency status in Canada if that is your desire.

Let’s keep it clear, quick, and simple.

What’s New in 2025?

• Ontario had 21,500 nominations in 2024. This number has been cut in half to 10,750 for 2025.
• In 2024, 9 occupations made up 45% of all nominations. Almost half!
• These occupations are expected to remain a priority again this year.
• Healthcare and IT continue to have the highest demand due to acute shortages.

The 9 High-Demand Jobs That Got the Green Light

Healthcare Offers

3,200 nominations in 2024 went to healthcare. Ontario wants you. It needs you. Desperately.

• Registered Nurses & Psychiatric Nurses – NOC 31301
• Pharmacists – NOC 31120
• Family Physicians – NOC 31102
• Nurse Aides & Patient Service Associates – NOC 33102

Canada’s healthcare system isn’t just understaffed, it’s now recruiting. If you are qualified, you are in demand.

Tech Trailblazers

Over 6,300 nominations went for tech roles–almost 1 in every 3 nominations.

• Software Engineers – NOC 21231
• Programmers & Developers – NOC 21232
• Business Systems Specialists – NOC 21221
• Info Systems Specialists – NOC 21222
• User Support Technicians – NOC 22221

If your code speaks louder than the words, Ontario is listening.

Ontario High-Demand Jobs Immigration Strategy

Ontario’s strategy is no longer focused on volume, it is focused on precision.

• Attention is shifting to quality over quantity.
• A new policy allows applications to be returned; if your profile does not align, you may be bounced (with a refund).
• Streams like Human Capital Priorities and Employer Job Offer remain key.

This isn’t just like Tinder, where Ontario is just swiping right– Ontario wants to see your résumé before it repulses!

What Will You Expect this Year?

• Increased scrutiny. Accuracy and completeness of your documents are paramount.
• Increased competition. Decreased spaces and stricter focus.
• Sector focus. Healthcare and tech will dominate again.
• Support for every profile. International graduates, tradespeople, and French speakers continue to have viable pathways.

In a nutshell: It’s no longer about applying fast, it’s about applying smart.

Need Help? You’re Not Alone.

The system is growing and changing. Policies, priorities, and timelines change.

This is where Abhinav Immigration Services comes in.

With 30 years of experience consulting and supporting immigrants, Abhinav will help you prepare a strong, targeted, error-free application in line with what Ontario is actively focusing on right now.

Conclusion: Get Ready with the Ontario PNP Occupations List

The narrowed focus means that if you meet the criteria for one of the identified top 9 jobs, your chances have increased exponentially.