Best In-Demand Jobs for Newcomers to Canada in 2025

Starting over isn’t easy, especially in a new country. If you’re unsure where to begin, focusing on in-demand careers can help you feel more settled. Many jobs in Canada are hiring across provinces and don’t require a university degree to get started. These roles emphasize practical skills and provide a clear path to work, earn, and build your future while you adjust to life here. 

Listen to: Best In-Demand Jobs for Newcomers to Canada in 2025

Why Newcomers Should Choose High-Demand Careers in Canada

Starting a new life in Canada often means rethinking your career path, especially when local experience and credentials are required for even entry-level roles. One way to move forward with more certainty is to focus on industries that need people now. 

The best jobs for newcomers in Canada are often found in fields like technology, healthcare, finance, marketing, and HR. These sectors continue to hire across the country, offering stable work and room to grow. 

Focusing your attention on in-demand careers can also make your job search more straightforward. These roles are easier to find, job postings often include salary details, and there’s less guesswork when it comes to what employers expect. 

It’s a practical way to build a stable foundation, gain that much-needed local experience, and start working toward your long-term career goals with more clarity and direction.

Top High-Demand Jobs for Newcomers in Canada (No Degree Needed)

Finding the right job early on can make a big difference. For newcomers, high-demand careers without a degree offer a faster, more practical way to get started. These include:

Administrative Assistant – An In-Demand Office Job for Newcomers

Administrative assistants work in all kinds of offices, from government and healthcare to private businesses. They organize both physical and digital files, respond to emails and calls, schedule appointments, and support routine office procedures. 

Because of their integral role in daily operations, employers in most provinces are actively hiring for this position. Many prefer candidates who have earned a diploma. 

To meet workplace expectations, you’ll usually need to have strong communication skills (both written and verbal), time management skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office programs like Word, Excel, and Outlook. 

Curline L., SBC College Administrative Assistant program instructor, highlights, “When students begin learning professional communication and office software, their confidence noticeably grows. They see firsthand how these practical skills apply in any workplace.” 

National Occupation Classification Code: 13110 

Average Salary Range: $18.00 -$35.77/hr. 

Advice for Newcomers:  

Start with training that covers administrative procedures, professional communication, and records management. This will help you get familiar with how Canadian offices work. It can also help you write better emails, manage your time more effectively, and stay organized throughout the workday.

Accounting Clerk – A Stable Career in the Canadian Job Market

If you’re detail-oriented and good with numbers, working as an accounting clerk can be a rewarding career with long-term stability. This role involves managing financial records, preparing tax returns, and assisting accountants with various tasks such as processing invoices, reconciling accounts, and maintaining accurate financial data. The demand for skilled accounting clerks continues to grow as businesses of all sizes look for reliable support to manage their operations efficiently and adapt to growing financial needs. 

This job typically requires a college diploma in accounting. Many employers value local experience in accounting, especially if you are familiar with Canadian accounting software like QuickBooks. 

Andrew C., SBC College Accounting program instructor, notes, “Students with knowledge of accounting software and financial procedures quickly become invaluable team members. Their ability to handle financial data accurately makes them essential assets in any business.” 

National Occupation Classification Code: 14200 

Average Salary Range: $18.00 – $34.62 /hr. 

Advice for Newcomers:  

If your experience is from outside of Canada, a diploma focused on Canadian accounting practices can help. Learning software like QuickBooks and completing a practicum as part of your training can improve your job prospects.   

Networking through CPA Canada events can lead to referrals, job leads, and insight into what employers in your area are looking for.

HR Coordinator – Secure a Career in Canada’s Business Sector

Canada’s workforce is expanding, and so is the need for people who can support hiring, training, and day-to-day communication between employees and management. HR coordinators help make that happen by organizing recruitment, maintaining records, scheduling onboarding, and answering staff questions. Often considered an entry-level position, this is a common starting point for a career in human resources. 

Employers typically look for candidates who have a college diploma in business administration, executive administrative assistance or human resources management, along with strong interpersonal skills.  

National Occupation Classification Code: 11200 

Average Salary Range: $24.04 -59.23 /hr. 

Advice for Newcomers:  

Look for training that introduces you to HR practices and Canadian workplace culture. This helps you understand how hiring, onboarding, and employee communication work. Joining local HR groups or attending webinars can also give you insight into what employers expect and help you connect with others in the field.

Medical Administrative Assistant – Work in Canada’s Growing Healthcare Sector

As Canada’s population continues to age, the need for medical administrative assistants in healthcare environments is growing. These professionals help manage patient records, book appointments, and support the daily work of healthcare teams. 

For newcomers, this role offers a stable entry point into the workforce and offers the opportunity to build a career in healthcare without needing a medical degree. Most positions require a college diploma in medical administration or clinical assistance. Employers also look for people who are familiar with medical terminology and comfortable using electronic health record systems. 

As Janice T., an SBC College Medical Administrative Assistant Program instructor, explains, “Students are often surprised at how much medical language and software they need to know. Once they know that, they feel more prepared to step into a healthcare setting with confidence.” 

National Occupation Classification Code: 13112   

Average Salary Range: $18.00 -$31.25 /hr. 

Advice for Newcomers:  

Look for training that covers Electronic Health Record systems like Accuro, along with medical office procedures. Building your medical vocabulary can also help during interviews and when speaking with patients or healthcare staff.

Personal Care Aide – A Rewarding Healthcare Job in High Demand

There is a growing shortage of personal care aides across Canada, which has increased demand for trained professionals in home and community care. Personal care aides support seniors, individuals with disabilities, and people recovering from illness. They assist with hygiene, meal preparation, mobility, and offer social interaction. 

Because this work involves close, hands-on care, employers are looking for candidates who have completed professional training and possess the practical skills needed to support clients safely and respectfully. 

National Occupation Classification Code: 44101 

Average Salary Range: $15.55 -$25.63 /hr. 

Advice for Newcomers:  

Look for healthcare training that prepares you for what personal care work actually involves. You’ll need hands-on skills like helping with mobility, assisting with hygiene, supporting clients at mealtimes, and using proper communication in sensitive situations. Training can also prepare you to work with people living with dementia, understand medical terminology, monitor vital signs, and safely assist with oxygen therapy and medications. Some programs even offer paid training, so you can start building experience while you learn. With the right preparation, you’ll be ready to provide safe, respectful care to clients in homes, communities, and long-term care settings.

IT Network Administrator – High-Paying Jobs in the Tech Industry

For those with a background in IT or an interest in technology, working as a network administrator is an in-demand career that can get you into the Canadian tech field. 

This position involves setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting computer networks within organizations. With businesses shifting increasingly towards fully digital operations, demand for IT professionals continues to grow year over year. 

For this role, employers expect candidates to have completed a diploma in networking or computer systems. 

As Trevor M., an SBC College IT Network Administrator program instructor, emphasizes, “Our program focuses on hands-on learning with networking protocols, hardware, and system configuration. Students graduate ready to tackle real-world network challenges and equipped with the skills needed to manage and troubleshoot networks effectively.” 

National Occupation Classification Code: 22220 

Average Salary Range: $20.19 – $52.88 /hr. 

Advice for Newcomers:  

Get training in core networking, system administration, and cybersecurity. These areas form the foundation of most tech roles in Canada. 

You can also prepare for certifications like CompTIA Network+, Server+, and Security+ to make you stand out in the job market. If you’ve trained in Azure, hybrid server environments, or remote system administration, be sure to highlight that on your resume. Connecting with local tech meetups or joining LinkedIn groups focused on IT can also help you stay informed and grow your network.

Graphic Design Specialist – Turn Your Creativity into an In-Demand Career

Graphic design specialists bring creative concepts to life by producing visual content for print and digital platforms, helping businesses stand out through their branding, marketing, and communications efforts. In Canada, there’s consistent demand for graphic designers across sectors like advertising, corporate communications, and non-profits.  

Most entry-level graphic design positions require a diploma in graphic design or digital media. Employers are looking for experience with Adobe software such as Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign, along with a strong portfolio that shows your ability to follow brand guidelines, manage layouts, and work with colour and typography. 

National Occupation Classification Code: 52120 

Average Salary Range: $19.50 -$51.92/hr. 

Advice for Newcomers:  

Look for training that includes Adobe tools and practicum placement. Projects from your program can be added to your portfolio to show how you’ve worked with client needs, followed brand guidelines, and used industry software to complete design work. Sharing your portfolio online is a great way to start building local connections and finding job opportunities.

How to Get Started in an In-Demand Career

While the jobs listed above don’t require a university degree, they do call for specific skills-based training and workplace knowledge. A career college diploma can help you build that foundation in a short amount of time. Programs often focus on using the latest tools, understanding Canadian workplace expectations, and gaining hands-on experience through practicums. 

At SBC College, the following diploma programs are designed to help newcomers prepare for high-demand careers: 

• Administrative Assistant Diploma: Develop skills in office procedures, business communications, and software applications to efficiently manage administrative tasks in various office settings.  
• Accounting Diploma: Gain knowledge in financial accounting, managerial accounting, and computerized accounting systems, preparing you for entry-level accounting positions. 
• Medical Administrative Diploma: Acquire expertise in medical office procedures, medical terminology, and clinical practices to assist in healthcare environments. 
• Personal Care Aide Diploma: Receive training in personal care techniques, patient support, and basic health care to provide assistance to individuals in need.  
• I.T. Network Administrator Diploma: Develop skills in network installation, maintenance, and security to manage and support organizational IT infrastructures.  
• Graphic Design Specialist Diploma: Learn about design principles, digital media, and industry-standard software to create visual content for various platforms.  

Each program focuses on building the competencies that Canadian employers are looking for, so you have the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience you need to enter the career you want.  

To take the next step, connect with an admissions advisor who can walk you through your options and help you choose a program that fits your goals. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the most in-demand jobs in Canada for newcomers?  

In-demand jobs for newcomers often fall into sectors like technology, healthcare, business support, and finance. Roles in these fields provide stability and opportunities for growth, with positions such as administrative assistants, accounting clerks, HR coordinators, medical administrative assistants, personal care aides, IT network administrators, and graphic design specialists. Many of these roles don’t require a university degree, focusing more on practical skills and hands-on experience. 

How does pay transparency help job seekers in Canada?  

When job postings include salary ranges, it helps you know what to expect and allows you to have an informed negotiation with employers. For newcomers to Canada, it creates a more open job market where you can easily compare opportunities and make informed decisions.  

What industries are growing fastest in Canada?  

Technology, healthcare, finance, and business administration are seeing the fastest growth. With the shift to digital, IT professionals are in high demand, while healthcare roles like medical administrative assistants and personal care aides are expanding due to Canada’s aging population. 

How can newcomers gain Canadian work experience?  

Newcomers can gain Canadian experience through career-focused diploma programs, which provide hands-on training and practicum opportunities that see graduates enter roles quickly in their desired field. 

What are the easiest jobs for newcomers to get in Canada?  

Roles like administrative assistants, personal care aides, and accounting clerks are easy to break into when you have the right training. They’re in high demand and typically focus on practical skills, making them great entry points for skilled workers. 

How can I find a job in Canada as a newcomer?  

Research in-demand roles, network on platforms like LinkedIn, and connect with local groups. Enrolling in career-focused diploma programs can help you build skills and gain the local experience employers are looking for. 

Can I work in Canada without permanent residency?  

Yes! You can work in Canada with a work permit or as an international student. While Canadian permanent residence opens up more opportunities, including government student aid funding, work permits allow newcomers to gain experience and earn income while settling in. 

What provinces have the most job opportunities for newcomers? 

Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta offer the most job opportunities, especially in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary. Smaller provinces are also growing and may offer unique opportunities with less competition.