Canada is known for its diverse and inclusive immigration system, which allows individuals from around the world to live and work in the country. For work permit holders, transitioning to permanent residency (PR) is a common goal. One of the key factors in this transition is the industries that offer the best opportunities for work permit holders to remain in Canada permanently.
Certain sectors in Canada are particularly successful at retaining foreign workers who apply for and become permanent residents. These industries not only provide long-term job stability but also offer pathways for career advancement, making them attractive to those seeking to settle in Canada permanently.
The industries had the highest retention rates in Canada
| Industry | % of workers who remained in the industry 1 year after receiving PR | % of workers who remained in the industry 5 years after receiving PR |
| Healthcare & Social assistance | 81.4% | 64.9% |
| Utilities | 80.3% | 58% |
| Finance & insurance | 77.1% | 55.2% |
| Public administration | 72% | 51.2% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 70.4% | 49% |
| Manufacturing | 74% | 48.9% |
| Construction | 70% | 47.3% |
Industries had the lowest retention rates in Canada
| Industry | % of workers who remained in the industry 1 year after receiving PR | % of workers who remained in the industry 5 years after receiving PR |
| Management of companies & enterprises | 36.7% | 8.7% |
| Real estate, rental & leasing | 46.2% | 19.4% |
| Other services | 45.5% | 20% |
| Administrative & support, waste management and remediation services | 54.3% | 21% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 52.8% | 24.1% |
Canada’s immigration system offers a wealth of opportunities for work permit holders who aspire to transition to permanent residency. Industries such as Healthcare & Social assistance, Utilities, Finance & Insurance, Public administration, Transportation & Warehousing, Manufacturing and Construction have high retention rates for foreign workers. These sectors not only offer stable employment but also provide a variety of pathways to permanent residency through programs like Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs, and industry-specific immigration streams.
For work permit holders, aligning your skills with one of these in-demand industries can significantly increase your chances of obtaining permanent residency in Canada. Whether you are already working in Canada or planning to apply, these industries provide strong foundations for long-term success and settlement in the country.
