The labor shortage in both the United States and Canada has been a growing issue for over a decade, and it looks like things are only going to get worse in 2025. On average, the U.S. is adding about 11 million new jobs every month, and Canada is seeing between 30,000 to 50,000 new job openings each month. But here’s the problem: There just aren’t enough qualified workers to fill these positions and in some cases they are not even interested to do the job The result? Both countries are relying more and more on skilled immigrants to help bridge the gap.
Why Are There So Few Workers In Canada & USA
Several factors help explain this scenario of need for foreign labor in the USA, according to Gondim. First, the overheated economy of the United States that quickly recovered from the effects of the pandemic. “The pent-up demand in 2020-2021 (height of COVID-19) resulted in an ‘explosion’ of new companies, startups and the arrival of thousands of foreign entrepreneurs and investors who decided to take their businesses to America.”
There is also a lack of interest among younger generations in studying and working in various professions that were previously coveted, says the lawyer. “Professionals such as airline pilots, doctors, and educators are not attracting as much young people. At the same time, many veteran professionals have retired (or were retired) during the pandemic.”
To make matters worse, according to the lawyer, globalization has allowed many American professionals who were leaders in their fields to migrate to other countries that offer better salaries and benefits, especially emerging countries in the Middle East, such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
1. The Post-Pandemic Economy
The U.S. economy bounced back pretty quickly after the pandemic, leading to a lot of new businesses, startups, and a surge in foreign entrepreneurs looking to do business in the States. But with so many new jobs, there aren’t enough qualified workers to fill them.
2. Changing Career Preferences
A lot of younger people are simply not interested in careers that were once considered high-status, like healthcare, education, or skilled trades (think: plumbers, electricians, welders). This lack of interest is leaving critical industries understaffed.
3. The Retirement Wave
Many older professionals retired (or were forced to retire) during the pandemic, especially in sectors like healthcare and education. These industries now face a real challenge in replacing these experienced workers.
4. Global Competition
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Thanks to globalization, a lot of talented American workers have been lured to countries offering better pay and perks—especially in the Middle East. This has added even more pressure on the labor market in the U.S.
In Canada, the situation is similar, but there are a few additional challenges:
5. An Aging Population
Canada’s population is aging quickly, with one in five Canadians over the age of 65. This means that in the next decade, more and more people will be retiring from professions like healthcare and education, and it’s going to take time to replace them.
6. Skills Don’t Match the Jobs
While there are plenty of job openings, many job seekers in Canada don’t have the right skills to fill these positions. Sectors like tech, healthcare, and construction are growing fast, but finding qualified workers is a major struggle.
7. Pandemic Fallout
The pandemic also created a major shake-up in the workforce, especially in industries like healthcare, transportation, and logistics. Many workers have either retired early or burned out, leaving these sectors even more short-staffed.
8. Small Domestic Workforce
Canada’s smaller population means the country relies heavily on immigrants to meet its labor needs. However, integrating skilled immigrants into the workforce can be slow due to language barriers, credential recognition, and the time it takes to adjust to a new job market.
What Are Governments Doing About It?
Both the U.S. and Canada are aware of the issue and have rolled out a variety of measures to attract skilled workers and ease the labor shortage:
- Immigration Programs: In Canada, programs like Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) make it easier for skilled workers to get a visa. The U.S. also offers work visas and green cards, especially for professionals in high-demand fields.
- Training and Reskilling Initiatives: Both countries are investing in programs that help immigrants and workers gain the skills they need to fill these gaps more quickly.
- Youth Incentives: There’s also a big push to encourage younger people to consider careers in sectors like healthcare, skilled trades, and tech, with the help of scholarships, mentorships, and other incentives.
What’s in It for Immigrants?
The good news is that this worker shortage presents huge opportunities for skilled immigrants. If you’re qualified in a high-demand field, there’s a good chance you could find a career in either the U.S. or Canada, especially with their more welcoming visa programs. For example, the U.S. offers EB (Employment-Based) visas to professionals with experience or education in fields that are experiencing shortages, making it easier to get a green card.
15 Jobs in High Demand for Skilled Immigrants in 2025
As both countries continue to deal with this worker shortage, several key industries are struggling to fill positions. If you’re in any of these fields, you’re in luck! Here are some of the most in-demand careers right now:
1. Doctors
There’s a serious shortage of doctors in the U.S. and Canada, especially in rural and underserved areas. If you’re a physician, you’ll have no trouble finding work.
2. Nurses
The nursing shortage is another big one. After the pandemic, there are still over a million positions that need to be filled in the U.S. alone. High demand means high pay, especially in states like California and Texas.
3. Physiotherapists
With an aging population, physical therapists are in high demand, and they can make great money doing it. The need for qualified professionals is especially high in California, Nevada, and New Jersey.
4. Dentists
Both the U.S. and Canada have a long-standing shortage of dentists, especially in rural areas. This means you can earn a solid salary while helping people get their smiles back.
5. Engineers
There’s a massive need for engineers across the U.S., particularly in fields like civil, electrical, and oil and gas. With a predicted shortage of 6 million engineers by 2026, this field offers a wealth of opportunities.
6. Pilots
The aviation industry in the U.S. is facing a serious shortage of pilots, leading to flight cancellations and delays. If you’re a commercial pilot, there’s a huge demand for your skills.
7. Teachers
Teachers, particularly in special education and language courses, are in high demand. If you’re an educator, you’ll find plenty of job opportunities, especially in states like California, Arizona, and Washington.
8. Tech/IT Professionals
The U.S. tech industry has an overwhelming need for IT professionals, especially in cybersecurity and software development. Tech salaries are also some of the highest in the country, making this a very attractive field for skilled immigrants.
9. Logistics Professionals
The logistics and transportation industry needs professionals to keep goods moving, especially after the disruptions caused by the pandemic. Truck drivers and logistics engineers are in high demand, with salaries upwards of $100,000.
10. Entrepreneurs
With the U.S. economy booming, there are plenty of opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs to start or grow businesses. If you’re a business owner, the U.S. offers various programs to help you get started, from grants to loans.
11. Hospitality and Tourism Workers
The hospitality industry is bouncing back post-pandemic, and there’s a shortage of workers in roles like chefs, hotel managers, and event planners.
12. Environmental Scientists
With the focus on sustainability, environmental professionals like climate change analysts and energy auditors are in high demand in both countries.
13. Researchers and Academics
STEM researchers and academics are needed in both the U.S. and Canada, particularly in fields like engineering, biotechnology, and computer science. Universities and research institutions are constantly looking for skilled professionals.
14. Agricultural Workers
Canada’s vast agricultural sector depends heavily on immigrant workers to maintain operations. There’s a demand for everything from farm managers to seasonal laborers.
15. Social Workers
Social workers are always in demand, especially in areas like mental health, family services, and community development. These roles often come with competitive pay and job security.
Conclusion
The shortage of skilled workers in the U.S. and Canada is a real challenge, but it also opens up incredible opportunities for skilled immigrants. If you’re qualified in any of the high-demand fields listed above, now is the time to look into visa options and make a move. Whether you’re a doctor, engineer, teacher, or IT professional, both countries offer plenty of opportunities to build a great career while helping fill these important labor gaps.
