Canada recorded 510,200 job vacancies in the second quarter of 2026, according to the latest Statistics Canada Job Vacancy and Wage Survey. The national job vacancy rate remained at 2.8%, showing that employers across the country continued to have open positions.
For people exploring Canadian immigration, the latest labour-market data provides useful insight into where employment demand exists. However, having a large number of vacancies in an occupation does not automatically mean that a worker qualifies for Express Entry, a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), or another immigration pathway.
Canada Has 510,200 Job Vacancies in Q2 2026
Statistics Canada reported 510,200 vacant positions across Canada in the second quarter of 2026.
The number was relatively stable compared with the previous quarter, while the national vacancy rate remained at 2.8%.
Other key labour-market figures included:
- 510,200: total job vacancies
- 2.8%: national job vacancy rate
- 3.0: unemployed people per vacancy
- 25.9%: share of vacancies open for at least 90 days
- $28.55: average offered hourly wage
The figures provide a snapshot of Canada’s employment demand and can help workers understand broader trends in the Canadian job market in 2026.
Labour Demand Continues to Grow in Canada
Canada’s total labour demand increased by 58,100 positions, or 0.3%, during the second quarter.
The increase was mainly linked to payroll employment, which grew by 55,600 positions.
Compared with the second quarter of 2025, total labour demand increased by 181,100 positions, or 1.0%.
This means Canada’s overall labour demand continued to expand even though the number of unfilled positions remained relatively stable.
Three Unemployed People for Every Job Vacancy
The unemployment-to-job-vacancy ratio remained at 3.0 unemployed people for every vacant position in Q2 2026.
The ratio was slightly lower than the 3.1 recorded in Q2 2025.
This measure is useful because the number of job vacancies alone does not show the availability of workers looking for employment. The unemployment-to-vacancy ratio provides additional context about the relationship between available workers and open positions.
Which Jobs Have More Vacancies in Canada?
Job demand varies significantly between occupations.
Natural and Applied Sciences
Natural and applied sciences and related occupations recorded 42,300 vacancies, an increase of 1,800 from the previous quarter.
Some occupations showing year-over-year increases included:
- Software developers and programmers
- User support technicians
- Construction estimators
Software developers and programmers reached 3,500 vacancies, while user support technicians had 2,400.
These figures may be relevant to people researching high-demand jobs in Canada, although immigration eligibility depends on the specific program and candidate profile.
Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators
Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations recorded 98,600 vacancies in Q2 2026.
Vacancies in this broad occupational group increased by 6.6% year over year.
Notable increases included:
- Material handlers: 9,200 vacancies
- Residential and commercial installers and servicers: 2,900
- Transport truck drivers: 13,800
The data shows continued demand across several trade and transportation occupations.
Healthcare Vacancies Decline Year Over Year
Healthcare vacancies moved in the opposite direction.
Statistics Canada reported 5,500 fewer healthcare vacancies, representing a 7.9% year-over-year decline.
Education, law and social, community and government services also recorded fewer vacancies, declining by 6,500 positions or 13.3% year over year.
This highlights an important point for people researching Canada immigration for skilled workers: labour demand can change between occupations, provinces and time periods.
Manufacturing and Utilities Vacancies Rise
Manufacturing and utilities recorded a 19.2% year-over-year increase in vacancies, equivalent to 3,200 additional positions.
Sales and service occupations also increased by 4,000 vacancies, or 2.6%.
At the same time, vacancies requiring a high school diploma or less increased by 7,000, or 2.4%, compared with Q2 2025.
Vacancies requiring a trade certificate or diploma increased by 2,700, or 3.9%.
Canada Job Vacancies and Immigration
The latest Canada job vacancies 2026 figures can provide useful labour-market context for people considering immigration.
Some Canadian immigration pathways are connected to employment, including certain Provincial Nominee Programs, Express Entry categories and employer-supported programs.
However, a job vacancy does not automatically create immigration eligibility.
Applicants may need to meet requirements related to:
- Education
- Language proficiency
- Skilled work experience
- Occupation
- Job offer requirements
- Wage conditions
- Employer requirements
- Provincial criteria
- Immigration program eligibility
For this reason, workers should look at the requirements of their specific immigration pathway rather than relying only on national job vacancy numbers.
Average Offered Wage Reaches $28.55
The average offered hourly wage for vacant positions increased 2.0% year over year to $28.55 in Q2 2026.
Statistics Canada noted that wage growth for vacant positions has slowed from its 7.6% peak in Q3 2024.
Importantly, the $28.55 figure represents the average offered wage for vacant positions. It should not be interpreted as the average income earned by all Canadian workers.
Job Vacancies Vary Across Canadian Provinces
Labour demand was not the same across all provinces and regions.
Newfoundland and Labrador recorded 700 additional vacancies, representing a 14.9% increase from the previous quarter.
Year over year, vacancies increased in:
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Northwest Territories
Toronto recorded the largest quarterly increase at the economic-region level, with 3,600 additional vacancies.
These regional differences can be important for people researching jobs in Canada because employment demand may differ considerably from one province or economic region to another.
What Does Canada’s Job Vacancy Data Mean for Immigrants?
Canada’s labour-market data can help prospective immigrants understand employment trends, but it should not be treated as an immigration eligibility calculator.
For example, an occupation may have thousands of vacancies while a particular immigration program may have additional requirements or may not target that occupation at a given time.
People considering Express Entry Canada, Provincial Nominee Programs or other economic immigration options should assess the current requirements of the specific pathway.
The latest Statistics Canada data therefore provides labour-market context rather than a guarantee of immigration eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many job vacancies are there in Canada in 2026?
Canada recorded 510,200 job vacancies in Q2 2026.
What is Canada’s job vacancy rate?
The national job vacancy rate was 2.8% in the second quarter of 2026.
Which occupational group had the most vacancies?
Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations recorded 98,600 vacancies among the broad occupational groups discussed in the Statistics Canada data.
Are healthcare jobs still in demand in Canada?
Healthcare continued to have vacant positions, but the number of healthcare vacancies decreased by 7.9% year over year in Q2 2026.
Do job vacancies make someone eligible for Canadian immigration?
No. A job vacancy does not automatically make someone eligible for Canadian immigration. Applicants must meet the requirements of the specific immigration program they are applying through.
Conclusion
Canada recorded 510,200 job vacancies in Q2 2026, while the national vacancy rate remained at 2.8%. Demand increased in areas such as trades, transport, natural and applied sciences, manufacturing and utilities, while some occupational groups experienced year-over-year declines.
For prospective immigrants, the figures offer a useful look at the Canadian labour market in 2026. However, employment demand and immigration eligibility are separate issues. Workers should evaluate their occupation, education, language skills, work experience and the current requirements of the immigration pathway they are considering before making a decision.
