Thinking of Changing Careers? These Jobs Offer the Easiest Route to Canadian Permanent Residency via Express Entry
As Canada’s Express Entry system becomes increasingly competitive, many foreign nationals are reevaluating their career paths to enhance their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
For those who don’t hold a provincial nomination, aren’t fluent in French, and can’t meet the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores needed under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Express Entry’s category-based draws present a strategic alternative.
These targeted draws focus on specific occupations and typically feature lower CRS cut-off scores, opening doors to a broader group of applicants.
What Are Category-Based Express Entry Draws?
In 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced occupation-specific category-based rounds of invitations, designed to address labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, education, trades, STEM, and agri-food.
To be eligible for these draws, candidates must:
- Meet the basic requirements of one of the Express Entry programs (CEC, FSWP, or FSTP).
- Have completed at least six months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a single occupation that falls within the targeted categories.
- Have obtained this experience within the last three years.
This new approach gives a strategic advantage to those with practical work experience in essential fields, even if their overall CRS score is not competitive enough for general draws.
Fast-Track Jobs That Can Help You Qualify
We’ve compiled a list of occupations that are among the easiest to enter and meet the minimum eligibility criteria for Express Entry category-based draws.
The list includes training requirements, median salaries, CRS scores from the most recent draws, and whether the occupation qualifies for a Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) under the latest IRCC regulations.
Top Occupations That Require Minimal Training and Offer Express Entry Potential
| Occupation | Time to Start Working | Latest CRS Cut-off | Category | Median Pay (CAD/hr) | SOWP Eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching Assistants (NOC 43100) | 10 months – 2 years | 479 (May 1, 2025) | Education | $24.36 | Yes |
| Insurance Agents & Brokers (NOC 63100) | A few weeks – months | 491 (April 11, 2024) | STEM | $29.77 | No |
| Medical Lab Assistants (NOC 33101) | 1–2 years | 510 (May 2, 2025) | Healthcare | $26.35 | Yes |
| Nurse Aides & Patient Associates (NOC 33102) | Can start immediately | N/A | Healthcare | $23 | Yes |
| Pharmacy Assistants (NOC 33103) | Can start immediately | N/A | Healthcare | $20 | Yes |
| Cooks (NOC 63200) | Can start immediately | 433 (Oct 23, 2024) | Trades | $17 | No |
| Concrete Finishers (NOC 73100) | Can start immediately | N/A | Trades | $32.76 | Yes |
| Floor Installers (NOC 73113) | Can start immediately | N/A | Trades | $26.92 | Yes |
| Roofers & Shinglers (NOC 73110) | Can start immediately | N/A | Trades | $30 | Yes |
| Painters & Decorators (NOC 73112) | Can start immediately | N/A | Trades | $26 | Yes |
| Butchers – Retail/Wholesale (NOC 63201) | Can start immediately | 437 (Feb 16, 2024) | Agri-Food | $19.50 | No |
Career Insights: Which Jobs Are the Most Accessible?
Education Support Roles
With a college diploma (10 months to 2 years), you could qualify to work as a school teaching assistant, helping children with assignments and classroom activities. The May 2025 draw for this field had a CRS cut-off of just 479.
Healthcare Support Positions
Roles like nurse aides or pharmacy assistants often require little to no post-secondary training, allowing immediate entry into the workforce. These roles are in high demand, with ongoing draws and strong prospects.
Trades Occupations
Professions like painters, roofers, floor installers, and concrete finishers typically allow you to begin working right away. Apprenticeships or prior experience may lead to certification, but this is optional in most provinces outside Quebec.
Real-Life Example: Career Switch for Success
Meet Brian, a 26-year-old international graduate with a CRS score of 470. Although he qualifies under the Canadian Experience Class, that score hasn’t been enough in 2025 draws.
To increase his chances, Brian enrolls in an education program, works for six months as a teaching assistant, and his CRS score jumps to 505. With this boost, he would have easily received an ITA in the recent Education draw, which had a cut-off of 479.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic career shifts can drastically improve Express Entry outcomes.
- Trades and healthcare jobs offer immediate work opportunities and SOWP eligibility.
- Even if you don’t have a high CRS score, category-based draws may still offer a viable path to PR.
Key News Highlights
- Category-based Express Entry draws continue to offer lower CRS cut-offs for in-demand jobs.
- Several occupations allow candidates to start working with minimal education or certification.
- Strategic shifts into qualifying occupations can dramatically improve immigration outcomes.
- SOWP eligibility still plays a crucial role for candidates with spouses.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
