For many foreign nationals, changing careers might be the best pathway to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence (PR) through Express Entry. Express Entry – Parisa Erfani
If you lack a provincial nomination, do not speak French fluently, and your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score is too low for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), then you may want to consider gaining work experience in occupations eligible under Express Entry’s category-based draws.
Category-based draws are more selective but typically have significantly lower CRS cut-offs compared to standard draws. To qualify for one, candidates must have at least six months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a single eligible occupation within the last three years.
In this post, we’ve highlighted several occupations that are easier to enter and start accumulating the required work experience. These roles often require minimal time investment in training or education and can quickly enhance your profile.
Summary of Accessible Occupations
| Occupation | Time to Qualify | Last CRS Cut-off | Category | Median Hourly Pay | SOWP Eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Assistants (43100) | 10 months – 2 years | 479 (May 1, 2025) | Education | $24.36 | Yes |
| Insurance Agents (63100) | Weeks – Months | 491 (April 11, 2024) | STEM | $29.77 | No |
| Lab Assistants (33101) | 1 – 2 years | 510 (May 2, 2025) | Healthcare | $26.35 | Yes |
| Nurse Aides (33102) | Immediate | N/A | Healthcare | $23 | Yes |
| Pharmacy Assistants (33103) | Immediate | N/A | Healthcare | $20 | Yes |
| Cooks (63200) | Immediate | 433 (Oct 23, 2024) | Trades | $17 | No |
| Concrete Finishers (73100) | Immediate | N/A | Trades | $32.76 | Yes |
| Floor Installers (73113) | Immediate | N/A | Trades | $26.92 | Yes |
| Roofers/Shinglers (73110) | Immediate | N/A | Trades | $30 | Yes |
| Painters/Decorators (73112) | Immediate | N/A | Trades | $26 | Yes |
| Butchers (63201) | Immediate | 437 (Feb 16, 2024) | Agri-Food | $19.50 | No |
Notable Occupation Details
Teacher Assistants (43100) Support students and teachers in classrooms. Requires high school diploma and post-secondary diploma in education assistance (10 months–2 years).
Insurance Agents (63100) Sell insurance policies. Requires licensing courses, exam, and often sponsorship. Time to enter: weeks to months.
Medical Lab Assistants (33101) Handle medical testing prep. Requires a certificate in lab science and possibly certification (OSMT or CSMLS).
Nurse Aides (33102) Assist with patient care. May begin work immediately or after short training/certification programs.
Pharmacy Assistants (33103) Support pharmacists. Requires either a 6–12 month program or on-the-job training.
Cooks (63200) Prepare meals. Requires either a 3-year apprenticeship, formal training, or relevant work experience. Red Seal certification optional.
Concrete Finishers (73100) Smooth and finish concrete. May begin immediately. Apprenticeship or 3 years’ experience recommended for certification.
Floor Covering Installers (73113) Install flooring materials. Apprenticeship recommended but not required in most provinces.
Painters and Decorators (73112) Paint and prep surfaces. Entry-level jobs available; certification voluntary.
Roofers and Shinglers (73110) Install and repair roofs. May start directly; apprenticeship or experience helpful.
Butchers (63201) Prepare meat. Can begin work immediately; some roles may require training programs or food safety certifications.
Who Is Eligible for Category-Based Draws?
To qualify, candidates must:
- Be eligible for one of the three Express Entry-managed programs.
- Accumulate at least 6 months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in a single eligible occupation within the past 3 years.
- Meet all criteria outlined in the specific round’s instructions.
These jobs typically fall under TEER 3 (college diploma, less than 2 years’ apprenticeship, or 6+ months of job training).
Example: Brian’s Career Shift
Brian, a 26-year-old media professional, had a CRS score of 470 — not high enough for a 2025 CEC draw. He enrolled in a Canadian college education program and gained six months’ experience as a teaching assistant. His CRS score increased to 505. He would have qualified for the May 1, 2025 Education category draw with a 479 cut-off.
Looking to improve your CRS and qualify for Express Entry faster? Reach out to our team to explore strategic career paths that align with category-based draws and open doors to permanent residency in Canada.
