For many people who dream of moving to Canada, getting permanent residence (PR) through the Express Entry system can feel difficult—especially if you don’t have a high CRS score, provincial nomination, or strong French skills. But there’s another way.
If you’re struggling to get invited in the regular Express Entry draws, you can still qualify through category-based draws—and some jobs are easier to enter than others.
What are Category-Based Draws?
These are special draws under Express Entry that invite only people who work in certain job categories, like education, healthcare, or trades. These draws often have lower CRS score cut-offs than regular draws.
To qualify, you must:
- Have at least six months of full-time (or equal part-time) work experience in one eligible job in the past three years.
- Meet the basic eligibility for any one of the three Express Entry programs.
- Be in the Express Entry pool at the time of the draw.
This means that if you can switch to a job that qualifies for a category-based draw—and gain six months of experience—you could significantly improve your chances of getting Canadian PR.
Which Jobs Are Easiest to Get Into?
Some jobs don’t require years of training or study, and are easy to start. Others may need a short college course or certification. The table below shows some of the easiest jobs to break into, how long it takes to qualify, their pay, and more.
Easiest Occupations to Break Into
| Occupation | Time to qualify to begin working | CRS cut-off score of the most recent EE draw | Category | Median hourly pay | SOWP-eligible? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants (43100) | 10 months to 2 years | 479 (May 1, 2025) | Education | $24.36 | Yes |
| Insurance agents and brokers (63100) | A few weeks to a few months | 491 (April 11, 2024) | STEM | $29.77 | No |
| Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations (33101) | 1-2 years | 510 (May 2, 2025) | Healthcare and social services | $26.35 | Yes |
| Nurse aides and patient service associates (33102) | N/A – Can begin work immediately | – | – | $23 | Yes |
| Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants (33103) | N/A – Can begin work immediately | – | – | $20 | Yes |
| Cooks (63200) | N/A – Can begin work immediately | 433 (October 23, 2024) | Trades | $17 | No |
| Concrete finishers (73100) | N/A – Can begin work immediately | – | – | $32.76 | Yes |
| Floor covering installers (73113) | N/A – Can begin work immediately | – | – | $26.92 | Yes |
| Roofers and shinglers (73110) | N/A – Can begin work immediately | – | – | $30 | Yes |
| Painters and decorators (73112) | N/A – Can begin work immediately | – | – | $26 | Yes |
| Butchers – retail and wholesale (63201) | N/A – Can begin work immediately | 437 (Feb 16, 2024) | Agriculture and agri-food | $19.50 | No |
How to Qualify and Get Started in These Jobs
Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants
These jobs involve helping students in classrooms and supporting teachers. You usually need high school education and a college course in teaching or educational assistance, which can take 10 months to 2 years. You may also need CPR and first aid training.
Insurance Agents and Brokers
Insurance agents sell policies, while brokers work independently to find the best deal for clients. You need a high school diploma and a license, which involves passing an exam. The process can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the province and the insurance type.
Medical Laboratory Assistants
They work in labs, preparing and handling samples. You need high school education and a college certification program, which takes 1 to 2 years. Many employers prefer you to have a certificate from a recognized organization like OSMT or CSMLS.
Nurse Aides and Patient Service Associates
These jobs support patients with daily care. You can usually start right away, although many employers prefer people with a personal support worker or healthcare aide course. Some ask for CPR certification and a driver’s licence.
Pharmacy Assistants
They help pharmacists by handling prescriptions and inventory. You can either complete a 6–12 month college program or start with on-the-job training if you have a high school diploma. Becoming a Pharmacy Technical Assistant takes up to 2 years of vocational training.
Cooks
They prepare meals, supervise kitchen staff, and manage inventory. You may need a college or apprenticeship program, or just several years of work experience. Food handler’s certification is often required and easy to get.
Concrete Finishers
They level and smooth concrete for surfaces. You can start working right away, but for trade certification, you’d need an apprenticeship or 3 years of experience. Certification is optional in most provinces.
Floor Covering Installers
They install flooring like carpet or hardwood. You can begin work immediately, but for trade certification, you need an apprenticeship or 4 years of experience. Certification is not mandatory outside Quebec.
Painters and Decorators
They prepare surfaces and apply paint. You can begin work right away, but for certification, you need an apprenticeship or 3 years of experience. Certification is voluntary.
Roofers and Shinglers
These jobs involve installing or repairing roofs. You can start without formal education. To become certified, you may need an apprenticeship or 3 years of experience. Training is usually on-the-job, and certification is voluntary.
Butchers
They prepare and sell meat. You can usually start working right away, though many employers prefer training programs or prior experience. Certification and food safety training may also be required.
Who Is This For?
These jobs are great options for:
- People already in Canada on a work or study permit
- Those unable to reach high CRS scores under CEC
- People looking to change careers for better immigration chances
- Anyone who wants to move to Canada but lacks French skills or a provincial nomination
Can I apply for Express Entry if I switch to one of these jobs?
Yes. As long as you work at least six months full-time (or part-time equivalent) in one of these eligible jobs and meet other Express Entry rules, you can qualify for category-based draws.
Do I need a job offer to work in these roles?
Not always. Some jobs let you start immediately, while others need short courses or certification. A job offer may help but is not always required.
Will these jobs increase my CRS score?
The job itself may not increase your score, but being in a targeted category helps you get selected even with a lower CRS.
Can international students or work permit holders apply for these jobs?
Yes. These jobs are ideal for those already in Canada on a study or work permit, as they allow you to gain experience and improve your immigration chances.
How soon can I start?
Some of these jobs let you start immediately with just on-the-job training or CPR certification. Others may need a few weeks to months of training.
Final Thoughts
Switching to a job that qualifies for a category-based Express Entry draw could be the smartest move if your CRS score is too low or you don’t qualify through other ways. Many of these roles are quick to enter, offer decent pay, and most importantly—give you a better shot at Canadian PR.
Would you like a consultation to explore your Canadian work options? Contact Ask Kubeir today!
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details