For many aspiring immigrants, receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence under the Express Entry system can feel out of reach, especially if they lack French proficiency, a provincial nomination, or a high CRS score.
Thankfully, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now conducts category-based Express Entry draws that open doors for candidates working in high-demand occupations. These targeted draws often have lower CRS cut-offs than traditional ones, offering an alternate route to Canadian PR.
If you are willing to pivot into a different job role, some occupations are easier to start in, with short qualification periods and straightforward entry paths. In this guide, we’ve listed the most accessible occupations, including how long it typically takes to qualify, recent CRS cut-off scores, median pay, and whether they’re eligible for a spousal open work permit (SOWP).
Quick Overview: Easy-Entry Occupations
| Occupation | Time to Start Working | Recent CRS Cut-Off | Category | Median Hourly Pay | SOWP Eligible |
| Teacher Assistants | 10 months–2 years | 479 (May 1, 2025) | Education | $24.36 | Yes |
| Insurance Agents/Brokers | Few weeks–months | 491 (April 11, 2024) | STEM | $29.77 | No |
| Medical Lab Assistants | 1–2 years | 510 (May 2, 2025) | Healthcare | $26.35 | Yes |
| Nurse Aides & Associates | Immediately | — | Healthcare | $23.00 | Yes |
| Pharmacy Assistants | Immediately | — | Healthcare | $20.00 | Yes |
| Cooks | Immediately | 433 (Oct 23, 2024) | Trades | $17.00 | No |
| Concrete Finishers | Immediately | — | Trades | $32.76 | Yes |
| Floor Covering Installers | Immediately | — | Trades | $26.92 | Yes |
| Roofers & Shinglers | Immediately | — | Trades | $30.00 | Yes |
| Painters & Decorators | Immediately | — | Trades | $26.00 | Yes |
| Butchers (Retail/Wholesale) | Immediately | 437 (Feb 16, 2024) | Agri-Food | $19.50 | No |
Why These Jobs Are in High Demand in Canada
Canada is facing growing labor shortages across key sectors like healthcare, education, and skilled trades. These gaps are largely due to an aging workforce, rising retirements, and increased demand for essential services.
To tackle these shortages, IRCC has introduced category-based express entry draws that prioritize workers in high-demand occupations. These roles support the backbone of Canada’s economy and social infrastructure, making them vital for long-term national development.
Detailed Breakdown by Occupation
1. Elementary & Secondary School Teacher Assistants (NOC 43100)
Category: Education
Median Pay: $24.36/hr
Teacher assistants support classroom learning, help special needs students, monitor activities, and aid with educational tools.
Qualification Time:
- 10 months to 2 years via a college diploma in education/teaching assistance.
- CPR and first aid training may be needed.
- Special needs roles may require extra certifications.
2. Insurance Agents and Brokers (NOC 63100)
Category: STEM
Median Pay: $29.77/hr
Agents work with specific insurers, while brokers offer multiple options to clients. Most positions are commission-based.
Qualification Time:
- Complete a provincial licensing course and exam (a few weeks–months).
- Example: Ontario requires LLQP, OTL, or RIBO exams.
- Licensing often requires sponsorship from an insurance company.
3. Medical Laboratory Assistants (NOC 33101)
Category: Healthcare & Social Services
Median Pay: $26.35/hr
They collect and prepare samples, label tests, and maintain lab logs.
Qualification Time:
- 1–2 years in a college-level medical laboratory science program.
- Certification from CSMLS or OSMT may be required post-graduation.
4. Nurse Aides and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102)
Category: Healthcare & Social Services
Median Pay: $23.00/hr
They assist patients with hygiene, feeding, mobility, and monitor vital signs.
Qualification Time:
- Immediate entry is possible with on-the-job training or completion of a PSW program.
- CPR and first aid are often required. A driver’s license may be an asset.
5. Pharmacy Assistants (NOC 33103)
Category: Healthcare & Social Services
Median Pay: $20.00/hr
Tasks include prescription processing, labeling, inventory control, and customer support.
Qualification Time:
- Pharmacy Assistant college program (6–12 months) or
- Secondary education plus hands-on experience.
6. Cooks (NOC 63200)
Category: Trades
Median Pay: $17.00/hr
Cooks prepare meals, manage kitchen operations, and ensure food safety.
Qualification Time:
- Can start immediately in some cases.
- Optional: 3-year apprenticeship or culinary diploma.
- Voluntary Red Seal certification enhances employability.
7. Concrete Finishers (NOC 73100)
Category: Trades
Median Pay: $32.76/hr
They pour, level, and finish concrete surfaces, using various tools and applying waterproofing.
Qualification Time:
- No strict entry barrier.
- Optional: 2–4 year apprenticeship or 3+ years of experience.
8. Floor Covering Installers (NOC 73113)
Category: Trades
Median Pay: $26.92/hr
They lay carpet, tile, and hardwood flooring, and inspect/repair flooring as needed.
Qualification Time:
- Direct entry is possible.
- Optional: Apprenticeship or 4 years’ experience.
- Red Seal is available but optional.
9. Painters and Decorators (NOC 73112)
Category: Trades
Median Pay: $26.00/hr
Responsibilities include prepping surfaces, sanding, painting, and advising clients.
Qualification Time:
- Entry is possible without formal training.
- Optional: 3–4 year apprenticeship or 3+ years’ experience.
10. Roofers and Shinglers (NOC 73110)
Category: Trades
Median Pay: $30.00/hr
They install, repair, or replace roofing systems and scaffolding.
Qualification Time:
- Apprenticeship or on-the-job training (1–3 years) is typical.
- Certification is voluntary.
11. Butchers – Retail and Wholesale (NOC 63201)
Category: Agriculture & Agri-Food
Median Pay: $19.50/hr
Butchers cut, prepare, and package meat while ensuring food safety.
Qualification Time:
- Start immediately or complete short butchery training (4 weeks–months).
- Food safety certification and prior experience are preferred.
Eligibility Criteria for Category-Based Express Entry Draws
To be considered for a category-based express entry draws, applicants must:
- Be eligible under at least one Express Entry program (CEC, FSWP, FSTP).
- Have 6+ months of full-time continuous experience in one eligible job within the past 3 years.
- Meet any specific requirements announced by IRCC.
Most highlighted jobs fall under TEER 3, typically requiring:
- A college diploma;
- Apprenticeship training under 2 years; or
- Over 6 months of on-the-job experience.
Real-World Example
Brian, a 26-year-old with a graduation work permit in Canada, had a CRS score of 470, which wasn’t high enough for regular CEC draws. He pivoted into the education field, worked 6 months as a teacher assistant, and increased his CRS to 505. He then became eligible for the Education category draw with a 479 cut-off.
This shows how choosing a strategic job path can significantly boost your immigration chances.
How to Build a PR Strategy Around These Occupations
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, here’s how to align your approach:
- Choose an occupation that requires minimal time to enter and aligns with category-based draws.
- Enroll in short training or certificate programs to become job-ready.
- Accumulate 6 months of relevant, full-time work experience.
- Monitor IRCC’s category announcements and keep your Express Entry profile updated.
Planning early and targeting in-demand occupations increases your chance of receiving an ITA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are category-based draws under Express Entry, and how do they help?
Category-based draws are targeted immigration invitations under Express Entry. They focus on applicants in specific occupations instead of only high CRS scores. This helps workers in high-demand sectors qualify more easily for PR.
2. Is prior Canadian work experience necessary to be eligible for these occupations?
No, Canadian experience isn’t mandatory. As long as your work aligns with the eligible NOC and meets the 6-month continuous requirement, foreign experience counts. But Canadian experience can boost your CRS score.
3. Can I switch my current job to one of these occupations to improve my chances for PR?
Yes, many applicants pivot into easier entry occupations to meet Express Entry criteria. For example, becoming a cook or aide is often quicker and more accessible.
4. What qualifications are typically required to start working in these easy-entry occupations?
Most of these jobs require a high school diploma or a short-term diploma. Some, like nurse aides and butchers, can be started with minimal training, making them ideal for quick entry.
5. What is the significance of the CRS score in category-based draws?
While occupation is the main filter, CRS still matters. Good news: the required CRS in category draws is often lower than the general ones. For instance, cooks were selected with scores in the low 430s.
6. Are all these jobs eligible for spousal open work permits (SOWP)?
No, not all. Some like insurance brokers and butchers don’t qualify under current rules. Always check IRCC’s updated SOWP eligibility list before finalizing your job path.
7. How long does it usually take to become job-ready in these occupations?
It varies—some roles need only weeks of training, while others might take up to two years. Healthcare and trades usually offer faster options for beginners.
8. Can I gain the required work experience in Canada on a student visa or work permit?
Yes, if your visa allows legal work rights. PGWP holders or student visa holders with part-time permissions can count eligible experience toward Express Entry.
9. What if I have a low CRS score but work in an eligible occupation?
Low scores may still be enough in targeted draws. For example, butchers and cooks have been invited with CRS scores under 440. Occupation can often outweigh low scores.
10. How can I ensure that my occupation matches an eligible NOC code?
You must match your job duties with a recognized NOC code. Use Canada’s official NOC search tool or seek help from immigration professionals at Visarete.
