If you’re aiming to fast-track your path to Canadian permanent residency, Express Entry’s category-based draws are key.
Normally, Express Entry candidates compete based on a CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score that includes education, work experience, and language skills.
But with category-based draws, if you have at least six months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in one of the targeted occupations within the last three years, you may receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) more easily—even with a lower CRS score.

• At least six consecutive months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in the same occupation within the last three years
• Work experience can be inside or outside Canada
• Applicants must provide supporting documents such as employment letters, contracts, or pay stubs

CIC News recently highlighted occupations that are in demand and considered relatively easier to enter.
Note: Median wages shown are Canada-wide estimates. Some roles are open-entry, while others require short college programs or provincial licensing. Requirements vary by province, so advance confirmation is essential.

Healthcare & Education

Early Childhood Educator Assistants

• Short college programs available, but not always required.
• Some positions allow entry with on-the-job training.
• Wage: ~$21/hr.
• CRS: 462 (Sep 17, 2025).
• Eligible for SOWP.

Early Childhood Educators

• Typically requires a 12–24 month college program and licensing.
• High demand in urban areas.
• Wage: ~$21/hr.
• CRS: 462 (Sep 17, 2025).
• Eligible for SOWP.

Insurance Agents and Brokers

• Requires a provincial license, often obtained through short courses.
• Wage: ~$30/hr.
• CRS: 491 (Apr 11, 2024).
• Eligible for SOWP.

Medical Laboratory Assistants

• College programs (1–2 years) typically required.
• Wage: ~$26/hr.
• CRS: 470 (Aug 19, 2025).
• Eligible for SOWP.

Nurse Aides, Orderlies, and Patient Service Associates

• One-year college programs available.
• Some employers hire with only training or OJT.
• Wage: ~$23/hr.
• CRS: 470 (Aug 19, 2025).
• Eligible for SOWP.

Trades & Construction

Concrete Finishers

• Certification exists but not mandatory.
• High demand and direct hiring possible.
• Wage: ~$33/hr.
• CRS: 433 (Oct 23, 2024).
• Eligible for SOWP.

Painters and Decorators

• No license or formal schooling required.
• Demand remains high.
• Wage: ~$26/hr.
• CRS: 433 (Oct 23, 2024).
• Eligible for SOWP.

Roofers and Shinglers

• No schooling required.
• Demand fluctuates with weather but remains steady overall.
• Wage: ~$28/hr.
• CRS: 433 (Oct 23, 2024).
• Eligible for SOWP.

Floor Covering Installers

• Training-based entry possible.
• Certification exists but not mandatory.
• Wage: ~$29/hr.
• CRS: 433 (Oct 23, 2024).
• Eligible for SOWP.

Food & Hospitality

Cook

• Certification exists but is not mandatory.
• Restaurants and hotels have consistent demand.
• Wage: ~$17/hr.
• CRS: 433 (Oct 23, 2024).
• Eligible for SOWP.

Butchers and Meat Cutters (Retail and Wholesale)

• Entry possible without formal training.
• Steady demand in supermarkets and meat processing facilities.
• Wage: ~$22/hr.
• CRS: 437 (Feb 16, 2024).
• Eligible for SOWP.

Reference：CIC News「The easiest occupations to break into to qualify for category-based draws under Express Entry」

1. Secure a valid work permit first. Options include the Working Holiday Visa, Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), or LMIA-based permits.
   
2. Prepare employment documentation early. Contracts, pay stubs, and reference letters are essential for proving work history.
   
3. Check provincial licensing requirements. Especially in healthcare and education, requirements vary significantly by province.
   
4. Consider family accompaniment. Some occupations qualify the spouse for an Open Work Permit (SOWP), while others do not.

Category-based draws under Express Entry give candidates with in-demand job experience a significant advantage—even if they lack high CRS scores.

For those aiming for Canadian PR, gaining six months of work experience in occupations such as healthcare support, childcare, trades, food services, or education could be a practical first step toward achieving permanent residency.