Jobs That Boost Your Chances in Express Entry Category Draws
Easiest Jobs to Enter for Canada’s Express Entry Category-Based Draws
For many prospective immigrants to Canada, the traditional routes through Express Entry—such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), or Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)—can feel out of reach due to high Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores or language proficiency requirements. Fortunately, category-based draws under Express Entry offer a more accessible alternative—especially for those willing to pivot into high-demand occupations.
we explore entry-level jobs that are not only eligible for category-based draws but are also relatively easy to get started in. Whether through short-term training, on-the-job learning, or vocational programs, these roles could fast-track your path to Canadian permanent residence (PR).
What Are Category-Based Express Entry Draws?
Unlike general draws that prioritize the highest CRS scores, category-based rounds of invitations focus on specific occupational groups, language abilities, or other targeted characteristics. These draws often have significantly lower cut-off scores, making them especially valuable for candidates with mid-range CRS points.
- Meet the general eligibility requirements for Express Entry.
- Have a minimum of six months of full-time, continuous work experience (or the part-time equivalent) in one of the designated eligible occupations within the last three years.
- Satisfy any additional criteria for that specific draw.
Quick-Entry Occupations: Your Pathway to PR
Below is a curated list of roles that meet the eligibility requirements for Express Entry’s occupational category draws. We’ve selected jobs that are generally easier to enter—either due to minimal prerequisites or accessible training programs. This table outlines how long it typically takes to qualify, the most recent CRS cut-off, pay levels, and whether they meet the new rules for Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) eligibility.
Table: Fast-Entry Occupations for Express Entry Category-Based Draws
| 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 (elementary school teacher aide) | 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 (except interior decorators) | 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 |
Note: Training and credentialing may vary by province.
In-Depth Look at Key Occupations
1. Teacher Assistants (NOC 43100)
- Training Time : 10 months to 2 years
- Role : Assist teachers with classroom duties and student support, including special needs.
- Path to Entry : Requires secondary school completion and typically a college diploma in education assistance.
2. Insurance Agents and Brokers (NOC 63100)
- Training Time : A few weeks to several months
- Role : Sell or broker insurance policies.
- Path to Entry : Requires secondary education and passing a licensing exam, which varies by province and insurance type.
3. Medical Laboratory Assistants (NOC 33101)
- Training Time : 1 to 2 years
- Role : Handle lab specimens, log tests, and support technicians.
- Path to Entry : College program in medical laboratory science, with optional certifications like OSMT or CSMLS.
4. Nurse Aides (NOC 33102)
- Training Time : Immediate entry possible
- Role : Assist patients with hygiene, feeding, and mobility.
- Path to Entry : Often requires short training programs or relevant experience.
5. Pharmacy Assistants (NOC 33103)
- Training Time : 6–24 months
- Role : Support pharmacists in dispensing, billing, and inventory.
- Path to Entry : Can be learned on the job or through diploma programs.
6. Cooks (NOC 63200)
- Training Time : Can start immediately
- Role : Prepare meals, supervise kitchens, manage food safety.
- Path to Entry : Secondary school and experience are often sufficient; certification is optional.
7. Trades Workers (Concrete Finishers, Roofers, Floor Installers, Painters)
- Training Time : Immediate entry for most
- Roles : Vary from flooring to painting to concrete work.
- Path to Entry : These roles allow on-the-job learning; Red Seal certification is voluntary but helpful.
8. Butchers (NOC 63201)
- Training Time : Immediate entry possible
- Role : Prepare and package meats for sale.
- Path to Entry : While experience is preferred, many employers train on the job or offer short certificate programs.
Why These Jobs Offer a Strategic Advantage
- Require short-term or no formal training.
- Are in demand across Canada.
- Qualify under TEER level 3, making them eligible for Express Entry.
- Often offer hands-on experience quickly—letting you meet the six-month minimum faster.
Real Example: How a Career Pivot Can Make the Difference
Take Brian, a 26-year-old with a CRS score of 470, working in media on a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). Despite being eligible under CEC, he hasn’t received an ITA. So, he enrolls in a one-year Education program, becomes a teaching assistant, and after six months of work experience, his CRS score jumps to 505. He now qualifies for Education-based draws with lower CRS cut-offs—like the one on May 1, 2025, which required just 479 points.
Final Thoughts
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