Top Jobs to Boost Your CRS for Canada Express Entry 2024

The Easiest Jobs to Qualify for Category-Based Express Entry Draws in Canada

If you’re dreaming about becoming a permanent resident in Canada but struggling with a low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, don’t worry—you’re not alone. The good news? There are alternative routes to improve your chances through category-based Express Entry draws. One of the most effective strategies is gaining Canadian work experience in occupations that are more accessible and in high demand.

Let’s explore some of the easiest occupations to break into that could help you meet the eligibility requirements for category-based Express Entry draws.

Key Highlights

• Category-based Express Entry draws have lower CRS cut-offs than standard draws
• You need six months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in a single eligible occupation
• Many TEER 3 jobs require less than two years of training or can be started right away
• Some of these occupations offer competitive pay and are SOWP-eligible
• Getting Canadian experience in these roles can boost your CRS score significantly
• Popular sectors include healthcare, trades, education, and agri-food

Why Consider a Career Shift for Express Entry?

If you’re not fluent in French, don’t have a provincial nomination, and your CRS score isn’t high enough for Canadian Experience Class invitations, building experience in a specific job category might be your best bet.

Category-based draws target candidates in specific professions—like healthcare, education, and trades—and have much lower CRS score cut-offs than general draws. The IRCC introduced these draws to address Canada’s economic and labour needs, so if you align your work experience accordingly, you could increase your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

The table below outlines some of the easiest jobs to enter that qualify for these draws, including how long it typically takes to start working in the field, the median hourly wage, and whether the occupation is eligible for a spousal open work permit (SOWP).

Top Occupations That Are Easy to Enter and Qualify for Express Entry

1. Elementary and Secondary School Teacher Assistants (NOC 43100)

Category: Education
Median Pay: $24.36/hour
CRS cut-off: 479 (May 1, 2025)
SOWP-Eligible: Yes

Teacher assistants provide classroom support, especially for students with special needs. To qualify, you typically need to complete high school and a college certificate (10 months–2 years) in education assistance or a related field. First aid and CPR training are often required too.

2. Insurance Agents and Brokers (NOC 63100)

Category: STEM
Median Pay: $29.77/hour*
CRS cut-off: 491 (April 11, 2024)
SOWP-Eligible: No

Insurance professionals help clients find and purchase policies. Getting started usually involves passing a licensing exam and completing a training course, which can take a few weeks to a few months depending on the province. Keep in mind that these roles are often commission-based.

3. Nurse Aides and Patient Service Associates (NOC 33102)

Category: Healthcare and Social Services
Median Pay: $23/hour
CRS cut-off: 510 (May 2, 2025)
SOWP-Eligible: Yes

If you want to start working right away, this could be a great option. Many employers accept applicants with basic secondary schooling and on-the-job training, although having a personal support worker certificate can be an asset. CPR and first aid certification is usually required.

4. Pharmacy Assistants (NOC 33103)

Category: Healthcare and Social Services
Median Pay: $20/hour
SOWP-Eligible: Yes

You can get into this field with a 6–12 month Pharmacy Assistant program or through on-the-job training if you’ve completed high school. Technical roles may require up to two years of vocational training.

5. Cooks (NOC 63200)

Category: Trades
Median Pay: $17/hour
CRS cut-off: 433 (October 23, 2024)
SOWP-Eligible: No

Cooks are always in demand across Canada. You can start working without formal training, though some employers prefer candidates with a food safety certificate, culinary diploma, or apprenticeship experience. You can also earn a voluntary Red Seal endorsement.

6. Concrete Finishers (NOC 73100)

Category: Trades
Median Pay: $32.76/hour
SOWP-Eligible: Yes

This is a high-paying trade where you can begin work right away. Certification is voluntary outside Quebec, but a formal apprenticeship or three years of work experience can lead to designation and higher wages.

7. Floor Covering Installers (NOC 73113)

Category: Trades
Median Pay: $26.92/hour
SOWP-Eligible: Yes

This skilled trade involves installing carpet, laminate, hardwood, and vinyl flooring. You can gain experience directly on the job or through an apprenticeship. Red Seal certification is optional but beneficial.

8. Roofers and Shinglers (NOC 73110)

Category: Trades
Median Pay: $30/hour
SOWP-Eligible: Yes

Roofing is another trade with a strong demand in Canada. While a high school diploma helps, many employers provide on-the-job training. Certification is optional in most provinces.

9. Butchers – Retail and Wholesale (NOC 63201)

Category: Agriculture and Agri-Food
Median Pay: $19.50/hour
CRS cut-off: 437 (February 16, 2024)
SOWP-Eligible: No

Butchers prepare meats for sale and custom orders. You can enter the field without formal education, but many employers prefer candidates with food safety training or completion of a butchery program.

Eligibility Requirements for Category-Based Express Entry Draws

To be considered for a category-based draw under Express Entry, you must:

• Meet the basic requirements for an Express Entry program (CEC, FSW, or FST)
• Have at least six months of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the last three years in a single eligible occupation
• Meet any additional criteria listed in the draw instructions

These occupations typically fall under TEER level 3, which includes jobs that require:

• A college diploma
• Less than two years of apprenticeship or vocational training
• At least six months of on-the-job learning

Real-World Example: Boosting Your CRS With Smart Experience

Let’s look at Brian, a 26-year-old working in Canada on a post-graduation work permit. Despite having one year of Canadian experience, two years of foreign work history, and a CLB 9 in English, his CRS score of 470 wasn’t enough to get an invitation through general Express Entry draws.

To increase his chances, Brian enrolled in a Canadian college program in education and worked full-time as a teaching assistant for six months. This gave him eligible experience for the education category. His new CRS? 505. That would have made him eligible for the May 1 education draw, which had a cut-off of 479.

Smart move, Brian.

Final Thoughts: A Work Experience Strategy That Pays Off

Switching careers might sound like a big step, but it can be a practical and rewarding way to improve your Express Entry profile—especially if you’re already in Canada. Many of the jobs we’ve listed require minimal training time, are in high demand, and offer pathways to permanent residence through category-based draws.

If you’re stuck at a low CRS score, consider gaining experience in one of these occupations. It might just be the boost your profile needs.

Learn more about the Manitoba PNP if you’re exploring provincial nomination options as well.

Ready to find out if you qualify? Take our quick assessment and see which Express Entry stream fits you best.