Many things have changed in Canada’s immigration system over the last year. Still, it is possible to get Canadian permanent residence (PR) even if you have never lived or worked in Canada before.
Canada offers several programs for skilled workers who have experience in jobs that are currently in high demand.
In this article, we will discuss the top jobs that help you get Canadian PR without work experience.
So, without further ado, let us begin!
How You Can Get PR Without Canadian Work Experience?
If you do not have any Canadian work experience, your best chance of getting PR is through Express Entry Category-Based Selection (CBS) draws.
CBS draws began in 2023. These draws invite people who have work experience in certain priority fields, instead of only selecting candidates with the highest scores. The goal is to fill important labour shortages in the Canadian economy.
To qualify for a category-based draw, you must have at least six months of continuous, full-time work experience (or equal part-time) in a qualifying occupation within the last three years.
This work experience can be inside or outside Canada.
CBS draws usually have lower CRS score cut-offs than many other draw types, like Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws.
This means that candidates in a priority occupation often have a higher chance of being invited from outside Canada, even if they have a lower CRS score.
So far in 2025, IRCC has mainly held category-based and program-specific rounds. There has not been a general all-program draw since April 2024.
Which Jobs Are In Demand For Category-Based Selection?
Canada has selected specific occupations for Express Entry draws in 2025. These occupations fall under fields facing major labour shortages.
If you want PR without Canadian experience, your first step is to see if your occupation is eligible.
Below are the current five categories, along with sample occupations:
| Category | Sample Occupation Under In-Demand Categories | Corresponding NOC Code |
| Healthcare and social services | Veterinarians | 31103 |
| Chiropractors | 31201 | |
| Dentists | 31110 | |
| General practitioners and family physicians | 31102 | |
| Dietitians and nutritionists | 31121 | |
| Licensed practical nurses | 32101 | |
| Social workers | 41300 | |
| STEM | Architecture and science managers | 20011 |
| Civil engineers | 21300 | |
| Cybersecurity specialists | 21220 | |
| Electrical and electronics engineers | 21310 | |
| Geological engineers | 21331 | |
| Insurance agents and brokers | 63100 | |
| Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians | 22301 | |
| Agriculture & Agri-food | Butchers – retail and wholesale | 63201 |
| Education | Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants | 43100 |
| Instructors of persons with disabilities | 42203 | |
| Early childhood educators and assistants | 42202 | |
| Elementary school and kindergarten teachers | 41221 | |
| Secondary school teachers | 41220 | |
| Trades | Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling/services | 82021 |
| Floor covering installers | 73113 | |
| Painters and decorators (except interior decorators) | 73112 | |
| Roofers and shinglers | 73110 | |
| Concrete finishers | 73100 | |
| Other technical trades and related occupations | 72999 | |
| Water well drillers | 72501 | |
| Electrical mechanics | 72422 | |
| Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics | 72402 | |
| Heavy-duty equipment mechanics | 72401 |
Next Steps To Improve Your Chances
Even if you qualify under one of these categories, there are important steps you should take to increase your chances of getting PR.
Make Sure Your Past Work Matches NOC Requirements
If your job appears under a category, you must confirm that your actual work experience matches the NOC job description for that occupation.
IRCC will check:
- Whether your job duties match the NOC
- Whether you performed most of the essential tasks listed
Check Recent CRS Scores For Category-Based Draws
Once you confirm your occupation is eligible, the next step is to look at past CRS score cut-offs to understand your chances.
Here are the category-based draws for 2025 so far:
| Draw Type | Number Of Draws | CRS Cut-Off Scores | ITA Issuances |
| French-language proficiency | 8 | 379–481 | 42,000 |
| Canadian Experience Class | 13 | 518–547 | 24,850 |
| Provincial Nominee Program | 22 | 699–855 | 9,376 |
| Healthcare and social services | 6 | 462–510 | 13,500 |
| Education | 2 | 462–479 | 3,500 |
| Trades | 1 | 505 | 1,250 |
It is important to note that not all categories are drawn often. For example, there were no STEM or agriculture draws in 2025 at the time of writing. IRCC decides the timing of these draws based on shifting economic needs.
After reviewing past trends, you can calculate your score using CanadaVisa’s free CRS Calculator.
Also look for ways to improve your CRS score through language tests, more work experience, or education.
Get The Required Six Months Of Work Experience
If you do not yet have six months of experience in a qualifying job, consider gaining this experience outside Canada.
For example, if you have skills in fields like tech or healthcare but don’t yet have six months of continuous experience, working in that occupation for half a year can make you eligible. The experience must be in one single job role, even if it’s not your current primary occupation, and it must meet the category requirements.
Once you have the experience, you can create your Express Entry profile and include that job in your work history.
Stay Updated About Future Category Changes
Canada’s priority occupations can change each year.
In 2026, IRCC may introduce new categories. Some possibilities currently proposed include:
- Leadership and management jobs
- Research and academic roles
- Military occupations
If these categories are adopted, skilled workers in these roles may find it easier to get PR even without Canadian experience.
Other Ways To Get PR Without Canadian Experience
Apart from discussing the top jobs that help you get Canadian PR without work experience, let’s discuss other ways for the same.
Well, category-based draws are currently one of the strongest options for overseas candidates, but they are not the only pathway.
Below are additional routes that can help you immigrate:
Use French Language Ability
Having strong French skills can greatly improve your Express Entry chances. It can raise your CRS score and help you qualify for French-speaking draws.
Moreover, IRCC holds special draws for French-speaking candidates, where you need to score at least NCLC level 7 in all French skills. These draws have had the lowest CRS cut-offs of all category-based draws in 2025.
Get A Provincial Nomination (PNP)
Many provincial immigration programs let people outside Canada apply for a nomination for PR. If you get a nomination through an Express Entry–linked PNP stream, you receive 600 extra CRS points, which almost guarantees that you will get an invitation in a PNP draw.
It is important to note that each province has its own rules. Some focus on certain jobs, some require a job offer, and some have special streams for workers abroad. However, in 2025 most provinces are giving priority to applicants who are already inside Canada, and this trend will likely continue in 2026.
Get A Job Offer From A Canadian Employer
A Canadian job offer can give you access to PR programs that don’t require any previous work experience in Canada.
One good example is the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP). This federal program allows skilled workers from abroad to get PR if they have a full-time, non-seasonal job offer from an approved employer in one of the Atlantic provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland & Labrador).
Moreover, many Atlantic provinces have said they will focus on hiring people in certain in-demand jobs. This means candidates who work in these priority sectors may have a better chance of getting PR through the AIP.
CWRVisa, a Canadian immigration leader, promises excellence and tailored pathways for your Canadian journey. Get in touch with us at CWRVisa.ca.