Planning your Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) isn’t just about working anywhere — it’s about working smart. Today at Globexa Immigration, we’re diving into the jobs and strategies you should target in Canada to dramatically improve your chances of getting PR, especially if you don’t meet the high cut-offs of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
1. Why Your Job Choice Matters for PR
The Canadian Experience Class is a popular pathway: get one year of skilled Canadian work experience, apply through Express Entry, and land your PR. But there’s a catch — the CRS cut-off for CEC is often 525+ points, making it challenging for many, especially if:
✅ You’re over 35
✅ You can’t achieve CLB 9+ in IELTS/CELPIP
✅ Your education or work history doesn’t give you a high CRS
If that’s you, don’t lose hope! Canada’s category-based draws give you powerful alternative pathways.
2. What Are Category-Based Draws?
Besides the standard CEC or Federal Skilled Worker draws, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) now conducts special category draws focusing on occupations in:
Healthcare
STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)
Trade occupations
Agriculture
Education
French-language proficiency
These draws have lower CRS cut-offs, sometimes 100+ points below CEC. For example:
CEC draw cut-off: 530
Healthcare draw cut-off: ~483
French draw cut-off: often below 400
3. Key Job Categories & NOCs to Target
Here’s how to plan your PR smartly by choosing jobs in these high-priority categories:
1. Healthcare
Healthcare draws are frequent and cut-offs are lower. If you can get a job in healthcare, your chances skyrocket.
Top NOC examples:
Nurse (NOC 31300-31304)
Pharmacy Technician (NOC 32124)
Personal Support Worker (PSW) (NOC 44101)
Massage Therapist (NOC 32200)
ℹ️ Note: Many healthcare roles require licensing. Invest 4-6 months in getting licensed — it’s worth it!
2. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
While STEM draws are rarer, they’re powerful if your CRS is close but not enough for general draws. Target specific NOCs like:
Software Engineer (NOC 21231)
Computer Systems Analyst (NOC 21222)
Mechanical Engineer (NOC 21301)
Tip: Don’t settle for generic job titles like “Consultant” or “Coordinator.” Always ask your employer to assign your role a relevant NOC code matching a category-based draw.
3. Trades
Construction-related occupations often feature in special draws. Examples:
Floor Covering Installer (NOC 73113) – no license needed
Painter (NOC 73112) – no license needed
Electrician (NOC 72200)
Avoid cooks — too many applications make it highly competitive.
4. Agriculture
A niche category but possible: Butchers and retail/wholesale butchery jobs (NOC 63201) are included.
5. Education
Target roles like:
Early Childhood Educator & Assistant (NOC 42202) – ECE needs a license; Assistant doesn’t.
Secondary School Teacher (NOC 41220) – harder to find but high value.
Even if you have relevant experience outside Canada, it can count towards your PR.
6. French Proficiency
If all else fails or you want a powerful backup, learn French up to B2 level. French draws have some of the lowest CRS cut-offs and can open doors to PR faster than any other category. It may take ~1 year, but it’s often the best investment.
4. How to Use This Strategy
1. Plan before your job hunt: Identify relevant NOCs.
2. Confirm with your employer that your job title & duties match the NOC.
3. Pursue licensing if required (e.g., pharmacy, early childhood education).
4. Track draws in your category — cut-offs change frequently.
5. Consider provinces like Ontario or BC with Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) aligned to your category.
Pro tip: Even if your overall Canadian experience is split between two jobs (e.g., 6 months as a pharmacy technician + 6 months as a sales manager), as long as one of them gives you 6+ months in a category-based NOC, you may qualify for these draws.
5. Next Steps with Globexa Immigration
Planning is half the battle won! If you understand your PR pathways, you’ll avoid years of wasted time in low-value jobs. If you need help:
1. Book a consultation with Globexa Immigration.
2. Watch our live sessions on how to choose the right NOC and province for your PR.
3. Follow us for updates on category-based draws.
Remember: executing your job plan without a solid PR strategy leaves you vulnerable to missing your dream of Canadian PR. With the right approach, your Canadian journey can move from uncertainty to success.
