Many people believe they must first live or work in Canada before applying for permanent residence (PR). This is not true. Canada still offers several strong immigration options for skilled workers who have never been to Canada before. If you have work experience in an occupation that Canada needs, you may be able to apply directly from abroad.
This guide explains the easiest ways to get PR without Canadian work experience, how category-based draws work, which jobs are in high demand, and what you can do to improve your chances.
How Skilled Workers Can Qualify for PR Without Canadian Experience
If you have never worked in Canada, your best opportunity is through Express Entry Category-Based Selection (CBS). These draws were created to invite candidates who have experience in occupations where Canada has major shortages.
To be invited under a CBS draw, you must meet these basic requirements:
You must be eligible under at least one Express Entry program. This can be the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class.
You must have at least six months of continuous, full-time work experience in one qualifying occupation within the last three years. This experience can be inside or outside Canada.
Category-based draws often have lower CRS cut-off scores compared to regular Express Entry draws. This means people with in-demand occupations can receive invitations even if their CRS score is not very high.
Since 2024, Canada has been focusing more on category-based draws and program-specific draws. There have been no general Express Entry draws since April 2024.
Which Occupations Are in Demand Under Category-Based Selection?
Canada has identified certain job categories where the labour shortage is serious. If your job appears in one of these categories, your chance of being invited from abroad increases.
Below is the table of sample occupations under each category.
| 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 |
These are only sample occupations. Many more are included in each category.
Important Steps to Improve Your Chances
Once you confirm that your job is included in a category, the next steps are important.
Make Sure Your Job Duties Match the NOC Code
Even if your job title matches, IRCC checks your actual job duties. They must be similar to what is listed in the official NOC description. Make sure the duties you performed match most of the responsibilities mentioned.
Review CRS Scores for Category-Based Draws
Check recent CRS cut-off scores to understand how competitive your profile is. For example, here are the draw results 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 |
Not all categories have frequent draws. For example, STEM and agriculture categories had no draws in 2025 at the time of writing.
Gain the Required Six-Month Work Experience
If you do not yet meet the six-month continuous work experience requirement, you can gain that experience outside Canada. It must be in one occupation and match the criteria of the category you wish to apply under.
Stay Updated About Category Changes
Categories may change in 2026. The government has proposed adding new categories such as leadership roles, academic research, and military occupations. These changes may create new opportunities for PR without Canadian experience.
Other Ways to Immigrate to Canada Without Canadian Work Experience
Even if Express Entry category-based draws don’t fit your situation, there are other options available.
Use Strong French Language Skills
If you know French, even at an intermediate level, your chances of getting PR increase greatly. French-language category draws typically have the lowest cut-off scores among all categories.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Many provinces nominate candidates from overseas, especially when the job matches their labour needs. A nomination gives you an extra 600 CRS points, which almost guarantees an invitation. However, most provinces in 2025 focused more on applicants already inside Canada.
Job Offers Through the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
If you receive a job offer from an approved employer in Atlantic Canada, you may qualify for PR through AIP without any Canadian work experience. This program is especially useful for people with skills needed in those provinces.
Can I get Canadian PR without ever visiting Canada?
Yes. Many applicants receive PR directly from their home country through category-based draws or PNP programs.
Is six months of experience enough to qualify?
Yes. For category-based draws, six months of continuous full-time experience in the correct occupation is enough, even if it was gained abroad.
What if my job title is different from the NOC code title?
That is fine. IRCC checks your job duties, not the job title. As long as your duties match the NOC description, you can claim that occupation.
Do I need a job offer to get PR?
No. A job offer is not required for Express Entry. However, it helps in programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program.
Are general Express Entry draws still happening?
No. There have been no general draws since April 2024. Canada is currently focusing on category-based and program-specific draws.
If my category did not have draws this year, should I wait?
You can still create an Express Entry profile. Categories can open any time, and 2026 may bring new ones.
