Even with many changes in Canada’s immigration system over the last year, it is still possible to become a permanent resident (PR) without having lived or worked in Canada before. 
Canada continues to welcome skilled workers from abroad, especially those with experience in occupations facing labour shortages. 

This article explains how skilled workers can get PR without Canadian work experience, which occupations are in demand, and the pathways available today. 

How to Get Canadian PR Without Canadian Work Experience 

If you do not have any Canadian work experience, the most effective way to immigrate is through Express Entry Category-Based Selection (CBS). 

Launched in 2023, CBS draws invite candidates based on specific high-demand occupations instead of selecting candidates solely by CRS score. This helps fill urgent labour gaps across Canada. 

To qualify for a category-based draw, you must have: 

• At least six months of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience 
• In one qualifying occupation 
• Within the last three years 

This experience can be inside or outside Canada. 

Because CBS draws often have lower CRS cut-offs, foreign workers in priority occupations have a much stronger chance of being selected from abroad. 

In 2025, IRCC has mostly held category-based and program-specific draws. No general Express Entry draw has taken place since April 2024. 
 
In-Demand Occupations Under Category-Based Selection 

Canada has identified five major categories of occupations for Express Entry category-based draws in 2025. These reflect industries with severe labour shortages. 
Below are sample occupations under each category, along with their NOC codes. 

1. Healthcare and Social Services 

2. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) 

3. Agriculture and Agri-Food 

4. Education 

5. Trades 

These are sample occupations. Many more are included under each category. 

How to Maximize Your PR Chances 

Whether you already qualify or are preparing to apply, here are the most important steps to follow. 

1. Match your work experience to the correct NOC 

Your work experience must closely align with the occupation you claim. 
IRCC checks your duties against the NOC description, and you must have performed most of the main duties to qualify. 

2. Check recent CRS cut-offs for your category 

CRS scores vary by draw type. Here are the 2025 results so far: 

Note: No STEM or agriculture draws were held in 2025 as of the time of writing. 

3. Gain required work experience if you don’t have it yet 

You can gain the six months of required work experience outside Canada. 
This experience must be in one occupation, even if it is not your current main job. 

4. Stay updated on upcoming category changes 

Priority occupations may change in 2026. 
The federal government is considering adding new categories, including: 

• Leadership and management roles 
• Research and academia 
• Military occupations 

These changes may open more pathways for foreign workers. 

Other Ways to Immigrate Without Canadian Work Experience 

Express Entry is not the only option. Several other pathways allow skilled workers abroad to obtain PR. 

1. Use French language proficiency 

Strong French skills can significantly raise your CRS score. 
In 2025, French-language draws had the lowest CRS cut-offs of all categories. 

2. Apply through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) 

Some provincial streams accept applicants directly from overseas. 
A PNP nomination gives you 600 extra CRS points, almost guaranteeing PR. 

However, in 2025 most provinces focused heavily on applicants already in Canada—a trend expected to continue in 2026. 
 
3. Get a Canadian job offer 

Programs like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) allow foreign workers with a full-time job offer to apply directly for PR. 

AIP is popular among skilled candidates in key sectors because no Canadian work experience is required. 

Final Thoughts 

Getting Canadian PR without Canadian work experience is still very achievable, especially for people working in high-demand occupations. 
Understanding NOC requirements, monitoring category-based draw trends, and strengthening your CRS score can significantly improve your chances.