Maple News reports that skilled professionals can still secure Canadian permanent residence (PR) even without prior Canadian work or living experience, thanks to targeted immigration initiatives launched by the federal government.
Among the most notable pathways is the Express Entry system’s Category-Based Selection (CBS), introduced in 2023. This stream is part of Canada’s broader effort to attract foreign talent in sectors facing labour shortages. It enables foreign nationals with relevant experience in high-demand occupations to attain PR directly from abroad.
To be eligible for a category-based Express Entry draw, applicants must first meet the baseline requirements of the Express Entry system. This includes qualifying under one of its three main programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Additionally, candidates must have at least six months of continuous, full-time work experience—or part-time equivalent—within the past three years in an eligible occupation. Importantly, this experience does not need to be obtained in Canada.
The CBS draws offer a more accessible route for foreign workers by setting lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score thresholds compared to traditional draws, such as those for the Canadian Experience Class or the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This helps level the playing field for international candidates who may not have Canadian experience but possess the expertise Canada urgently needs.
Since April 2024, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has not held a general Express Entry draw, instead focusing exclusively on targeted draws through category-based and program-specific rounds. This shift illustrates Canada’s strategic focus on aligning immigration with labour market vacancies.
In-demand occupations typically included in CBS draws encompass healthcare, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), trade professions, transport, agrifood, and French-language proficiency roles. Professionals such as nurses, software developers, electricians, and truck drivers often find themselves eligible under these categories.
For ambitious professionals seeking a future in Canada, understanding category-based Express Entry draws can provide a valuable pathway to permanent residence—even without setting foot in the country beforehand.
Maple News will continue to provide the latest updates on Canada’s evolving immigration strategies and how skilled workers worldwide can benefit.