Canada is Offering 6 High-Paying Jobs to Fast-Track PR

The Canadian federal government is introducing a significant shift in how it selects candidates for permanent residence (PR), focusing on foreign nationals with work experience in specific in-demand occupations. While many healthcare roles remain top priorities, there are also high-paying opportunities outside of healthcare for individuals who aspire to settle in Canada.

6 Occupations Prioritized for Permanent Residence

For those not interested in healthcare but still looking to make Canada home, the government is offering priority to workers in certain fields. These roles often require minimal postsecondary education, allowing many individuals to qualify faster and start their PR journey without years of additional schooling.

Here are six of the most promising occupations:

1. Construction Estimators
   
   • Required Education: 2-3 years of college
     
   • Median Annual Pay: $79,000
     
   • Top Annual Pay: $128,000
     
2. Construction Millwrights & Industrial Mechanics
   
   • Required Education: None to 1 year of college
     
   • Median Annual Pay: $77,000
     
   • Top Annual Pay: $108,000
     
3. Electrical & Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians
   
   • Required Education: 1-2 years of college
     
   • Median Annual Pay: $74,000
     
   • Top Annual Pay: $115,000
     
4. Heating, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Mechanics
   
   • Required Education: None to 2 years of college
     
   • Median Annual Pay: $78,000
     
   • Top Annual Pay: $116,000
     
5. Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics
   
   • Required Education: None to 1 year of college
     
   • Median Annual Pay: $77,000
     
   • Top Annual Pay: $114,000
     
6. Insurance Agents & Brokers
   
   • Required Education: 3-6 months of training
     
   • Median Annual Pay: $62,000
     
   • Top Annual Pay: $107,000
     

While some of these roles may require specific licensing depending on the province, many can be pursued without lengthy formal education. Additionally, several positions offer significant earning potential, making them attractive options for newcomers seeking a fresh start in Canada.

Eligibility Requirements and Work Experience

To qualify for permanent residence through the Express Entry system, foreign nationals must demonstrate that their work experience matches the requirements of one of Canada's priority occupations. However, the government does not base eligibility solely on job titles. Instead, it looks at the actual duties performed, as classified under the National Occupation Classification (NOC).

For applicants, this means ensuring that the tasks they’ve performed align closely with the NOC descriptions for the respective occupation. To confirm this, candidates can look up their job descriptions in CanadaVisa+ or review their roles against the NOC guidelines.

Express Entry and Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Canada’s Express Entry system plays a vital role in the PR process. To be eligible for PR through Express Entry, applicants must qualify under one of three programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Those with work experience in priority occupations get a notable advantage, as they can enter category-based draws with a lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score than the typical draw.

To qualify for category-based selection (CBS), applicants must have at least six months of continuous full-time work experience in one of the priority occupations within the last three years.

Once candidates are in the Express Entry pool, they must have an active profile and meet the CRS score cut-off for the category-based draw. If selected, candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR, which gives them 60 days to submit a full application.

Next Steps and Work Permits

If you are already in Canada with a valid work permit, you may be eligible to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) while awaiting your PR application results. The Bridging Open Work Permit allows workers to remain in Canada while their permanent residence application is being processed.

The new federal immigration rules represent a promising opportunity for skilled foreign workers to quickly gain permanent residence in Canada. With many high-paying, in-demand occupations being prioritized, workers can seize the chance to begin a new life in Canada with minimal educational requirements and significant earning potential.