Top High-Paying Jobs in Canada That Support Fast-Track PR Pathways in 2026. Apply now!

Highlights: Canada Announces 6 High-paying Non-healthcare Jobs for faster PR

• Canada has recently announced 6 non-healthcare occupations that are now prioritized for PR through category-based Express Entry Draws.
• Foreign workers in skilled trades, engineering, construction, and insurance sectors can now qualify for faster PR in Canada.
• The average annual salary offered to the above-listed occupations ranges from CAD 62,000 to CAD 79,000, even going up to CAD 128,000, based on your experience and province.
• The minimum requirements for these jobs include post-secondary education, 3-6 months of training, and, in some cases, 1-3 years of college education.
• To qualify under the category-based Express Entry Draws, you must have at least 6 months of continuous full-time work experience in the last 3 years, in any of the eligible occupations.

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Top 6 In-demand Non-Healthcare Occupations to fast-track your Canada PR

Canada will now prioritize 6 non-healthcare occupations through category-based selection draws under Express Entry. Candidates who meet the required criteria, including prior work experience in these job roles, will have a better chance of receiving an ITA in these Express Entry Draws. High-paying occupations outside the healthcare sector come with high salaries and lower CRS scores, making it easier to qualify for PR in Canada. The decision to highlight these occupations was taken to address the ongoing workforce shortages in the construction, engineering technology, skilled trades, and insurance sectors.

To qualify for this pathway, applicants must be eligible under one of the three Express Entry programs and have at least 6 months of continuous work experience in an eligible occupation in the last 3 years.
 

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List of Top 6 High-Paying Non-Healthcare Jobs in Canada for faster PR

According to the recent Express Entry update, Canada will focus more on these six occupations that fall outside the healthcare sector. These job roles align with the ongoing workforce shortages in Canada and offer higher earning potential with relatively easy requirements. 

The table below has a complete overview of the minimum educational eligibility, along with the salary offered for each of these occupations:

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Highest Paying Jobs in Canada for Indians
 

Eligibility Requirements for Fast-Track PR in Canada via Category-Based Selections

To be eligible for category-based Express Entry Draws, candidates must meet the general occupation-based and program-specific requirements. While having relevant work experience in one of the six occupations can boost your chances of getting selected, you will also need to meet the federal eligibility requirements. 

The complete list of eligibility requirements for the Express Entry category-based draws is as follows:

 

• Qualify under any of the three Express Entry programs (FSTP, FSWP, and CEC)
• Have a minimum of 6 months of prior full-time work experience in any one of the eligible occupations in the last 3 years.
• Your job duties must align with the responsibilities listed under your relevant NOC code. 
• Have an active Express Entry profile and meet the minimum CRS cut-off score set for that particular category-based draw. 
• Submit the required language test results in English/French (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF) along with an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) if you have completed your studies outside Canada. 
   

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How will these Top 6 Occupations help you get PR in Canada faster?

Candidates employed in any of these 6 eligible occupations can benefit from the Express Entry category-based selection draws. The category-based selection draws have lower CRS scores than the regular draws, making it easier to receive ITAs. 

To qualify for fast-track PR through these category-based selection draws, you must meet the above criteria and have an active Express Entry profile. Once you receive an ITA, you will have around 60 days to submit your PR application. Through these targeted draws, skilled workers can get a faster, clearer pathway to permanent residence in Canada. 

 

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FAQs

What are the six high-paying jobs in Canada that can fast-track PR in 2026?

The six high-paying jobs prioritized for faster permanent residence under Canada’s Express Entry category-based selection include Construction Estimators, Construction Millwrights and Industrial Mechanics, Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanics, Heavy-Duty Equipment Mechanics, and Insurance Agents and Brokers. These occupations are currently targeted due to labour shortages and offer strong earning potential, with median salaries ranging from CAD 62,000 to CAD 79,000 and top salaries reaching up to CAD 128,000 annually.

How can high-paying jobs in Canada help me get PR faster?

High-paying in-demand occupations can help candidates receive Invitations to apply through category-based Express Entry draws. These draws specifically target certain occupations and may have lower CRS cut-off scores compared to general draws. If your work experience matches one of the eligible NOC codes, you may receive priority consideration. This targeted approach increases your chances of securing permanent residence faster compared to applicants in non-priority occupations.

What is category-based selection in Canada Express Entry?

Category-based selection is a targeted Express Entry draw system introduced by the Canadian government to invite candidates with specific skills, occupations, or language abilities. Instead of selecting candidates purely based on CRS scores, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada conducts draws for priority sectors facing labour shortages. Eligible candidates must have at least six months of continuous work experience in a listed occupation within the past three years and meet all other Express Entry requirements.

What is the minimum work experience required for fast-track PR under this category?

To qualify under category-based selection, candidates must have at least six months of continuous full-time work experience, or equivalent part-time experience, in one eligible occupation within the past three years. The work experience must match the job duties outlined under the National Occupation Classification code. Simply having the job title is not enough; your responsibilities must align with the lead statement and main duties listed under the official NOC description.

What is the salary range for these priority occupations in Canada?

The median annual salaries for these prioritized non-healthcare occupations range between CAD 62,000 and CAD 79,000. However, experienced professionals can earn significantly more, with top annual salaries reaching up to CAD 128,000 depending on the occupation and province. These figures are calculated based on a standard 40-hour work week using median and top hourly wage data from Canada’s Job Bank.

Do I need a college degree to qualify for these high-paying jobs in Canada?

Not all six occupations require extensive postsecondary education. Some roles, such as Insurance Agents and Brokers, may require only three to six months of training. Others may require one to three years of college education. Certain trades may also require provincial licensing. This makes these occupations attractive options for skilled professionals who may not have advanced degrees but possess technical skills and relevant work experience.

Which Express Entry programs are eligible for these fast-track PR draws?

Candidates must qualify under one of the three federal Express Entry programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Meeting the eligibility criteria for one of these programs is mandatory before you can benefit from category-based draws. In addition, you must maintain an active Express Entry profile and meet the CRS cut-off score for the specific targeted draw.

Is IELTS required for Canada PR under category-based selection?

Yes, valid language test results are mandatory for Express Entry, including category-based draws. Applicants must take an approved language test such as IELTS General Training, CELPIP, or TEF for French. The test results must be valid within the past two years at the time of application. Your language score significantly impacts your CRS score and overall eligibility for receiving an Invitation to Apply.

How does Canada decide if my work experience qualifies under NOC?

Canada assesses eligibility based on the National Occupation Classification system. Immigration officers review your job duties, not just your job title, to determine whether your experience matches the selected NOC code. You must have performed all duties in the lead statement and most of the main duties listed under that occupation. Proper documentation, including reference letters from employers, is crucial to prove that your work experience aligns with the NOC description.

Can Indian professionals benefit from these fast-track PR pathways?

Yes, Indian skilled professionals working in construction, engineering technology, mechanical trades, heavy equipment maintenance, or insurance sectors can significantly benefit from these targeted Express Entry draws. Since India remains one of the top source countries for Canadian immigrants, candidates with relevant experience and strong language scores may have improved chances under category-based selection. This creates a promising pathway for Indians seeking faster permanent residence in Canada in 2026.