News Room

Eligible Occupations That Don’t Require Post-Secondary Education

Jul 16, 2025

Eligible Occupations That Don’t Require Post-Secondary Education

Canada continues to hold category-based Express Entry draws for in-demand sectors. While many occupations in these draws require post-secondary education, some don’t. If you have at least 6 months of recent work experience in one of the following jobs, you may still qualify even without a college or university degree.

Eligible occupations that do not require post-secondary education:

Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants

Butchers – retail and wholesale

Floor covering installers

Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)

Roofers and shinglers

Concrete finishers

Cooks

Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates


This is a great opportunity for skilled workers in these roles to access permanent residence through Express Entry, as long as they meet other requirements like work experience and language skills.