Express Entry Immigration System
Express Entry isn’t a standalone immigration program; rather, it’s an online system designed to streamline the process of applying for permanent residency in Canada. Eligible candidates can create an Express Entry profile, which remains valid for 12 months. During this time, candidates may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Canadian Federal Government or a Letter of Invitation from a participating province. Once an ITA is received, candidates can submit their electronic application for permanent residency (ePR).
The Express Entry system manages applications for the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
How to get started
Application Process
Navigating the Express Entry system may seem straightforward, but it requires careful attention to detail to avoid mistakes that could lead to a refusal or delays in your Permanent Residence (PR) application. To help you succeed, we break down the process into three essential steps that ensure your application is handled with the utmost care. The steps are as follows:
Before starting the Express Entry process, it’s crucial to determine if you meet the requirements for one of the eligible programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, or Federal Skilled Trades). This ensures your application is on the right track from the beginning.
Once eligible, you’ll need to gather and prepare all necessary documents to support your application. After registering your Express Entry profile, the system will calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on the information provided. Your profile will be valid for 12 months.
If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cutoff during an IRCC draw, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). After receiving the ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete application for Permanent Residence, including all required documentation to verify your CRS score and eligibility.
Skilled Worker Eligibility Requirements
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is an Express Entry stream that allows skilled workers with foreign work experience to apply for permanent residency in Canada. This program is designed for individuals who wish to make Canada their permanent home.
To qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, applicants must meet minimum requirements in three key areas: skilled work experience, language proficiency, and education.
Selection Factors
Applications are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Age
- Education
- Work Experience
- Valid Job Offer (if applicable)
- Language Proficiency in English and/or French
- Adaptability
Skilled Work Experience:
- Must be in the same type of job (NOC) as your primary occupation for immigration.
- Work experience must be within the last 10 years.
- Must be paid work, with at least 1 year of continuous full-time work or 1,560 hours total (30 hours per week).
Language Ability:
- Results from an approved language test within the last 2 years.
- A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in all four abilities.
Education:
- A completed educational credential.
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report obtained for immigration purposes from a designated organization.
Proof of Funds:
- Applicants must demonstrate they have the financial resources to support themselves and their family upon settling in Canada.
Important Note: To qualify for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, applicants must score at least 67 out of 100 points on the eligibility criteria.
Trade Qualifications for Permanent Residency
Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an Express Entry stream that allows skilled workers with specific trade qualifications to apply for permanent residency in Canada. This program is tailored for those with experience in designated National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups, including:
- Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical, and construction trades
- Major Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, and related production
- Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors, and central control operators
- Minor Group 632: Chefs and cooks
- Minor Group 633: Butchers and bakers
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet specific criteria, which are presented in the table below, covering areas such as language proficiency, work experience, and education.
| Language | Abilities | Minimum Level |
|---|---|---|
| English | Speaking and Listening | CLB 5 |
| English | Reading and Writing | CLB 4 |
| French | Speaking and Listening | NCLC 5 |
| French | Reading and Writing | NCLC 4 |
Applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Experience: At least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the 5 years before applying.
- Job Requirements: Must meet the job requirements for the skilled trade as outlined in the National Occupational Classification, except for the need for a certificate of qualification.
Additionally, applicants must obtain one of the following:
- A valid full-time job offer for at least 1 year
- OR
- A certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority
- A completed credential, and
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report obtained for immigration purposes from a designated organization
- The applicants should prove that they meet the financial requirement for themselves and their family in order to successfully settle in Canada
Trade Qualifications for Permanent Residency
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an Express Entry stream for skilled workers who have gained work experience in Canada and wish to obtain permanent residency. This program is designed for individuals who want to make Canada their permanent home.
Minimum Requirements
Language: Applicants must achieve the following Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, depending on the NOC skill type or level:
| NOC Skill Type or Level | Minimum Language Level (English) | Minimum Language Level (French) |
|---|---|---|
| NOC 0 or A | CLB 7 | NCLC 7 |
| NOC B | CLB 5 | NCLC 5 |
Applicants must have at least 1 year of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount in part-time) within the last 3 years. This experience must be gained from legal employment in Canada and can be from one or more NOC 0, A, or B jobs.
- There is no formal education requirement for the Canadian Experience Class. However, obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report can improve your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.