Express Entry Canada – Eligibility and Process

What is Express Entry Canada?

Everything you need to get started on your Express Entry Canada journey.

Are you a skilled professional dreaming of making Canada your new home? If so, Express Entry Canada might just be the key to unlocking your Canadian dream. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the basic steps of Express Entry, from eligibility requirements to the application process. So, let’s dive in and explore how you can navigate Express Entry Canada to secure your Canadian permanent residency.

Understanding Express Entry Canada

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship immigration system for skilled workers. It manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs.

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  The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  
• 
  The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  
• 
  The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  

TIP: The key word here is “manage” – Express Entry is not an immigration program itself, it is an online system that manages the application process for the federal programs above. (There is also a way to move through Express Entry with a provincial nomination program – more on that below).

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Express Entry Canada, you must meet the criteria for at least one of the three federal economic immigration programs.

The eligibility criteria for each Canadian permanent residence program is listed below.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):

• A minimum of one year of continuous full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) skilled work experience within the last ten years.
• Skilled work experience must be in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Meet the minimum language proficiency threshold in English or French (Canadian Language Benchmark 7 for speaking, listening, reading, and writing).
• 
  Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a designated organization, proving the foreign education is equivalent to Canadian standards.
  
• 
  Score a minimum of 67 points out of 100 in the Federal Skilled Worker points grid for factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability.
  

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST):

• Have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount in part-time) within the last five years in a skilled trade listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC)
• Meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the NOC, except for needing a certificate of qualification.
• Have a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
• Meet the minimum language proficiency threshold in English or French (Canadian Language Benchmark 5 for speaking and listening, and Canadian Language Benchmark 4 for reading and writing).

Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

• Have at least one year of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying.
• Skilled work experience must be in National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Meet the required language levels needed for your job for each language ability (speaking, reading, writing, and listening).

Application Process

Once you’ve determined your eligibility and created your Express Entry Canada profile, you’ll enter the pool of candidates. When you are in the pool of candidates, you will be assessed based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. The system uses a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates and give them a score. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are issued Invitations to Apply during regular draws conducted by IRCC.

Upon receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency, including supporting documents and fees. The application is submitted online through your IRCC account.

NOTE: Lately, due to points being so high, many candidates require the one year of skilled work experience in Canada to have a chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply. Sometimes, even that is not enough. It’s important to know your score and watch the trends in the rounds of invitations. Knowing where you stand, gives you knowledge to seek out all options to increase your score or evaluate alternative means of applying for permanent residence in Canada. 

Tips for Success

• Enhance Your Profile: Maximize your CRS score by improving factors such as language proficiency, education, and work experience.
• 
  Job Offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly boost your CRS score. Consider exploring job opportunities in Canada through platforms like Job Bank or networking with potential employers.
  
• Provincial Nomination: Consider applying for provincial nomination through Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). A provincial nomination can award you an additional 600 CRS points and increase your chances of receiving an ITA.
• Documentation: Ensure all required documents are accurate, up-to-date, and properly translated (if applicable). Missing or incomplete documentation can delay your application.
• 
  Category Based Draws: Canada is currently inviting Express Entry Canada pool candidates with 6 months of work experience in the past 3 years in certain occupations. These occupations include STEM, healthcare, trades, and a few others. A full list can be found here.
  

To sum it all up…

Express Entry Canada offers a streamlined pathway to Canadian permanent residency for skilled professionals. By understanding the eligibility requirements, optimizing your profile, and preparing a thorough application, you can increase your chances of success in the Express Entry system.

Ready to embark on your Canadian journey? Book a Consultation today to learn more about Express Entry Canada and how we can assist you in achieving your Canadian immigration goals.

I'm Ready for Express Entry!