Express Entry

The system manages three key programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Candidates create a profile, and those who meet the eligibility criteria are entered into the Express Entry pool. From there, they may receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

a. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW):

The FSW is designed for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada. It is one of the main pathways for individuals to become permanent residents.

Minimum Requirements:

• Work Experience: At least one year (1,560 hours) of continuous full-time (or an equal amount of part-time) skilled work experience within the last 10 years in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Language Proficiency: A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 in either English or French, based on your test results in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
• Education: A Canadian high school diploma or a foreign equivalent. If you have foreign education, you must get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify that your credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards.
• Funds: You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family unless you are already working in Canada or have a valid job offer.
• Admissibility: No criminal record, and you must pass medical exams to show that you are in good health.

b. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):

This program is for individuals with work experience in a skilled trade who want to become permanent residents based on their work experience and skills in a trade.

Minimum Requirements:

• Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years. Work experience should be in a skilled trade listed under the NOC code.
• Language Proficiency: A minimum CLB level of 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB level 4 in reading and writing in either English or French.
• Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification:
  • A valid job offer for full-time, non-seasonal work from a Canadian employer in a skilled trade, or
  • A certificate of qualification in your trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
• Admissibility: Similar to FSW, applicants must pass a medical exam and demonstrate no criminal background.

c. Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

The CEC is designed for individuals who have already gained skilled work experience in Canada and want to apply for permanent residence. It is often seen as a popular pathway for temporary foreign workers and international students who gain work experience in Canada and wish to stay permanently.

Minimum Requirements:

• Work Experience: At least one year (1,560 hours) of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years in a NOC TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
• Language Proficiency:
  • For NOC TEER  0 or 1 job experience, the required language proficiency is a CLB 7.
  • For NOC TEER  2 or 3 job experience, the required language proficiency is a CLB 5.

Admissibility: Like other programs, you need to clear medical exams and show no criminal history.