Express Entry

Recognizing the vital role that immigration plays in the overall economy, the Canadian Government introduced fast-tracked immigration pathways for certain skilled workers.

Launched in 2015, the Express Entry system has become one of the most important Canadian immigration tools available to foreign nationals looking to immigrate to Canada, accounting for more than half of new permanent residents.

Express Entry itself is not an immigration program but rather, it is an online system used to manage and evaluate applications for candidates that meet the criteria for one of the following economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker
• Federal Skilled Trade
• Canadian Experience Class

Each Express Entry program has a list of eligibility criteria that must be met before an Express Entry profile is created. Candidate profiles within the Express Entry system are then evaluated and ranked using a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System. The higher your score, the more likely you are to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency during regular Express Entry draws.

The eligibility criteria for each program vary so if you are unsure of which pathway is suitable for your circumstances, a Canada Express Entry consultant can help you evaluate your options. Express Entry consultants have in-depth knowledge of Express Entry programs as well as other immigration pathways as they are an invaluable resource for immigration assistance to Canada.

Immigration via Express Entry is competitive. Each round will have a cut-off CRS score and applicants must score above that number to receive an ITA. This makes achieving your best possible CRS score extremely valuable. Many foreign nationals choose to enlist a Canada Express Entry immigration consultancy to help them prepare their profiles and ensure they are capturing all potential CRS points.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Foreign nationals with qualifications and work experience in professional and managerial level jobs may be able to apply from Express Entry through the Federal Skilled Worker stream. This program is open to candidates who have:

• English or French language skills of CLB (Canada Language Benchmark) 7 or higher
• Minimum 1-year continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) employment in of the following NOC classifications:
  • Skill Type 0: Managerial jobs
  • Skill Level A: Professional jobs
  • Skill Level B: Technical and skilled trades jobs

While Canadian experience or a job offer can help improve your CRS score and chances of obtaining an Invitation to Apply, neither are a criterion for qualification. A Canada Express Entry consultant can help prepare your profile to ensure you are awarded all the CRS points you are entitled to.

The Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)

Skilled trades are an essential part of the Canadian workforce; if you have experience working in a skilled trade, the Federal Skilled Trade program might be right for you.

Other eligibility criteria include:

• English or French-speaking and listing skills level CLB 5 or higher; writing and reading CLB level 4 or higher
• Two years full-time or equivalent part-time, obtained within the previous five years
• A full-time job offer lasting at least one year OR
• A provincially issued Canadian certificate of qualification verifying competency in your NOC listed skilled trade

Factors like having a post-secondary degree, Canadian work experience, or arranged employment, while not mandatory, can dramatically improve your CRS ranking.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For professional and skilled workers with Canadian work experience, the Canadian Experience Class Express Entry offers a fast-track way to permanent residency. Eligibility criteria stipulate that a candidate must have:

• Minimum English or French language skills
  • CLB 7 for NOC skill type 0 or skill level A
  • CLB 5 for NOC skill level B
• One year full-time or equivalent part-time Canadian work experience acquired within the past 36 months

As always, factors not directly related to your eligibility for a specific program can positively impact your CRS score. For more information on CRS scores and how to maximize your ranking, you may wish to enlist the help of a Canada Express Entry consultancy.