Express Entry System
Express entry is a points-based online system that is used to manage applications from skilled workers for permanent residency under the economic stream to meet Canada's growing economic need, by submitting an expression of interest for the purpose of subsection 10.1(3) of the Act. It is also used to to notify any foreign national who has an expression of interest in the express entry pool of matters relating to their expression of interest including inviting them to apply for permanent residency within 60 days, among other functions of the system. The government sends ITA ( invitations to apply) around every 2 weeks.
There are 3 immigration programs managed under this system :
Federal skilled worker program
Federal skilled trades program
Canadian experience program
How does it work ?
You create a profile on the system and will be given points based on certain criteria; education, age, language proficiency, work experience..etc. profiles will be ranked against each other based on the points given; which is called a Comprehensive Ranking System ( CRS) The candidates with the most points are invited to apply for permanent residency under one of the programs mentioned. In order to be eligible you have to meet the criteria under ONE of the programs. Once you are invited to apply you have 60 days to submit a complete application and pay the fees , the federal government has aimed to complete processing the applications in 6 months.
How do I know which program I qualify under ?
Each program has a set of criteria to meet in order to be qualified. You only have to qualify under ONE to be placed in the pool ( express entry pool).
Federal Skilled Worker's Program (FSWP):
This program is for foreign workers who have foreign work experience and would like to become permanent residents. They are chosen based on their education, work experience, language, skills and other criteria.
The first step is finding out your National Occupation Classification (NOC) for your job and then checking your work experience to see if it meets the requirements for the FSWP.
Your work experience must be :
In Teer 0,1,2 or 3 ( TEER; T:training, E:education, E: experience, R: responsibility)
Have the same NOC as the job you used in your immigration application
Show you performed the actions in the lead statement of the NOC and most of the duties listed
Experience has to have been obtained in the last 10 years
Paid work
at least 1 year of continuous work ( 1560 hours- 30 hours per week)
You must also :
Score at least a CLB 4 on your language test in all 4 abilities ; reading, listening, writing and speaking
A certification or diploma or degree if you went to school in Canada from a Canadian high school or post-secondary institution
A completed educational credential and a completed educational credential assessment (ECA) if you have foreign education
Have enough funds for you and your family unless you : - are currently legally able to work in Canada AND you have a valid job offer.
Plan to live outside of Quebec
In order to qualify for this program and be placed in the express entry pool under the FSWP you need to score a minimum of 67/100 , these points are different from the points given in the express entry pool.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) :
Skilled trades need specialized knowledge and hands on work, an apprenticeship is required for most trades.
Some examples of the skilled trades that some people may work in:
construction
transportation
manufacturing and industrial
natural resources and agriculture
Am I eligible to apply under the FSTP ?
You may be eligible to apply under this program if your skilled work experience is :
All in the same NOC group Major Groups 72 (excluding Sub-Major Group 726), 73, 82, 83, 92, or 93 (excluding Sub-Major Group 932, Minor Group 6320, Unit Group 62200
You must show that you performed all the actions in the lead statement of the NOC job description and most of the main duties
Meet the job requirements for that skill
Paid work ( paid wages or earned commission)
Obtained in the country where you qualify to work
At least 2 years of full work experience (3120 hours in total ) within the last 5 years
In order to qualify you must also :
Have a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least a year OR a certificate of qualification in your skilled trades
Take and pass the language test and meet the minimum score in all 4 abilities ; writing, reading, listening and speaking
No education is required for this program
You must show you have enough funds for you and your family to settle in Canada unless you : - are currently legally able to work in Canada AND you have a valid job offer
Must be admissible
Plan to live outside of Quebec
Canadian Work Experience ( CEC) :
This program is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. This is the main condition for applying under this program.
Am I eligible to apply under the CEC ?
You are eligible to apply if you meet the requirements for the CEC . Requirements are :
you have skilled work experience in 1 or more of these NOC categories: training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) 0, 1, 2, or 3
Your work experience was gained in Canada while AUTHORIZED to work under a temporary resident status.
Show you performed the actions in the lead statement of the NOC description and most of the main duties
Paid work for at least 1 year ( 1560 hours - 30 hours per week) in the 3 years before you apply
Take and pass the language test and meet the minimum score in all 4 abilities ; writing, reading, listening and speaking
No education is required
Must be admissible
Plan to live outside the Province of Quebec
Ready to apply ?
We can assess your eligibility and help you take the next steps towards your permanent residency in Canada . Contact us by booking a consultation and we will guide you through the next step.