Express Entry

The Express Entry system is a Canadian immigration program designed to manage applications for permanent residency in Canada. It is a point-based system that evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability. The express entry system manages three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.
It’s important to note that meeting the eligibility requirements and having a high CRS score does not guarantee an ITA or permanent residency. The Express Entry system is designed to select candidates with the highest potential to contribute to the Canadian economy and society.
Here is a general overview of the Express Entry process:
Expression of Interest (Express Entry Pool)

Eligible candidates create an online profile in the Express Entry system and provide information about their skills, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant details. Each profile is given a score based on the CRS, which considers factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability.

Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Candidates with the highest CRS scores (in most cases) receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency. They have 60 days to submit a complete application, including supporting documents. Recently, the IRCC began issuing TEER (NOC) specific draws where Canada prioritizes ITA for the occupations in demand to meet Canada’s economic demand.

Application Submission

Candidates must provide accurate and truthful information along with supporting documents to prove their eligibility. This includes documents related to education, work experience, language proficiency tests, and other requirements. In case a specific document is not available, one may request an extension from the IRCC by providing a detailed explanation.

Permanent Residency Decision

The IRCC will review the application based on the criteria of the draw and eligibility. Applicants must undergo medical examinations and background checks for security. After the process, the IRCC will issue the final decision. If approved, they will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. The PR card will come in the mail later after landing is complete.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a program under the Canadian immigration system that allows individuals who have already gained work experience in Canada to apply for permanent residency. It is specifically designed for temporary foreign workers and international students who have completed their studies in Canada and have gained Canadian work experience.
To be eligible for the CEC, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least one year of full time or equal amount of part time skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years. The applicant needs to meet language proficiency requirements, and have gained their work experience legally. Additionally, applicants must plan to live outside the province of Quebec, as Quebec has its own selection process for skilled workers.
The CEC is a popular pathway to permanent residency for foreign workers and international students who have integrated into Canadian society and have established valuable connections and experience in the country. It offers a streamlined application process and shorter processing times compared to other immigration programs.
Successful applicants under the CEC receive permanent residency status in Canada, which grants them various benefits, including access to healthcare and social services, the ability to live and work anywhere in Canada, and the opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship in the future.

You can combine multiple NOC/TEER for your skilled experience in Canada. All Canadian experience must be within the past three years before application submission.

Experience during studies or coop will not count. Remote working experience while being outside of Canada will not count. IRCC does not count work over 30 hours per week towards the experience.

Federal Skilled Workers Class (FSW)

The Federal Skilled Workers Class (FSW) is a category of the Canadian immigration program designed for skilled workers who wish to become permanent residents of Canada. The FSW program assesses applicants based on various factors, such as their age, education, language proficiency, skilled work experience, and adaptability. To qualify for the FSW program, criteria include having at least one year of continuous full-time work experience in a skilled occupation, meeting the language proficiency requirements in English or French, and having a certain level of education. The applicant must score at least 67 points on the six selection factors criteria.
Applicants are also assessed based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points to various factors, such as age, education, language skills, work experience, and adaptability. The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency through regular draws conducted by the Canadian government, except for program specific draws.

Any full time or equal amount of part time paid work experience counts. One can also count the experience even during their studies as long as it was skilled, paid and continuous.

Must be continuous experience with no breaks. Also, all experience must be within the same NOC that is the applicant’s primary NOC/TEER in the express entry profile. IRCC does not count work over 30 hours per week towards the experience.

Federal Skilled Trades Class (FST)

The Federal Skilled Trades Class (FST) is designed for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada and have experience in a skilled trade occupation. To be eligible for the FST program, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade occupation (the last five years), meeting the language requirements, and having a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification in their trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
Applicants are also required to meet the minimum requirements for education, work experience, language proficiency, and settlement funds. The selection process is based on a points system, where candidates are awarded points based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability. If an applicant meets the eligibility requirements and earns enough points, they may be invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the FST program via express entry. Successful applicants will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can then proceed with the necessary steps to become a permanent resident of Canada.

To gain FST experience, the applicant must be qualified for independent practice in the selected trade occupation. Further, the applicant must either have a full-time job offer for at least one year or have a certificate of qualification from Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.

Factors to increase success chances in Express Entry:

  • Younger age
  • High language scores
  • Skilled experience in Canada and/or overseas
  • Close family member in Canada
  • Arranged employment (if applicable)
  • STEM experience that aligns with the program specific draws