With a growing economy and a need to fill skilled positions, Ecuadorians and other nationalities have a choice of immigration pathways within Canada’s ongoing plan.
Ecuadorians make up a very small proportion of immigrants to Canada yet are valued by the Canadian government for their contribution. Skilled workers from Ecuador have settled with their families in and around Toronto, in Ontario, and in various towns and cities in the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.
Quebec, which has its own independent immigration plan that is administered by the Government of Quebec, is also popular.
The country needs immigrants with skills to help boost the economy and invites applications from Ecuador nationals. The most popular methods of application are as follows:

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

Each of the above uses the Express Entry process which we will explain in brief later.

Eligibility requirements for the above pathways are as follows:

FSWP

Candidates for the FSWP must be able to prove the following:

  • To have on a continual basis and full time for more than a year in a skilled position that meets Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOP) level o, A or B.
  • Proficiency in either English or French to Canadian Benchmark Level (CBL) 7 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  • A foreign or Canadian educational certificate to a recognized level.

CEC

CEC candidates must be able to meet the following criteria:

  • To have worked in Canada in a skilled, professional, or technical role for at least one year in the 36 months prior to applying.
  • To be proficient in English or French to CLB level 5 or 7, depending on the job.

FSTP

To be considered for permanent residence via the FTSP candidates must meet the following requirements:

  • To have a valid full time and continuous job offer from a Canadian employer for at least one year.
  • To prove language skills up to CLB 4 in reading and writing, and CLB 5 in speaking and listening.
  • Without a job offer, candidates must have at least 2 years work experience in the relevant skill and be able to demonstrate their ability to a required degree.

Each of the above also requires the candidate to intend to live and work in any of the provinces of Canada except Quebec. Those wishing to settle in Quebec must apply via the Quebec Skilled Worker Program.

Recognized Skills

As Canada needs certain skilled persons, the following skills as classified under the NOP are eligible:

  • Major Group 72: industrial, electrical and construction trades,
  • Major Group 73: maintenance and equipment operation trades,
  • Major Group 82: supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, and related production,
  • Major Group 92: processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators,
  • Minor Group 632: chefs and cooks, and
  • Minor Group 633: butchers and bakers.

Express Entry

Candidates for the above three pathways will be processed by the Express Entry system. This involves the candidate providing a profile of their experience, education, and personal details. The profile is scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). High scoring candidates are entered into a draw and when picked are issued with an Invitation to Apply.
Ecuadorian candidates can then complete the entry forms for approval. The Canadian Government aims to complete all applications with 6 months.
There are alternative pathways such as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and Family Class Sponsorship. The former is run by individual provinces for permanent residence in a specific province, and the latter is for candidates who have family in Canada and maybe sponsored by them for entry.
As the Canadian government may close the plan when it has reached the required 1 million immigrants, early application is recommended.