The Canadian Government encourages skilled workers to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Once assessed as eligible by way of a submitted profile, the candidates can apply and may be suitable for Express Entry, a fast-track immigration program. Below we explain how it works.

Express Entry Explained

The Canadian Immigration Express Entry system is an online process. The candidate submits their profile, which the Canadian Government then assesses. If suitable, the applicant then enters the Express Entry pool.
The next step sees the applicant ranked on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Devised by the federal government, the CRS awards points to a candidate in several areas. These include work experience, age, level of education, and language skills among other factors. The government picks the highest-ranking candidates on a regular basis and sends them an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Eligibility for Express Entry

There are three federal economic programs that may enable Express Entry. These are:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – the main pathway to Express Entry, the FSWP requires applicants to have worked for at least a year in the last 10 in a skilled position as determined by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) at skill level o, A or B. They must also be classed as intermediate or better in English or French. Overseas educational qualifications must meet Canadian requirements. Points are awarded in relevant areas, and the candidate must score 67 or more on the FSWP points grid.
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – this program requires candidates to have work experience in Canada. If they have worked for one year in the last three in a skilled, professional, or technical position in Canada they may qualify for Express Entry and apply for permanent residence. Language proficiency requirements also apply.
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – to apply for permanent residence under the FTSP candidates must have two years’ work experience in the last five in a skilled position and meet the Canadian requirements for that skill. Individuals who have a full-time job offer in Canada may also qualify, as may those who are qualified in a recognised skilled trade and have a certificate awarded by a recognised Canadian authority. Language proficiency requirements also apply.

Duration of Application Process

Once issued an ITA, the candidate then applies. From receipt of the application, the Canadian Government will complete the process within 6 months. A submitted Express Entry profile remains valid for one year. If an ITA is not issued within a year, the candidate may re-submit.

Provincial Nomination Program

The Provinces of Canada run their own Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP) for Express Entry candidates who meet the economic needs of the province. The final decision is made by the federal government. A successful PNP result is worth 600 points on the CRS score, which guarantees an ITA.