EXPRESS ENTRY
EXPRESS ENTRY is an innovative system introduced in early 2015, where skilled foreign nationals can apply for permanent residency of Canada by entering a pool of candidates.
Candidates are awarded points based on the COMPREHENSIVE RANKING SYSTEM (CRS) according to criteria such as age, education, language skills, work experience. The higher your points are, the better chance you have to receive an INVITATION TO APPLY (ITA) and become a permanent resident of Canada.
There are three economic immigration programs under Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Trades
To apply under Express Entry, you must have at least one year Canadian or foreign work experience under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A or B and meet other criteria of each program.
General requirements for each program
FEDERAL SKILLED WORKER PROGRAM (FSWP)
One of the most popular permanent residency pathways, FSWP, has been a staple in Canada’s growing economy. Minimum Requirements for this program are as follows:
WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent) of paid work experience in the last 10 years, in a skilled occupation under National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A, or B.
LANGUAGE ABILITY
Score a minimum of at least CLB 7 for reading, writing, speaking and listening in one of Canada’s official languages (English or French) from one of the IRCC approved language tests.
Your language tests are valid for 2 years after the date of the test result. They must be valid on the day you apply for permanent residence.
EDUCATION
Minimum Completion of Secondary School (High School) or its equivalent. For Candidates educated outside of Canada, their education certificate, diploma, or degree will have to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) Report from one of the IRCC’s designated organization service providers.
JOB OFFER
It’s not required to have a job offer and obtaining a job offer doesn’t guarantee success. However, it will help increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score.
CANADIAN EXPERIENCE CLASS (CEC)
This pathway allows international students and foreign workers who have Canadian work experience, the opportunity to apply and obtain permanent residence in Canada. Minimum Requirements for this program are as follows:
WORK EXPERIENCE
LANGUAGE ABILITY
Your language tests are valid for 2 years after the date of the test result. They must be valid on the day you apply for permanent residence.
EDUCATION
JOB OFFER
FEDERAL SKILLED TRADES PROGRAM (FSTP)
This pathway assists Canada’s economy by providing Canada the ability to retain highly skilled trades people by allowing those who have a qualified experience in a skill trade to apply for permanent residency. Minimum Requirements for this program are as follows:
WORK EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 2 years of trades work experience, of full-time (or equivalent) within the last 5 years, in a skilled occupation under National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level B, which are organized under the following 6 Groups of the NOC:
- 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
- Minor Group 633, butchers and bakers
LANGUAGE ABILITY
Score a minimum of at least CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing, in one of Canada’s official languages (English or French) from one of the IRCC approved language tests.
Your language tests are valid for 2 years after the date of the test result. They must be valid on the day you apply for permanent residence.
EDUCATION
JOB OFFER
CASE STUDY
Client came to UCIC after their PR application under Canadian Experience class was refused. At the time client only had 15 days left on their post graduate work permit. As expected, they were scared and panicked thinking they might have to leave Canada. Additionally, client’s employer was equally disappointed with the thought of losing a reliable employee, as they had experienced difficulties previously in finding the qualified candidate for the position.
UCIC stepped in to help the employer apply for a dual intent LMIA to extend the employment of their valuable employee. At the same time, we assisted our client to apply for a visitor extension so they can remain in Canada while employer was in process of obtaining a positive LMIA. From there on, UCIC successfully helped the client apply for and receive a LMIA based work permit at port of entry and apply for successful PR application by addressing concerns of officer, based on refusal reasons provided for previous PR application. Client was overjoyed on receiving the permanent residency of Canada and has been recommending services of UCIC to his family member and friends ever since.”
Interested in any of the following?
Applying for Canadian permanent residence under Express Entry
Assessing if you are qualified for Express Entry