Express Entry
Canada’s Express Entry system is a fast and efficient pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency. Launched in 2015, this online system manages applications for three key federal immigration programs. Express Entry ranks candidates based on their skills, experience, and potential to contribute to the Canadian economy.
Whether you’re an international professional, a tradesperson, or someone with Canadian experience, Express Entry could be your ticket to a new life in Canada.
Programs under Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
- Minimum of one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience in a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
- Proficiency in English or French (Canadian Language Benchmark level 7 or higher).
- Educational credential assessment (ECA) if your education was completed outside Canada.
- Proof of funds to support yourself and your family in Canada (unless you are currently able to legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer).
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
- At least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work) in a skilled trade within the last five years.
- A valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
- Proficiency in English or French (Canadian Language Benchmark level 5 for speaking and listening, and level 4 for reading and writing).
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
- At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, in the three years before you apply (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs).
- Gained your work experience by working legally in Canada.
- Proficiency in English or French (Canadian Language Benchmark level 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs; level 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs).
- No need to show proof of funds if you’re applying under this category.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used to assess and score your profile and rank it in the Express Entry pool. The CRS considers factors such as:
- Core Human Capital: Age, education, work experience, and language ability.
- Skills Transferability: Combination of education, foreign work experience, and Canadian work experience.
- Additional Factors: Including a valid job offer, a provincial nomination, or Canadian education.
Candidates with the highest scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The CRS cutoff score varies from one draw to the next.
Category-Based Draws
Starting in 2023, the Canadian government introduced category-based draws to address specific labor market needs. These draws target candidates who meet the criteria of specific economic goals, such as having experience in certain occupations, proficiency in French, or possessing specific educational qualifications. The six categories under category-based draws include:
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions
- Trades, including carpenters, plumbers, and contractors
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Strong French language proficiency
The introduction of these draws allows Canada to invite candidates who can fill pressing gaps in the economy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the minimum CRS score needed for Express Entry?
A: The minimum CRS score required varies with each draw. Keeping your profile updated and maximizing your points in areas like language tests or obtaining a job offer can improve your score.
Q2: How long are Express Entry profiles valid?
A: Express Entry profiles are valid for one year from the date of submission. If you do not receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) within this period, you can resubmit your profile and remain in the pool.
Q3: Which language tests are accepted under Express Entry?
A: The accepted language tests are:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) – General Training
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) – General
- TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)
- TCF Canada (Test de connaissance du français)
- PTE Core
Q4: Will adding my spouse as an accompanying family member affect my CRS score?
A: Yes, adding your spouse as an accompanying family member can affect your CRS score. The system considers your spouse’s education, language proficiency, and work experience, which could either increase or decrease your overall score.
Q5: How can I increase my CRS score?
A: You can increase your CRS score by:
- Improving your language test results.
- Gaining additional work experience.
- Completing further education.
- Obtaining a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Securing a provincial nomination.
- Studying in Canada.
Q6: How long is the Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) valid for?
A: The ECA is valid for five years from the date of issue. You must ensure your ECA is valid at the time you submit your Express Entry profile and when you apply for permanent residence.
Q7: Does work experience gained during studies count towards Express Entry?
A: Yes, work experience gained during studies can count towards Express Entry as long as the work was paid and meets the other eligibility criteria (such as being a skilled job in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). However, work done while studying on a full-time basis cannot be counted towards the Canadian Experience Class.
Q8: Can I create an Express Entry profile with part-time work experience?
A: Yes, you can create an Express Entry profile with part-time work experience. You must have accumulated enough hours to equate to at least one year of full-time work (1,560 hours).
Q9: I have two different jobs under different NOC codes. Can I combine them for Express Entry?
A: Yes, you can combine work experience from two different jobs under different NOC codes, provided that both are in skilled occupations (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3). The work experience does not need to be continuous but should meet the minimum requirements in terms of duration and hours.