Express Entry
The Express Entry program, which was first introduced in 2015, is a point-based immigration system in which Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) manages applications received from skilled workers through three of Canada’s federal economic immigration programs, namely:
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1. The Canadian Experience Class;
2. The Federal Skilled Workers Program;
3. The Federal Skilled Trades Program.
The competitive program involves completing a rigid 3-step process after the minimum requirements for the program under which one intends to apply have been met. First, the candidate is required to create and submit a profile in which points are allotted under a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for age, level of education, marital status, work experience, language, and other factors to a maximum of 1200 points. Once the profile has been submitted, an overall score is generated and the profile is ranked against the profiles of other candidates in the pool. Second, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts a draw approximately twice per month and sends an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence to candidates with the highest-ranking scores. Third, the candidate must submit an application for permanent residence within 60 days after receiving the invitation otherwise the process must be repeated. Please see the table below which shows the maximum points allotted per factor.
The Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience class was designed for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have at least 12 months of qualifying skilled Canadian work experience. To be eligible, the candidate must:
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Have attained a minimum score of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four language abilities where the occupation is in NOC 0 or A;
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Have attained a minimum score of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all four language abilities where the occupation is in NOC B;
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Have at least one year of paid skilled work experience in Canada, within the last 3 years of applying;
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Have gained Canadian work experience in a NOC 0, A or B job position while under temporary resident status with authorization to work;
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Plan to live outside Quebec.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Candidates who seek to immigrate under this program are required to undergo a unique eligibility assessment which utilizes a 100-point grid where points are awarded for age, education, work experience, job offer, language skills and adaptability (how well one is likely to settle in Canada). If the candidate receives at least 67 points out of 100, the profile is then placed in the pool of candidates from the different express entry streams and a final overall score generated. A table displaying the maximum points allocated for each selection factor under this program can be viewed here. In order to satisfy the minimum requirements for this program, the candidate must:
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Have at least 1 year of continuous paid skilled work experience in a NOC 0, A, or B job position in their primary occupation within the last 10 years;
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Have attained a minimum score of CLB 7 in English or NCLC 7 in French in all four language abilities where the occupation is in NOC 0, A or B for the first official language;
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Have attained a minimum score of CLB 5 in English or NCLC 5 in French in all four language abilities where the occupation is in a NOC 0, A, or B, for the second official language, if applicable (Bilingual applicants);
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Possess a certificate, diploma, or degree from a secondary or post-secondary institution in Canada or a foreign equivalent accompanied by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA);
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Not be inadmissible to Canada;
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Plan to live outside Quebec;
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Show proof of funds that will be used for settlement in Canada , unless the candidate is able to legally work in Canada or has a valid job offer from an employer in Canada:
The Federal Skilled Trades Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a pathway to permanent residence for those who are qualified in a skilled trade, has demonstrated the ability to become established in Canada, and plans to live outside of Quebec. An eligible candidate must:
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Have attained a minimum score of CLB 5 and NCLC 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 and NCLC 4 in reading and writing;
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Have at least 2 years of full-time or part-time paid work experience, post qualification, in a skilled trade within the past 5 years. Skilled trades are classified under the following major groups which are subdivided into other occupations which are all NOC B jobs. Note: The experience counts after a person is qualified to independently practice the trade;
- 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
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Meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification, except for the requirement to possess a certificate of qualification;
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Have a valid job offer for full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year, or certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority;
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Must plan to live outside of Quebec;
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Show proof of funds that will be used for settlement in Canada, unless the candidate is currently able to legally work in Canada or has a valid job offer from an employer in Canada:
It is imperative that an application under the Express Entry program be thoroughly reviewed prior to submission. Importantly, the documents provided must be free of error and must provide sufficient details needed to satisfy any concerns an officer may have. For instance, the Federal Court has upheld an officer’s decision to refuse an application on the basis that the applicant’s employment letter lacked the mandatory details of the duties and responsibilities performed. Furthermore, documents must always be valid as expired documents can result in a refusal. While an officer has a legal obligation to provide the applicant with an opportunity to address their concerns prior to rendering a decision, they are not required to again alert the applicant of a requirement that was, for instance, noted on a form as opined by the Court in Gugliotti v. Canada (Citizenship and Immigration), 2017 FC 71.
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Need Help? We assist with guiding applicants through the process of applying for permanent residence under the Express Entry program, as well as to complete and submit same on their behalf. Should you require assistance please contact us by using our contact form.
COVID-19 UPDATE: The Government of Canada has implemented travel restrictions which prohibit some persons from entering Canada, and may require additional documents for those who are exempted from same. As such, please click here to find out if you are eligible for travel to Canada.