Canada Express Entry Programs
A path to Canadian Immigration for Permanent Residency
Canada is a country where your dream can come true to become a Canadian Permanent Resident. Canada offers a higher standard of living and a stable economy for you to prosper in life.
Canada Express Entry Programs
The Express Entry Canada Programs handles applications for becoming a permanent resident. It includes three programs for skilled workers from other countries who wish to move to Canada to live and work there forever.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of the three immigration programs managed through Express Entry Canada.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
The federal skilled trades program is the only program available under federal economic immigration for tradespersons.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class program is a pathway to permanent residency under Express Entry Canada. It’s designed for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have gained skilled work experience in Canada.
What is the Process for Canadian Express Entry Programs?
Step 01
Create an Express Entry profile
The first step is to create an online profile with your personal information, language skills, education, work experience, and other relevant details. Based on your profile, you will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool.
Step 02
Enter the Express Entry pool
Once you have created your profile, you will be placed into the Express Entry pool, along with other eligible candidates. The Canadian government holds regular draws from the pool and invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency.
Step 03
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If you are selected in a draw, you will receive an ITA, which means you can now apply for permanent residency in Canada. You will have 60 days to submit your application and provide all required documentation.
Step 04
Apply for Permanent Residency
Once you have received an ITA, you can apply for permanent residency in Canada through the Express Entry program. The government will review your application and make a decision on whether to grant you permanent residency.
Express Entry Canada: How the Points System Is Calculated
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used by the Canadian government to rank candidates in the Express Entry Canada pool. It assigns points based on key factors like age, language skills, education, Canadian and foreign work experience, and other elements that influence a candidate’s potential to succeed economically in Canada. The highest possible CRS score is 1,200, and those with top scores are more likely to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
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Am I Eligible to Apply for Canada's Express Entry?
To be eligible for the Express Entry program, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have at least one year of skilled work experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER Category 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupations.
- You must meet the language requirements for one of Canada's official languages, either English or French.
- You must have completed a post-secondary education program of at least one year, or have an equivalent foreign credential.
- You must have enough funds to support yourself and any family members who will be coming with you to Canada.
- You must pass a medical exam and security background check.
In summary, the Express Entry program is a points-based system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residency from skilled workers. To be eligible, you must meet certain criteria, including having at least one year of skilled work experience, meeting the language requirements, and having the necessary education and funds to support yourself and your family. At our immigration consultancy firm, we can help you navigate the Express Entry process and improve your chances of being selected for permanent residency in Canada.
Express Entry Canada
At WEICS, we can assist you with every step of the FSTP, FSWP & CEC process, from determining your eligibility to submitting your application. We can also help you prepare for language tests, which are an important component of the points system. With our guidance and support, you can increase your chances of success and achieve your dream of immigrating to Canada.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the most popular immigration programs in Canada. It is designed to attract skilled workers from around the world to help support the country’s economy and contribute to its diversity. At WEICS, we understand the importance of this program and are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the process and achieve their immigration goals.
The FSWP is a points-based system that evaluates skilled workers based on following:
- Age
- Education
- Work Experience
- Whether you have a valid job offer
- English and/or French language skills
- Adaptability (how well you’re likely to settle in Canada)
The FSWP offers a distinct advantage as it allows for permanent residency to be obtained within six months, in contrast to the lengthier processing times typically associated with Canada’s other skilled worker programs.
The process for the FSWP can be broken down into four steps:
- Determine eligibility: The first step is to determine whether you meet the program’s eligibility requirements. This includes having at least one year of continuous skilled work experience in a qualifying occupation, meeting the language requirements, and having the necessary education and funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members.
- Create an Express Entry profile: If you are eligible, you must then create an online profile through the Express Entry system. This will include providing details about your education, work experience, language skills, and other relevant information.
- Get Assessed: Your profile will be assessed based on a points system that assigns scores for various factors. If you meet the minimum score requirement, you will be placed into a pool of candidates.
- Receive an invitation to apply: If you are selected from the pool of candidates, you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. You will have 60 days to submit your application and all required documents.
Additional factors
The points system for the FSWP assigns points for various factors, including age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and other factors that are known to contribute to success in Canada’s labor market. The maximum score is 100, and candidates who score above 67 are eligible to apply.
You must show that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada unless you are currently able to legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a popular immigration program in Canada that is designed to attract skilled tradespeople from around the world to help support the country’s economy and contribute to its diversity. At WEICS, we understand the importance of this program and are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the process and achieve their immigration goals.
The FSTP is a points-based system that evaluates skilled tradespeople based on following:
- Writing
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
The process for the FSTP can be broken down into four steps:
- Determine eligibility: The first step is to determine whether you meet the program’s eligibility requirements. This includes having at least two years of continuous work experience in a qualifying skilled trade occupation within five years before you apply.
- Create an Express Entry profile: If you are eligible, you must then create an online profile through the Express Entry system. This will include providing details about your education, work experience, language skills, and other relevant information.
- Get assessed: Your profile will be assessed based on a points system that assigns scores for various factors. If you meet the minimum score requirement, you will be placed into a pool of candidates.
- Receive an invitation to apply: If you are selected from the pool of candidates, you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. You will have 60 days to submit your application and all required documents.
Specific eligibility criteria include:
- Work Experience: Must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work) in one of the eligible skilled trade occupations, which are classified under the following categories of the National Occupational Classification (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 83: natural resources, and related production
- Major Group 92: processing, manufacturing, and utility supervisors and central control operators.
- Major Group 93: central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors, excluding Sub-Major Group 932, aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors.
- Minor Group 6320: cooks, butchers and baker.
- Unit Group 62200: chefs.
- Job Offer/Certification: Must have at least one year of continuous, full-time employment (minimum 30 hours per week) with up to two Canadian employers OR hold a certification of qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial body.
- Language: Must demonstrate their language proficiency by providing proof from a designated language testing organization that they meet or exceed the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels of 5 for speaking and listening, and level 4 for reading and writing.
Canadian Experience Class
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a popular immigration program that provides a pathway for foreign nationals who have gained valid work experience in Canada to become permanent residents. The CEC is designed for individuals who have already established themselves in Canada through their work experience and post-secondary education and are interested in staying in the country on a permanent basis.
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for CEC as a Temporary Foreign Worker?
- Have at least one year of professional work experience in Canada
- Must have gained this experience within the three years before submitting their application.
- Applicants must also have obtained at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in one of the following in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 job
- Take an English or French language test designated by IRCC and obtain the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirement (a CLB 7 for NOC TEER category 0 and 1 work experience and CLB 5 for NOC TEER category 2 and 3 work experience).
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for CEC as an International Student?
- Complete your educational program at a Canadian designated learning institution.
- Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Must have gained this experience within the three years before submitting their application.
- Applicants must also have obtained at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in one of the following in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 job
- Take an English or French language test designated by IRCC and obtain the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirement (a CLB 7 for NOC TEER category 0 and 1 work experience and CLB 5 for NOC TEER category 2 and 3 work experience).
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the most popular immigration programs in Canada. It is designed to attract skilled workers from around the world to help support the country’s economy and contribute to its diversity. At WEICS, we understand the importance of this program and are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the process and achieve their immigration goals.
The FSWP is a points-based system that evaluates skilled workers based on following:
- Age
- Education
- Work Experience
- Whether you have a valid job offer
- English and/or French language skills
- Adaptability (how well you’re likely to settle in Canada)
The FSWP offers a distinct advantage as it allows for permanent residency to be obtained within six months, in contrast to the lengthier processing times typically associated with Canada’s other skilled worker programs.
The process for the FSWP can be broken down into four steps:
- Determine eligibility: The first step is to determine whether you meet the program’s eligibility requirements. This includes having at least one year of continuous skilled work experience in a qualifying occupation, meeting the language requirements, and having the necessary education and funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members.
- Create an Express Entry profile: If you are eligible, you must then create an online profile through the Express Entry system. This will include providing details about your education, work experience, language skills, and other relevant information.
- Get Assessed: Your profile will be assessed based on a points system that assigns scores for various factors. If you meet the minimum score requirement, you will be placed into a pool of candidates.
- Receive an invitation to apply: If you are selected from the pool of candidates, you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. You will have 60 days to submit your application and all required documents.
Additional factors
The points system for the FSWP assigns points for various factors, including age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and other factors that are known to contribute to success in Canada’s labor market. The maximum score is 100, and candidates who score above 67 are eligible to apply.
You must show that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada unless you are currently able to legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a popular immigration program in Canada that is designed to attract skilled tradespeople from around the world to help support the country’s economy and contribute to its diversity. At WEICS, we understand the importance of this program and are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the process and achieve their immigration goals.
The FSTP is a points-based system that evaluates skilled tradespeople based on following:
- Writing
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
The process for the FSTP can be broken down into four steps:
- Determine eligibility: The first step is to determine whether you meet the program's eligibility requirements. This includes having at least two years of continuous work experience in a qualifying skilled trade occupation within five years before you apply.
- Create an Express Entry profile: If you are eligible, you must then create an online profile through the Express Entry system. This will include providing details about your education, work experience, language skills, and other relevant information.
- Get assessed: Your profile will be assessed based on a points system that assigns scores for various factors. If you meet the minimum score requirement, you will be placed into a pool of candidates.
- Receive an invitation to apply: If you are selected from the pool of candidates, you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. You will have 60 days to submit your application and all required documents.
Specific eligibility criteria include:
- Work Experience: Must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work) in one of the eligible skilled trade occupations, which are classified under the following categories of the National Occupational Classification (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 83: natural resources, and related production
- Major Group 92: processing, manufacturing, and utility supervisors and central control operators.
- Major Group 93: central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors, excluding Sub-Major Group 932, aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors.
- Minor Group 6320: cooks, butchers and baker.
- Unit Group 62200: chefs.
- Job Offer/Certification: Must have at least one year of continuous, full-time employment (minimum 30 hours per week) with up to two Canadian employers OR hold a certification of qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial body.
- Language: Must demonstrate their language proficiency by providing proof from a designated language testing organization that they meet or exceed the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels of 5 for speaking and listening, and level 4 for reading and writing.
Canadian Experience Class
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a popular immigration program that provides a pathway for foreign nationals who have gained valid work experience in Canada to become permanent residents. The CEC is designed for individuals who have already established themselves in Canada through their work experience and post-secondary education and are interested in staying in the country on a permanent basis.
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for CEC as a Temporary Foreign Worker?
- Have at least one year of professional work experience in Canada
- Must have gained this experience within the three years before submitting their application.
- Applicants must also have obtained at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in one of the following in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 job
- Take an English or French language test designated by IRCC and obtain the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirement (a CLB 7 for NOC TEER category 0 and 1 work experience and CLB 5 for NOC TEER category 2 and 3 work experience).
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for CEC as an International Student?
- Complete your educational program at a Canadian designated learning institution.
- Apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
- Must have gained this experience within the three years before submitting their application.
- Applicants must also have obtained at least 1,560 hours of Canadian work experience in one of the following in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 job
- Take an English or French language test designated by IRCC and obtain the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) requirement (a CLB 7 for NOC TEER category 0 and 1 work experience and CLB 5 for NOC TEER category 2 and 3 work experience).
Book Your Virtual Consultation Or Canadian Immigration Eligibility Review
Express Entry Questions
Starting 2023 IRCC has introduced category based draws through which IRCC invites candidates from the Express Entry pool who meet the specific requirements for the round of invitations and are the candidates who meet the cut off points.
The following categories were chosen in 2023:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
If your experience is one of the above categories and you want us to assess your eligibility, you may Book a Consultation with us.
The table below shows the updated Express Entry POF requirement for 2024, as of May 28. This is the minimum amount required to immigrate under the Express Entry program.
| Number of Family Members | Funds required in Canadian Dollars |
|---|---|
| 1 | $14,690 |
| 2 | $18,288 |
| 3 | $22,483 |
| 4 | $22,483 |
| 5 | $30,690 |
| 6 | $34,917 |
| 7 | $38,875 |
| If more than 7 people, for each additional family member | $3,958 |
If you have doubt regarding how to prove the settlement funds , you may Book a Consultation with us.
Applicants applying under the following programs need to have proof of funds:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
Please be aware that federal or provincial immigration options might use the 2024 Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) as a criterion for assessing your financials. However, you do not need to demonstrate sufficient funds if you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class, or if you are working or authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer, even when applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Your Express Entry profile becomes ineligible and you will have to submit/create a new Express Entry profile again.
To complete your Express Entry application, you will need several documents at different stages of the process. Here is a comprehensive list of the required documents:
Before creating/submitting your profile:
- Passport or Travel Document: A valid passport or travel document.
- Language Test Results: Proof of language proficiency in English or French (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, PTE for English; TEF or TCF for French).
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If you completed your education outside of Canada, you need an ECA to verify that your education is equivalent to Canadian standards.
- Job Offer (if applicable): A written job offer from your Canadian employer if you have one.
- Provincial Nomination (if applicable): If you have been nominated by a province or territory, you will need the nomination certificate.
After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
- Police Certificates: Police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for six months or more since the age of 18.
- Medical Examination: Proof of a medical examination by an approved panel physician.
- Proof of Funds: Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada, unless you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class or have a valid job offer.
- Proof of Work Experience: Reference letters from previous employers, employment contracts, T4s, NOA and pay stubs to prove your work experience.
- Civil Status Documents: Marriage certificates, divorce certificates, or death certificates (if applicable).
- Children’s Documents: Birth certificates or adoption papers (if applicable).
- Other Documents: Any other documents that IRCC requests to support your application, such as written job offers, provincial nomination certificates, or proof of relationship to a Canadian relative.
For All Applications:
- Digital Photos: Recent passport-sized photos that meet specific requirements under Express Entry program.
- Completed Forms: All required forms, completed and signed.
Additional Considerations:
- Translation of Documents: Any documents that are not in English or French must be accompanied by a certified translation.
- Letter of Explanation: If there are any special circumstances or missing documents, you can provide a letter explaining these details.
- Notes: This list covers the primary documents you will need for an Express Entry application, but additional documents might be requested based on your individual circumstances.
At WEICS, we offer a variety of services for DIY applicants, whether you are at the profile creation stage or have received an ITA. To learn more, Book A Consultation with our Licensed Immigration Consultant.