Express Entry is a federal program designed for skilled immigrants who want to settle in Canada permanently and take part in our economy. Express entry is a type of economic immigration.

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Why economic immigration is so important to Canada?

As Canada forecasted a very slow GDP growth and negative productivity and a growing amount of workers to be soon retired, Canada has to think about its future. Non-surprising two- thirds of newcomers are invited through the economic stream of the online immigration system, called Express Entry. It is a strong belief of the Canadian nation, that immigration will help Canada to boost its performance.

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Express Entry (EE) is an online immigration application system. It allows people to submit a profile and be considered as a skilled immigrant. Candidates with the highest rankings are invited to apply for permanent residency.

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It is important to mention, that one of the EE objectives is to allow the potential Provincial and territorial employers to recruit and select skilled immigrants from the pool of candidates.

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There are three major immigration programs currently available under the Express Entry category, however, in order to qualify for at least one of them, the candidate has to meet the general minimum requirements.

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The requirements will be calculated based on different aspects, such as:

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1. Language test results (the test must be taken within the last 2 years and only by the accredited institution)

2. Skilled work experience

3. Education ( must be evaluated)

4. Age

5. Job offers

6. Adaptability

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In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria, the applicant and his family members must ensure, that they are admissible, undergo the medical examination, and meet the minimum settlement funds requirements, according to their family size.

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To calculate your CRS score: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp

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The foreign national can only apply under one of the EE economic immigration programs only if the Invitation to Apply (ITA) was received.ITA will advise the applicant which economic stream the application will be assessed against, and the applicant must meet the criteria of this stream and be able to prove of all the information, entered earlier.

For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html

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1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Selection is based on the applicant’s ability to settle in Canada and contribute to the Canadian economy.

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After meeting the minimum requirements, the applicant will be further assessed against the points system (CRS) and must achieve a passing score on the selection grid. It is important to mention, that the applicant must meet the requirements on the day he applies for the PR as well as on the date, the application is approved. This means, that the applicant must be in possession of the approved evaluation and current language results, as they enter the Express Entry pool.

Once the CRS point score is assigned, candidates are required to register with the Service Canada Job Bank and wait for the Invitation to Apply.

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Main factors for entrance to this program are:

1. Language CLB 7 or higher

2. At least one year ( accumulated) of experience in the last ten years, which was continuous and full time in NOC 0, A or B.

3. Successfully completed Educational Credential assessment

4. A job offer is optional and will provide the candidate with additional points. It must be:

• Permanent, non- seasonal and full time

• NOC O, A or B

For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/federal-skilled-workers.html

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   2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Selection is based on the applicant’s qualification in a skilled trade.

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Unlike the FSWP, the applicants in this stream are not assessed on a point system and there are no education requirements. It is very important to mention that the minimum requirements for the Express Entry must be met.

 

A skilled trade occupation must be Skill level B in one of the following professions:

1. Industrial, electrical or construction trades

2. Maintenance and equipment operation trades

3. Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture and related production

4. Processing, manufacturing and utility supervisors and central control operators

5. Chefs and cooks

6. Butchers and bakers

 

The eligibility assessed based on the following factors:

1. Language CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing

2. Work Experience – at least two years of full-time employment within the last five years.

3. The applicant must meet the relevant employment requirements, except for the requirement of a certificate of qualification

4. JOB OFFER - for at least one year or CERTIFICATE OF QUALIFICATION                                        

For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/skilled-trades.html

   3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

This is a pathway for temporary residents with authorization to work to transition to permanent residence.

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Only those, who worked in Canada, while on the valid permit can apply.

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The eligibility is assessed through CRS based on the following factors:

1. At least 12 months of full-time Canadian job experience

2. This work experience was obtained within the last three years

3. The job was at the NOC O, A or B

4. English level CLB7

For more information: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/eligibility/canadian-experience-class.html

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