Discover what Express Entry is and how it is used as a tool to obtain permanent residence in Canada.
First of all, express entry is NOT an immigration program, but rather a database or online immigration application system. Which allows people to create a profile and be considered for permanent residence. Only those with the highest ranking will be invited to apply for permanent residence.
So how does it work?
The express entry is used to select candidates for 3 programs:
- The skilled worker program
- The skilled trades program
- The Canadian experience class
*None of these programs are applicable for those interested in living in Quebec*
To be eligible for the skilled worker program, candidates need:
- Post-secondary education – the more education you have, the more points you will receive
- Professional experience- A minimum of 1 year of professional experience in an occupation NOC 0, A or B
- Ability to communicate in the official language of Canada (English or French)
- You need a minimum of 67 points to enter the pool
- Please note, having entered the pool does not mean that you will be selected
- You are awarded points on the following factors: Age, education, work experience, language ability, and other factors
- You are required to demonstrate financial solvency & as anyone who wishes to enter Canada must be admissible
- This program is ideal for young professionals
Remember that you get the most points from 20-29 years.
To be eligible for the skilled trades programs, candidates need:
- a minimum of 2 years’ work experience within the 5 years of applying in the following occupations:
- Major Group 72, industrial, electrical and construction trades
- Grupo Mayor 73, equipment maintenance and operation
- Major Group 82, supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production
- Main Group 92, Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities Supervisors and Central Control Operators
- Minor Group 632, chefs and cooks
- Minor Group 633, butchers and bakers
- Meet a relatively low language requirement compared to the other program: CLB 5 speaking and listening; CLB 4 for reading and writing
- Have a valid job offer for a total period of one year OR certificate of qualification issued by the province, territory or federal authority.
- There is no education requirement, but those with education will score higher
- Proof of funds – however if you have a job offer you are exempt although it is recommended to show some funds
- be admissible
- be admissible
To be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class program, candidates need:
- a minimum of one year of full-time Canadian work experience.
- Work experience in an occupation NOC 0 (manager), A (university), B (technical)
- There is no minimum education requirement, however you will receive more points if you studied in Canada something other than English or French or if you have an ECA
- Linguistic ability
- Canadian Language Benchmark 7 for jobs NOC 0 or A or
- Canadian Language Benchmark 5 for NOC B jobs
- This program can be for those who came to Canada with a job offer or studied in Canada, obtained a PGWP and worked for at least one year
Things to know:
- Remember that when applying to any of these programs if you have a spouse or are in a common law relationship, regardless of whether they are of the same sex, your partner will also be evaluated. Therefore, it is important to assess who has a stronger profile.
- Does not apply to Quebec
- Free to live anywhere in Canada unless you are tied to a province program o Your profile will remain active for one year and if during that year you do not receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) the profile will be discarded
