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Express Entry (EE)
Canada has one of the most positive immigration policies in the world and welcomes more than 300,000 new immigrants each year. According to an international survey conducted recently, 53 per cent of adults in the world’s 24 leading countries stated that they would migrate to Canada. While Canada offers a great choice of both Federal and Provincial immigration programs, migration to Canada has become increasingly popular due to the flexibility of the Canadian immigration system and career prospects in the robust Canadian economy as its main drivers.
Express Entry applicants receive priority processing and increased accessibility for candidates from a broader range of occupations. The salient feature in Canadian express entry system is that there is no cap or maximum ceiling for the application each year compared to the systems of other countries. Therefore, applicants can apply through Express Entry at any time without being subjected to such a ceiling which generally leads to program closer or application fill up when its reach its maximum number of applicants.
At present there are three immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system and each of them has its own eligibility criteria. These programs are:
- Federal Skilled Worker,
- Federal Skilled Trades Program and
- Canadian Experience Class.
Thus, getting qualified under one of these categories is the first requirement under Express Entry.
contact us to see whether you are eligible to apply under any of these programs.
The Express Entry involves two steps:
- Complete an online Express Entry profile, be included in pool of candidates and
- Receive invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence from IRCC.
Candidates in the pool are raked using a point-based system named Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Getting into Express Entry doesn’t guarantee invitation to apply, since applicants must meet all eligible criteria or admission requirements. Upon entering the pool, candidates are assigned a CRS score based on factors including education, work experience, language ability, and other criteria. Highest-ranking candidates are regularly selected from draw and invited to apply for permanent residence.
A) Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSW)
Federal Skilled Worker Class has traditionally been the most popular category. For applicants meeting minimum criteria, Federal Worker Skilled Class utilizes a point system to determine the applicant’s ability to become economically established individual or family in Canada. Applicants need at least 67 points to be eligible to apply. Skilled workers are chosen as permanent residents based on their education, work experience, English/French language skills, and other factors. If you score 67 or higher (out of 100), you may qualify to migrate to Canada as a federal skilled worker. If you score lower than the pass mark of 67 points, you won’t qualify to immigrate to Canada as a federal skilled worker. In addition to selection criteria, applicant should be able to demonstrate enough funds available for resettlement in Canada. Once IRCC has determined that an applicant is a member of the Federal Skilled Worker category, both the principal applicant and their family members, whether accompanying or not, must complete medical examinations if required, and pass criminal and security checks.
Please note that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) requires applicants to pay application processing fees for most occasions.
To be considered for Federal Skilled Worker program candidates require to meet minimum requirements as follows.:
Work experience
in the same type of job as your primary National Occupational Classification NOC within the last 10 years ,paid work (volunteer work, unpaid internships will not be considered), at skill type 0, or skill levels A or B of the (NOC), at least 1 year (1,560 hours total / 30 hours per week), continuous: full-time at 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours), equal amount in part-time: 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours), full-time at more than 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than 1 job = 1 year full time (1,560 hours), You must show that you performed the duties set out in the occupational description in the NOC.
Education
If you have attended a school in Canada, you must have a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary Collage. If you have foreign education, you must have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an approved agency showing that your foreign education is equal to a completed certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary school.
Language Ability
You must take an approved language ability test in English or French that shows you meet the required knowledge and skill level for writing, reading, listening and speaking and should get a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four levels. Your test results must not be more than two years old on the day you apply for permanent residence. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) / The Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program, (CELPIP) are recognized language ability tests.
Contact us to discuss how we can assist you to get your English assessment done with our step by step guidance through our partners. if you’re eligible to proceed with Federal Skilled Worker application under Express Entry. You may book a free immigration consultation.
A) Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSW)
A skilled trade is a career path that requires hands-on work experience and specialty knowledge. Skilled trades workers build and maintain infrastructure in residential units, schools, hospitals, roads, farms and parks. They keep industries running and maintain performance standards in many services we rely on every day, like hairdressing, food preparation and social services etc.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is for people who want to become permanent residents of Canada based on being qualified in a skilled trade. To be eligible to apply, you must:
- Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience in an eligible skilled trade;
- Meet minimum language levels in English or French;
- Have an offer of full-time employment for a total of at least one year; or
- Have a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a province or territory
- Your work experience must be in a trade that is part of Skill Level B in the Canadian National Occupational Classification. You must have had that work experience during the last 5 years to qualify for application.
If you are eligible to apply under the FST category, you may submit your profile to Express Entry, an online application system for economic immigration categories, such as the FSTP.
Contact us to see whether you’re eligible to proceed with Federal Skilled Worker application under Express Entry by booking free immigration consultation by contacting trusted and skilled consultant at DAGE.
Education
If you went to school in Canada, you must have a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary school. If you have foreign education, you must have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an approved agency showing that your foreign education is equal to a completed certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary school.
Language Ability
You must take an approved language test in English or French that shows you meet the level for writing, reading, listening and speaking and get a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities. Your test results must not be more than two years old on the day you apply for permanent residence.
Find out, if you’re eligible to proceed with Federal Skilled Worker application under Express Entry by booking free immigration consultation.
B) Federal Skill Trade (FST)
A skilled trade is a career path that requires hands-on work and specialty knowledge. Skilled trades workers build and maintain infrastructure like our homes, schools, hospitals, roads, farms and parks. They keep industries running and perform many services we rely on every day, like hairstyling, food preparation or social services.
Benefits of a career in the skilled trades include:
- in high demand and great earning potential
- uses cutting-edge technology
- often starts with a paying job while you learn
- many paths to advance
- transferable skills
C)Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a permanent resident category for individuals who had already established themselves as skilled workers in Canada. CEC program opens the door to Canada for foreign students and foreign workers. For many international graduates, Canadian Experience Class may be fastest option for acquiring Canadian permanent residence. One of the objectives of the CEC is to increase the supply of skilled workers in Canada. Please note that any work experience acquired in Canada without valid work authorization will not be considered. Self-employment and work experience gained while you were a full-time student (such as on a co-op work term) doesn’t count under this program. CEC application will take some time to process. If you are currently working in Canada and you have applied for permanent residence under CEC class, you may be eligible for a bridging open work permit if your work permit will expire in four months or less. This means you can keep working while IRCC decides on your permanent resident application.
As of January 1, 2015, foreign nationals will be selected through Express Entry System and must receive invitation before they may apply. Applicants can remain in Canada throughout the application process. However, the Canadian Experience Class is also open to individuals who are no longer in Canada, if they submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada.
The foreign nationals will be selected through Express Entry System and must receive invitation before they may apply (ITA). Applicants can remain in Canada throughout the application process. However, the Canadian Experience Class is also open to individuals who are no longer in Canada, if they submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada. To qualify for the CEC through Express Entry, you must have:
- At least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada, in the last three years (before you apply). The work was: full-time OR an equal amount in part-time
- Gained your work experience in Canada with the proper authorization
- Take approved language test and meet minimum requirements
- Planned to live outside the province of Quebec
- To be eligible for the CEC, you need to have Canadian skilled work experience within three years of application.
According to the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC), skilled work experience means: Managerial jobs (NOC skill level 0), Professional jobs (NOC skill type A), Technical jobs and skilled trades (NOC skill type B), Your experience must be at least 12 months of full-time work: 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1-year full time (1,560 hours), OR equal amount in part-time hours, such as: 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1-year full time (1,560 hours) 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than one job = 1-year full time (1,560 hours)
If you your experience doesn’t meet the duty and job description requirements set in the NOC, IRCC may not accept your application. Please note Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) require that applicants submit government application processing fees for most applications.
Contact us to find out, whether you’re eligible to proceed with CEC application under Express Entry or a bridging open work permit.
In order to be able to receive an invitation to apply in Express Entry draw, candidates are first required to meet the eligibility criteria of one of the three immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system: FSW, FST and CEC. Eligibility criteria include language ability; education, work experience, arranged employment, provincial nomination etc. If you are married, use the person with the highest education and language skills as the main applicant. This tool helps you to calculate score based on the answers you provide www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp.
Everyone’s path to live and work in Canada is unique based on variety of immigration categories. We’re inviting you to book free immigration consultation if you’re interested in applying for Express Entry or one of Canadian immigration programs.
Please note that you have only one attempt to submit application package. Given the long application processing times, it is critical to avoid any errors that can cause further delays or in some cases refusals. Save the time – hire an experienced and knowledgeable immigration consultant who will be there to help and guide you through the process.