Canada has one of the most inviting immigration policies in the world

Canada has one of the most inviting immigration policies in the world and welcomes more than 200,000 new immigrants each year. While Canada offers a great choice of various immigration programs, immigration to Canada has become increasingly popular due the infamous Express Entry program. Express Entry applicants receive priority processing and increased accessibility for candidates from a broader range of occupations. Without a cap on the number of applications being accepted for processing, applicants can apply to Express Entry at any time without being concerned that the program will close or fill up before their application is completed. All immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system have different eligibility criteria. The programs are: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class. Thus, the ability to qualify under one of these categories is the first requirement for Express Entry.

The Express Entry involves two steps:

1. Complete an online Express Entry profile and be placed in the ‘express entry pool’
2. Receive invitation to apply for permanent residence from IRCC.

Candidates in the pool are raked using a point-based system (CRS). Getting into Express Entry doesn’t guarantee invitation to apply, since applicants must meet all eligible and admissibility requirements. Upon entering the pool, candidates are assigned a CRS score based on factors like Age, education, work experience, language ability, and other criteria. Results and previous rounds of invitations can be found at In order to be in a position to receive an invitation to apply (For Permanent Residency) 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 Age, language, education, work experience, arranged employment, provincial nomination etc. If you are married, it is advisable to use the person with the highest education and language skills as the main applicant.

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a permanent resident pathway for individuals who have already established themselves as skilled workers inside Canada. CEC program opens the door to Canada for foreign students and foreign workers alike. 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 doesn’t count under this program. Since CEC application takes time to process. If you are currently working in Canada and you have applied for permanent residence under CEC class, you may be also eligible for a bridging open work permit if your work permit is due to expire within four months. This allows you to continue to work while your application at IRCC is being processed. 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 applying. 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)

NOTE: If your experience doesn’t meet the duty and job description requirements set in the NOC, IRCC may not accept your application.

Federal Skilled Worker

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 established in Canada. Applicants need at least 67 points out of 100 to be eligible to apply. Skilled workers are chosen as permanent residents based on their age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. If you score 67 or higher, you may qualify to immigrate to Canada as a federal skilled worker. If you score lower, you won’t qualify to immigrate to Canada under this category. In addition to selection criteria, applicant should be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds available for resettlement in Canada. Once IRCC has determined that an applicant is a member of the Federal Skilled Worker Class, both the principal applicant and their family members, whether accompanying or not, must complete medical examinations if required, and pass criminal and security background checks. To be considered for Federal Skilled Worker program candidates require to meet minimum requirements such as:

Work experience

• in the same type of job as your primary NOC
• within the last 10 years
• paid work (volunteer work, unpaid internships don’t count)
• at skill type 0, or skill levels A or B of the National Occupational Classification (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)
• You must show that you performed the duties set out in the occupational description in the NOC.

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.