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Express Entry

Express Entry is a broad term for three streams of entry to Canada on a permanent basis. 

Successful Woman

Express Entry Overview

Express Entry is an immigration management system that allows IRCC to strategically skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in Canada under one of the following economic class immigration programs:

The first step of this program is for applicants interested in immigrating to Canada to submit an expression of interest (an online profile) to the Express Entry Pool.

Candidates are invited by the Federal government to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry draws. When a draw occurs,  there is a cutoff points score. If you fall above the cutoff you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Once an Invitation to Apply "ITA" has been issued, the candidate must complete a full application to the relevant program within a specified time period, usually 60 days.

There is no such thing as a model or ideal Canadian. ... A society which emphasizes uniformity is one which creates intolerance and hate. A society which eulogizes the average citizen is one which breeds mediocrity. What the world should be seeking, and what in Canada we must continue to cherish, are not concepts of uniformity but human values: compassion, love, and understanding.

~ Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Ukrainian-Canadian Congress, October 9, 1971.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

How this program works:

This program has minimum requirements for:

  • skilled work experience

  • language ability

  • education

You must meet all the minimum requirements to be eligible.

If you meet all the minimum requirements, Canada will assess your application based on the following selection factors.

  • 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)

These factors are part of a 100-point grid used to assess eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. You earn points for how well you do in each of the 6 factors.

The current pass mark is 67 points.

Additional Factors

  • 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.

  • You must be admissible to Canada.

  • You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec.

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Federal Skilled Worker

Federal Skilled Trades

How this program works:

  • To be eligible, you must meet the required language levels for each language ability:

    • writing

    • reading

    • listening

    • speaking

  • You must have at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the 5 years before you apply.

  • Your work experience must be for paid work (paid wages or earned commission—volunteer work or unpaid internships don’t count)

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Federal Skilled Trades

Canadian Experience Class

How this program works:

To be eligible, you must

  • meet the required language levels needed for your job for each language ability

    • writing

    • reading

    • listening

    • speaking

  • have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada, in the last 3 years before you apply—you can meet this in a few different ways:

    • full-time at 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1 year full-time (1,560 hours)

    • equal amount in part-time work: for example15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)

  • You can work as many part-time jobs as you need to meet this requirement.

    • full-time work at more than 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than 1 job = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)

  • have gained your work experience by working in Canada while under temporary resident status with authorization to work

You’re not eligible for the Canadian Experience Class if

  • you’re a refugee claimant in Canada

  • you’re working without authorization

  • your work experience was gained without temporary resident status in Canada

  • According to the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC), skilled work experience means:

  • managerial jobs (skill level 0)

  • professional jobs (skill type A)

  • technical jobs and skilled trades (skill type B)

  • Your work experience can be in 1 or more NOC 0, A or B jobs.

  • You must show that you performed the duties set out in the lead statement of the occupational description in the NOC. This includes all the essential duties and most of the main duties listed.

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Canadian Experience Class
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Book an Immigration Consultation 

Book a professional consultation with Annie (Anne C. McCaughey) to get started with a customized immigration plan. Annie is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant who will be able to provide advice and a plan for moving ahead with your immigration goals. A consultation is 30 minutes via call or video call, followed by a detailed email with further information to help you on your journey. 

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