Express Entry

Express Entry Stream Canada

Express Entry is one of the direct permanent residence pathways to Canada for skilled workers who have the required education and experience that Canadian economy needs. This online system used by IRCC manages a pool of prospect candidates interested to immigrate to Canada permanently. Introduced to streamline the immigration process and to address labor market needs, the program has proved to be quite a success.

Canada uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Codes system to describe occupations, using which IRCC can measure the applicants qualifying work experience. Teer 0, 1, 2 and 3 only qualifies for Express Entry programs.

Those who apply under Express Entry program are assessed according to several eligibility criteria, i.e. education, language, experience, age, a Canadian job offer and other qualifications that can contribute to the Canadian market. Based on these factors the applicant is assigned points, called CRS – Comprehensive Ranking System and ranked amongst the pool of candidates.

You can qualify through one of the below programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

To be eligible under the FSW program, you need 1 year of work experience, in Canada or abroad which must be continuous, paid and in same type of NOC code obtained in the last 10 years. You are also required to have a minimum language proficiency of CLB 7 to qualify.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)

2 years of experience in a skilled trade obtained within the last 5 years qualifies you for the FST program. The applicant must be qualified to practice in the trade as per the country requirements. A certificate of qualification is also available in Canada issued by provincial bodies upon clearing a skills examination.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

CEC allows temporary foreign workers with Canadian experience to transition to permanent resident status. To be eligible, within the last 3 years, the applicant must have worked for at least 1-year full-time in a high-skilled occupation.

Any experience gained while working as a student in Canada does not count towards the program’s work experience eligibility.

The express entry system might seem complicated with numerous eligibility requirements for each individual program. The NOC code for your occupation must be chosen diligently as per the description of the duties performed while gaining work experience.

Canada is now targeting certain occupations at a low CRS as well given their high demand in Canadian economy. As for 2023 and 2024, the following broader categories are receiving invitations to apply for permanent residence if you have at least 6 months of experience in the last 3 years. The general eligibility of the above programs must be met for a successful application.

French-language proficiency
Healthcare occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations
Transport occupations.
Agriculture and agri-food occupations

To get a quick evaluation of your profile and your eligibility for Canada’s direct permanent residence program, contact our team of NNC Immigration and find effective express entry strategies that are suitable for you.