Express Entry

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of Canada's main immigration pathways under the Express Entry system. It’s designed for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.

🎯 Application Process via Express Entry

1. Check eligibility

2. Take language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF)

3. Get your credentials assessed (ECA)

4. Create an Express Entry profile (points-based ranking: CRS score)

5. Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your CRS score meets the cut-off

6. Submit your permanent residence application within 60 days of receiving an ITA

✅ Eligibility Requirements

1. To qualify, you must meet the minimum requirements in these six areas:

   1. Work Experience

      • At least 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the last 10 years.

      • Your job must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

   2. Language Ability

      • Minimum CLB 7 in English or French (on all four abilities: reading, writing, listening, speaking).

      • Proof of language proficiency from an approved test (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF).

   3. Education

      • Canadian secondary (high school) diploma or foreign equivalent.

      • Foreign degrees must be verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

   4. Proof of Funds

      • You must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family unless you already work in Canada or have a valid job offer.

   5. Admissibility

      • You must not be inadmissible to Canada for criminal, medical, or other reasons.

   6. Selection Factors

      • You are assessed on a 100-point grid and must score at least 67 points based on:

        • Education (up to 25 pts)

        • Language ability (up to 28 pts)

        • Work experience (up to 15 pts)

        • Age (up to 12 pts)

        • Job offer in Canada (up to 10 pts)

        • Adaptability (up to 10 pts)

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is another immigration stream under Canada’s Express Entry system, specifically designed for temporary foreign workers or international students with Canadian work experience who want to become permanent residents.

✅ CEC Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for CEC, you must meet all of the following:

1. Work Experience in Canada

   • At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (within the last 3 years).

   • Full-time (30 hrs/week) for 12 months, or an equivalent amount in part-time.

   • Work must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.

   • Experience must be lawful, with proper authorization (e.g., post-graduation work permit, work permit).

2. Language Ability

   • If your job was in:

     • NOC TEER 0 or 1: minimum CLB 7

     • NOC TEER 2 or 3: minimum CLB 5

   • Must take an approved test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, etc.)

3. Plan to live outside Quebec

   • Quebec has its immigration programs. To live there, you must apply through Quebec's programs.

4. No minimum education requirement

   • Remember that having a Canadian degree/diploma or an ECA for foreign credentials can increase your CRS score in Express Entry.

📌 Key Points

• No proof of settlement funds required (unlike FSWP), if you’re applying under CEC.

• Faster processing times – many CEC applications are processed within 6 months.

• Ideal for international graduates and temporary workers in Canada.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of Canada's immigration pathways under the Express Entry system, tailored for skilled tradespeople seeking permanent residence.

✅ Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the FSTP, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Work Experience

   • Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work) in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.​

2. Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification

   • Possess either:

     • A valid job offer of full-time employment in Canada for at least 1 year, or

     • A certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.

3. Language Proficiency

   • Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing, in English or French.​

4. Admissibility

   • Be admissible to Canada, meaning you must not have any criminal or medical issues that would prevent you from entering the country.​

5. Intention to Reside

   • Plan to live outside the province of Quebec, as Quebec manages its immigration programs.​

🛠️ Eligible Skilled Trades

The FSTP focuses on occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 2 or 3. Eligible trades include, but are not limited to:​

• Industrial, electrical, and construction trades (e.g., electricians, plumbers)

• Maintenance and equipment operation trades (e.g., crane operators)

• Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture, and related production

• Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors and central control operators

• Chefs and cooks

• Butchers and bakers

For a comprehensive list of eligible trades, refer to the official Canada.ca website