Express Entry – Canada’s Pathway to Permanent Resident

❓What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada’s primary immigration system for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents. Launched in 2015, this fast and competitive application process is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is designed to attract individuals with the necessary qualifications, experience, and language abilities to contribute to Canada's economy.

To enter the Express Entry pool, candidates must meet minimum criteria, including:

• At least one year of skilled work experience (within the last 10 years)

• Language proficiency in English or French (CLB 7 or higher for most programs)

• Educational credentials, verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

• Proof of sufficient settlement funds (for most applicants)

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 demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family, unless you are already working 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)

How Does Express Entry works?

• Create an Online Profile
  Eligible candidates submit an online Express Entry profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

• Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
  IRCC conducts regular draws, inviting top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.

• Submit Application
  Applicants have 60 days to submit all documents after receiving an ITA. IRCC aims to process applications within 6 months.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – A Fast Track to Permanent Residence

It is a popular immigration program under Canada’s Express Entry system. It is designed specifically for skilled foreign workers with recent Canadian work experience who wish to become permanent residents of Canada.

This program recognizes the value of your Canadian work experience, integration into Canadian society, and your proven ability to contribute to the Canadian economy.

🔹 Key Advantages of the CEC Program

✅ Faster processing (IRCC aims for 6 months or less)
✅ No proof of settlement funds required
✅ Tailored for international graduates and temporary foreign workers already living in Canada
✅ Eligible to apply while working under a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) or other valid work permits
✅ Direct pathway to Canadian permanent residency and future citizenship

✅ 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

It is part of Canada's Express Entry system, designed specifically for qualified tradespeople with experience in specialized skilled occupations. This program provides a fast and direct route to permanent residency for individuals who meet the criteria and wish to reside and work in Canada permanently.

🔹 Who is this Program For?

This pathway is ideal for:

• Skilled manual trades workers (e.g., electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, chefs, butchers, etc.)

• People with recent experience in trades and either a Canadian job offer or certification in their trade

🔹 How We Help

Alejandro Gonzalez, our experienced Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), provides full-service support for navigating the Express Entry Process by:

📍 Evaluating your profile and recommending the most suitable streams
📈 Helping you enhance your Express Entry profile and CRS score
📝 Assisting with job search strategies, employer connections (if needed)
📑 Preparing and submitting your application
🎯 Guiding you through the process

👉 Contact us today for a personalized consultation and discover the right PNP stream for your profile.