Express Entry

It oversees three main federal economic immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For individuals with skilled work experience from outside Canada. You need at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work in the last 10 years, language proficiency (minimum Canadian Language Benchmark [CLB] 7 in English or French), and an education credential (with an Educational Credential Assessment [ECA] if obtained outside Canada). You must score at least 67 out of 100 points based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada (within the last three years) under temporary resident status. Language requirements vary by job type (CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0 or 1, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3), and no specific education level is mandated.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Targets skilled tradespeople with at least two years of full-time work experience (within the last five years) in a qualifying trade, a valid job offer or Canadian trade certification, and language proficiency (CLB 5 for speaking/listening, CLB 4 for reading/writing).
   
   

   How It Works

   • Eligibility: You must qualify for one of the above programs and intend to live outside Quebec (Quebec uses a separate system).
   • Profile Creation: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) via an online profile with details like education, work experience, language test results (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF), and more. No fees are charged at this stage.
   • Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Profiles are scored out of 1,200 points based on factors like age, education, language skills, work experience, and adaptability (e.g., Canadian job offers or provincial nominations). Higher scores improve your chances.
   • Pool and Draws: Eligible profiles enter the Express Entry pool. IRCC conducts draws (typically every two weeks) inviting top-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residency (Invitation to Apply, or ITA). Cutoff scores vary per draw.
   • Application: Post-ITA, you have 60 days to submit a full permanent residency application, including police certificates, medical exams, and fees (e.g., CAD $850 processing fee, CAD $515 Right of Permanent Residence fee per adult).