EXPRESS ENTRY: FASTEST PATH
TO PERMANENT RESIDENCE IN CANADA
This program is the largest immigration program in Canada. In is divided in three main streams but it also includes several categories such as french-speaking, health professionals, engineering and science. Once you qualify in on of the three main streams, your invitation can be based on a category.
This program is dedicated to immigrants that want to establish themselves for work in all provinces of Canada except Québec.
To apply, the applicant must create a Declaration of interest. A system of points is in place allowing each candidate to obtain a score based on their characteristics, CRS score. The applicants are invited to apply for permanent residence following draws of applicants with the highest scores in the stream or in a category. The program is scheduled for a major revamp in 2026-2027.
The program has many ins and outs thus a consultation that confirms your eligibility and your score can help you with your application. You can learn more about this service here.
The three main streams of Express Entry
1
Federal Skilled Worker Program
To qualify, you need to have acquired 1 year of paid work experience outside Canada, in the last 10 years, in a job of NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, working full time or part time and continuously in that job. The job can be at several employers.
In addition, you need to obtain 67 out of 100 points to the selection factors questionnaire.
3
Federal Skilled Trades Program
To qualify, you need to have acquired 2 years of paid work experience outside Canada, in the last 5 years, in a job of NOC TEER major groups 72 (not 726), 73, 82, 83, 92, 93 (not 932), 6320 and 62200. The work experience must be obtained in a country where you qualified to work in that trade.
Requirements for applying to Express Entry
To apply for Express Entry, you need to pass a language proficiency exam in English or in French, to prove your langage skills. For the FSWS and CEC, you need to obtain a result of CLB 7 or above, in the four competencies. For the FSTS, you need to obtain a result of CLB 4 or above. The results of the four competencies need to be tested in one sitting.
In addition, you need to obtain a evaluation of your diplomas towards a canadian equivalency. This is done through designated service providers.
Lastly, for all streams except CEC, you need to prove that you have the necessary funds to stablish in canada, except if you are able to legally work at the time of the application or if you have a valid job offer.
Once you have all these documents, you can create a profile and fill out your application.