Express Entry is one of the most known term when talking about immigration to Canada. Most people think that it is an immigration program —- IT’S NOT.
Express Entry is an application process introduced by the Federal Government in January 1, 2015. It’s a system that helps facilitate an efficient permanent resident application for the following programs: Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class and some Provincial Nominee Programs.
While the process of Express Entry works similarly across all programs, requirements for each is entirely different. Below is a brief outline on each category:
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Federal Skilled Workers
FSW selection is based on the applicant’s ability to settle in Canada and contribute to the economy. For an applicant to be able to create a profile in the Express Entry system under this category, one must have 67 points out of 100 based selection factors set by IRCC. These 6 selection factors (education, language proficiency, work experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability) have been used to evaluate skilled workers since 1976. Minimum requirements are the following:
- Must have at least 1-year or 1,560 hours of continuous work experience in the last 10 years, preceding the application, in an occupation that falls under skill level 0, A or B in the National Occupation Classification
- Must have at least CLB 7 in an approved language test in English or French
- Must have finished, at a minimum, secondary education
- Must have enough settlement funds
- Must not be inadmissible to Canada
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Federal Skilled Trades
FST is based on the applicant’s qualification in a skilled trade. Skilled trade occupations are listed under NOC Major Group 72, 73, 83, 92,632 and 633. Unlike Federal Skilled Workers class, applicants in this category does not need to meet the 67 minimum points in the selection factors. Minimum requirements are the following:
- Must have at least 2 years of related work experience in the last 5 years preceding the application
- Must have at least CLB 5 in an approved language test in English or French
- Must meet minimum requirements set in that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupation Classification
- Must have a valid job offer of at least 1 year or certification of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority
- Must not be inadmissible to Canada
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Canadian Experience Class
CEC is intended for foreign nationals that has a previous work experience in Canada. This category serves as a pathway for eligible applicants. Applicants are selected based on their ability to become economically established, and their work experience in Canada. Applicants in this class does not need to meet 67 points in the selection factors. Minimum requirements are the following:
- Must have at least 12 months of full-time work (or equal part-time) within the past 36 months, in an occupation that falls under skill level 0, A or B in the National Occupation Classification
- Must have at least CLB 7 in an approved language test in English or French for occupations in NOC 0 and A, CLB 5 for NOC B
- Must not be inadmissible to Canada
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Provincial Nominee Programs
PNP is for applicants who have been selected by the provinces or territories to fill their regional labour shortages. Not all PNP programs requires an express entry profile to qualify. Minimum requirements are set forth by each province / territory.
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The System
Minimum requirements for each category are only set to filter who can create an Express Entry profile considering the category they are eligible for. Once in the EE pool, the candidates are ranked based on their Comprehensive Ranking System score. Based on the information provided, the system assesses and scores the candidates based on their credentials – age, education, language ability, work experience, skills transferability and adaptability factors such as job offer, sibling and previous study in Canada.
Being in the pool does not equate to an application nor guarantees one, a candidate must receive an Invitation to Apply before submitting an application. Typically, ITAs are issued every 2 weeks for higher scoring applicants. Once a candidate receives an ITA, a submission has to be made within 60 days. A profile remains active for 12 months and can be recreated once it expires, however recreating with the same low score is a vain attempt.
There are several ways to increase one’s CRS score, depending on the applicant’s current situation. While IRCC does not require applicant to hire an authorized representative when filing an application. However, since immigration can be very complex and challenging, hiring a professional would be towards your best interest.
Here at Transcend Immigration, our goal is to walk with you on your journey to a better life in Canada. If you’re interested to know if you are eligible on any of these programs, email us at info@transcendimmigration.ca
