Express Entry
Looking to build a brighter future in Canada? Express Entry is the fastest, most efficient pathway to Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) for skilled professionals and workers. With its streamlined process and quick results, the Express Entry program has become the preferred choice for individuals seeking a fresh start in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.
Why Choose Express Entry?
The Express Entry system simplifies immigration for skilled individuals in Canada and abroad, offering a quick and transparent process. Here’s how it works:
- Create Your Profile: Share your skills, work experience, education, and language proficiency.
- CRS Ranking: Get ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates factors like age, qualifications, and adaptability.
- Invitation to Apply: Top ranking candidates are invited to apply for PR through regular Express Entry draws.
Express Entry processes applications under three key programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a streamlined pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers and international graduates with valuable Canadian work experience. Designed to recognize your contributions and celebrate cultural diversity, the CEC is ideal for those with strong ties to Canada. Your Canadian work experience demonstrates your ability to meet job market needs and integrate into communities, making the transition to permanent residency smoother. Whether you’re currently in Canada or have left within the last three years, the CEC offers a clear route to building your long-term future in Canada.
Work Experience: At least 1 year of skilled work in Canada (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of NOC) within the last 3 years, full-time or equivalent part-time. Work during full-time studies (e.g., co-ops) doesn’t count, except for exempted physicians.
Legal Status: Work must be performed legally under temporary resident status.
Language: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.
Education: No formal requirement, but Canadian education or an ECA can earn points in the Express Entry points calculator.
Residency: You must plan to live outside Quebec, which manages its own skilled worker system.
Legal Status: Work must be performed legally under temporary resident status.
Language: CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs.
Education: No education requirement, but Canadian education or an ECA for foreign credentials can earn points in the Express Entry pool.
Residency: You must plan to live outside Quebec, which manages its own skilled worker system.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) has been a cornerstone of Canada’s immigration strategy since 1967. Now streamlined through the Express Entry process, the FSWP offers a faster pathway to permanent residency for individuals with the right skills, education, and work experience.
Experience: At least one year of full-time or equivalent part-time paid work in the last 10 years. The work must be in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of NOC. Work during studies may qualify if it was paid, and continuous.
Language: Applicants must have a minimum CLB/NCLC 7 in Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening in their first official language. For extra points, they need a minimum CLB/NCLC 5 in all abilities in their second official language.
Education: Canadian secondary or post-secondary credentials or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education.
Settlement Funds: Must demonstrate enough funds unless already working in Canada or holding a valid Express Entry job offer.
Residency: You must plan to live outside Quebec, which manages its own skilled worker system.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program evaluates candidates based on 6 factors, with a total score of 100. To qualify, candidates need at least 67 points. This system is different from the CRS used to rank Express Entry profiles.
- Language: Up to 28 points, based on proficiency in English and French. A minimum of CLB/NCLC 7 in the first official language is required, with up to 24 points for high proficiency, and up to 4 points are available for the second official language at CLB/NCLC 5.
- Education: Up to 25 points, based on Canadian education or equivalent foreign credentials verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- Work Experience: Up to 15 points, for full-time or equivalent part-time paid work in skilled occupations (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of NOC).
- Age: Up to 12 points, based on age at the time of application, with maximum points for ages 18-35.
- Arranged Employment: Up to 10 points, for having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer for continuous, paid, full-time work for at least one year in a skilled occupation (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of NOC).
- Adaptability: Up to 10 points, for factors such as previous Canadian education or work experience, spouse’s language skills, arranged employment, or having relatives in Canada.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) addresses critical labor shortages across Canada. By prioritizing skilled trades, the FSTP helps industries meet workforce demands while offering trades professionals a secure future in Canada.
Experience: Must have at least 2 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years. Experience must align with following NOC categories:
Major Group 72: Technical trades (excluding transportation officers/controllers).
Major Group 73: General trades.
Major Group 82: Supervisors in natural resources and agriculture.
Major Group 83: Natural resources-related occupations.
Major Group 92: Supervisors/operators in processing, manufacturing, and utilities.
Major Group 93: Central control operators and aircraft assembly (excluding assemblers/inspectors).
Minor Group 6320: Cooks, butchers, and bakers.
Unit Group 62200: Chefs.
Language: CLB 5 in Speaking and Listening, and CLB 4 in Reading and Writing.
Job Offer/Certificate of Qualification: Must have a valid 1-year job offer from up to 2 Canadian employers or a certificate of qualification in their trade from a recognized Canadian authority.
Education: No education requirement, but Canadian education or ECA for foreign credentials adds points in Express Entry.
Settlement Funds: Proof of funds is required unless applicants work in Canada or have a valid job offer.
Residency: You must plan to live outside Quebec, which manages its own skilled worker system.
How Express Entry Works
Determine your eligibility for Express Entry under FSWP, FSTP, or CEC. Review program requirements and assess your qualifications.
Submit your Express Entry profile and get ranked using the CRS. Improve your score by updating language results, work experience, or education credentials. Use the CRS calculator to estimate your points.
If your CRS score meets the cutoff, IRCC will invite you to apply for permanent residency. Submit a complete application within 60 days.
Why Can X
You have the skills. We have the expertise.
At Can X, we specialize in making your immigration journey seamless. From assessing your eligibility for Express Entry programs to perfecting your application, our team of experienced consultants is dedicated to guiding you every step of the way.
Trusted by Clients Worldwide: Assisting clients from over 30 countries.
Tailored Solutions: Customized immigration assistance for every unique need.
Unmatched Expertise: Flawless documentation and timely submissions.
Empathy and Support: Addressing challenges with understanding and providing clear solutions.
The future you deserve is within reach. Let us help you unlock it with efficiency, affordability, and exceptional service.
Start Your Canadian Dream Today
Your journey to Canada begins now. Whether it’s through CEC, FSWP, or FSTP, we are here to make it happen. Contact us today to take the first step toward building your future in Canada. Together, we’ll turn your aspirations into reality.
FAQs About Express Entry, CEC, FSWP and FSTP
Express Entry is an online immigration system used by Canada to manage applications for skilled workers under federal economic programs. Profiles are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and top candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency.
The FSWP is a pathway under Express Entry for skilled workers with at least one year of full-time work experience, meeting language and education requirements, and demonstrating financial stability.
The CEC is designed for skilled workers with at least one year of Canadian work experience, offering a pathway to permanent residency without requiring proof of settlement funds.
- FSWP: CLB 7 in all abilities for the first official language.
- FSTP: CLB 5 for speaking/listening and CLB 4 for reading/writing.
- CEC: CLB 7 for TEER 0/1 jobs; CLB 5 for TEER 2/3 jobs.
A Certificate of Qualification proves you’re certified to work in Canada, issued by provincial, territorial, or federal authorities.
Each province outlines which professions will be regulated and establishes regulatory bodies where applicable. You should contact following provincial, territorial, or federal bodies to know more about the process and requirements:
Province | Department / Regulatory Agency |
Alberta | |
British Columbia | |
Manitoba | |
New Brunswick | |
Newfoundland and Labrador | |
Northwest Territories | |
Nova Scotia | |
Nunavut | |
Ontario | |
Prince Edward Island | |
Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission |
Yukon |
If your trade is not regulated by a province or territory, it may be federally regulated (for example, airplane mechanic). You can find out who regulates your trade by visiting the website of the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials.
No, but points for age decrease after 29 years and are zero for applicants aged 45 or older.
Yes, you can include your spouse, partner, and dependent children. Points are awarded for your spouse’s language skills, education, and work experience.
Provinces nominate candidates based on local labor market needs, adding 600 points to their CRS score.
Occupation-specific draws target candidates with work experience in high-demand fields, inviting them directly regardless of overall CRS score.
No, but having Canadian education improves CRS scores and enhances eligibility.
Yes, creating an Express Entry profile is free. Fees apply only when submitting a permanent
Yes, you can apply from anywhere, as long as you meet the requirements of your selected program.
Yes, you can apply from anywhere, as long as you meet the requirements of your selected program.
CRS is a points-based system that evaluates profiles based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and more. The maximum score is 1,200 points, including bonus points for provincial nominations or job offers.
The FSTP is for skilled tradespeople with at least two years of recent work experience in eligible trades. Applicants need a valid job offer or trade certification in Canada.
No, a job offer is not mandatory but can significantly boost your CRS score.
An ECA is required for FSWP applicants with foreign education. For FSTP and CEC, it’s optional but can improve CRS scores.
Yes, part-time work counts if it adds up to the equivalent of one year of full-time work (1,560 hours).
Yes, unless you’re applying under CEC or have a valid Canadian job offer. The amount depends on family size.
You can improve your CRS by enhancing language skills, gaining work experience, securing a job offer, or obtaining a provincial nomination.
Canadian employers can issue valid job offers, supported by an LMIA, which adds CRS points to a candidate’s profile.
Canadian work experience improves your CRS score and demonstrates adaptability to Canadian life and work culture.
Yes, self-employed experience can qualify if it meets NOC skill requirements.
Most applications are processed within six months after submission.
Yes, update your profile for any changes in work experience, education, language scores, or family composition.
Yes, Express Entry is for applicants planning to live outside Quebec, which has its own immigration system.
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