Express Entry- FSW, CEC, FST
Express Entry is an automated system for processing applications for skilled workers to become permanent residents of Canada.
The federal government evaluates whether a candidate is eligible for a program operated by Express Entry once the candidate provides an online profile. Candidates who match the criteria are accepted into the Express Entry pool and ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS is a point-based system used by the government to evaluate and rank Express Entry candidates. The CRS score is determined by a number of elements, including a candidate’s age, education, work experience, language skills and other criteria.
The Canadian government picks the top-scoring individuals from the Express Entry pool every two weeks and sends them an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Candidates must meet the requirements of at least one of the following federal economic immigration programs to be eligible for express entry:
Federal Skilled Worker Program:
The FSWP is Canada’s primary economic immigration pathway. Minimum requirements include at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in a skilled occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill level 0, A or B in the previous ten years; validated intermediate or better language ability in English or French; and an educational credential (certificate, diploma or degree) for candidates educated outside of Canada. Candidates must achieve at least 67 points on the FSWP’s points grid in addition to completing the minimum labor, language aptitude and education requirements.
Canadian Experience Class:
The CEC allows international students and foreign workers with Canadian experience to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Within three years of the application date, candidates must have completed at least one year of skilled, professional or technical job experience in Canada, as well as meet language proficiency requirements.
Federal Skilled Trades Program:
Candidates who qualify for skilled trade and desire to become permanent residents can apply for the FSTP. Eligibility requirements include having a minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the 5-year period preceding application, having a full-time job offer in Canada for at least 1 year or possessing a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by an official Canadian authority and meeting language requirements.