What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s application management system for certain economic programs including the skilled worker program (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class), a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program and Business/ entrepreneurs program
Express Entry was designed with three main objectives in mind:
- Compliance in selection and application management
- Acceptance to labor market and regional needs
- Fast track in application processing
The economic program is designed for individuals who will contribute to the economic development and growth in Canada.
Tins is also known as Skilled Worker Program, the name says it all. Skilled worker program is designed for applicants with high proficient working experience in a skilled level job. Canada’s goal is to select the best individual with high skills who will contribute to economic growth.
Divided into three categories namely:
- FSW- Federal Skilled Worker
- CEC – Canada Experience Class
- FST – Federal Skilled Trade
Federal Skilled Worker
Since January 1st 2015 completing an Express Entry profile is the first step in immigrating permanently to Canada. This program is designed to evaluate applicant’s language skill, level of education, work experience, age, arranged employment, adaptability e.t.c. This program is a point based system. Each factor evaluated is given an overall score which will determine whether or not an individual meets requirements. The factors listed are calculated by a 100 point grid system. The minimum requirement for this program is 67/100.
How are the points allocated?
Ø Language skill: For this factor you need to prove you are able to communicate in one or both of Canada’s official languages (either English or French). In order to prove this , you must take an approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP and TEF). The maximum point for language is 28 points (24 points for first official language and 4 points for second official language )
Ø Level of Education: To obtain points for your education , if you are in Canada you must provide your education certificate for (secondary school or post secondary school). For Foreign credential you must obtain an education credential assessment report to evaluate the equivalence of your foreign education to Canadian education. The maximum point for this factor is 25 points
Ø Work Experience: To obtain points for work experience you get points per the number of years you work full time paid work. The maximum point you can earn is 15 points
Ø Age: To obtain pouts for your age, points are calculated based on the day you submitted your application. The Maximum Point you can earn is 12points.
Ø Arranged employment: To obtain points you must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. The maximum point you can get is 10 POINTS
Ø Adaptability: To obtain additional points for this factor. You can obtain points from past study in Canada, spouse or partner’s language test, past work in Canada, your spouse or partner’s past study or work in Canada, arranged employment and relatives in Canada. The maximum points you can earn for this factor is 10
Canadian Experience Class
This Federal Economic program is designed for individuals who have gained skilled working experience in Canada. This program attracts international students to remain permanently in Canada after obtaining their Canadian degree. It also gives them the opportunity to obtain Canadian working experience.
How to qualify for Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
In order to qualify for this program you will need to meet certain requirements. The program is calculated using a point-base system. Each factor evaluated is given an overall score which will determine whether or not an individual meets the requirements. The first step is to submit a profile on express entry as a skilled worker with Canadian experience. Once a profile is submitted the total score is given to the applicant, this will determine Comprehensive ranking systems (CRS) of the candidate profile.
Requirements
To complete the express entry profile for Canadian Experience Class, you must meet the minimum requirement to qualify. The factor calculated that determines the CRS of the applicant profile is as follow
Age, level of education, Canadian work experience, language and adaptability.
The minimum requirement is as follow
- 12 months of skilled work in the last 3 years before applying , This job must fall under NOC Skill level 0, A, and B jobs
- Have gained working experience in Canada with proper authorization* Valid Work permit
- Meets the minimum CLB score for the designated Language test. Each NOC skill level type has a minimum CLB.
- CLB 7 FOR Noc 0 or A jobs
- CLB 5 for Noc B jobs
- No education requirement *education degree could however improve your chances
Federal Trade Program
This program is designed for people who have skilled trade experience. It is also a point-based system. In order for the applicant to qualify for this job, the applicant must have a working experience in one of the job title e.g.(cooks, chefs, butchers, bakers, supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources etc)
Provincial Nominees Program
PNP is also affected by Express Entry. Provinces and territories across Canada who are looking for qualified skilled foreign workers. Each province and territory have their specific job title they look for. If you meet the criteria for the province, the province will issue a provincial nomination to the skilled worker.
