If you’re an immigrant in Canada seeking permanent resident status, the Express Entry program could be your pathway. Permanent residents in Canada enjoy social benefits, the freedom to live and work in the country, eligibility for Canadian citizenship, and legal protection. Many immigrants opt for Express Entry to secure their permanent residency. Learn how the Express Entry program works, who qualifies, and how individuals are selected.
How does Express Entry work?
Express Entry is a route for skilled workers in Canada to attain permanent residency. Individuals submit a profile for consideration as a skilled immigrant, and those with the highest rankings are invited to apply for permanent residency. Successful applicants benefit from swift processing times, obtaining their permanent resident status within six months or less.
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Who qualifies for Express Entry?
Skilled workers can qualify for Express Entry, if they fall under one of the three following categories:
Canadian Experience class
Skilled workers with Canadian work experience gained in the past three years are eligible to apply. This experience includes:
- One year of skilled work in Canada
- Work experience in Canada while authorized under temporary resident status
- Proof of duties listed in the lead statement of the National Occupational Classification (NOC)
The NOC classification comprises four Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories – TEER 0, TEER 1, TEER 2, and TEER 3. Ensure you confirm your NOC classification with your employer. Additionally, the skilled work experience must be paid; unpaid internships and volunteer work do not qualify.
Federal Skilled Worker program
The federal skilled worker program is designated for workers with foreign work experience who meet the following criteria:
- Must have skilled work experience that falls into the NOC TEER categories
- Skilled work experience must be the same NOC TEER category as the job used for immigration application
- Work experience must have been obtained in the past ten years and have been paid work
- Must be at least one year of continuous work
- Must take approved language tests in English or French, meet the minimum score for all abilities, and enter test results into your Express Entry profile
- If you went to school in Canada, you must have a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian secondary institution or post-secondary institution
- If you have foreign education, you must have completed an educational credential assessment for immigration purposes
Federal Skilled Trades program
Skilled workers qualified in a trade, with a valid job offer or certificate of qualification, may apply for this program. Additional requirements include:
- At least two years of full-time work experience within the five years before the application
- Skilled work experience falling into the NOC TEER categories, with proof of performing duties listed in the lead statement of the NOC’s occupational description
- Work experience falling under one of the skilled trade NOC groups
How are people selected to become permanent residents?
Eligible skilled workers can apply for the Express Entry program by entering a pool for consideration. Those with the highest scores in the pool receive invitations to apply for permanent residency. This program is a competitive and detailed process, with candidates compared against each other after meeting specific requirements.
The Express Entry program may be demanding, but the benefits of accessing all that Canada offers to permanent residents and citizens make it a worthwhile endeavor.
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