A Program for Skilled Immigrants
Express entry is an immigration program which helps skilled experienced immigrants to settle down in Canada as permanent residents. This program is categorized into three economic programs.
FEDERAL SKILLED WORKER
Federal Skilled worker program is for those candidates who want to immigrate to Canada permanently and have work experience in one of the eligible job titles under National occupation list(NOC). This is the most popular category for the candidates who want to settle in Canada. The FSW program has point system of its own to determine if the applicant is eligible or not. Applicants need at least 67 points to be eligible to apply. Points are assigned based on the candidate’s education, work experience, English/French language skills, and other factors. In addition to selection criteria, applicant should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds available for resettlement in Canada. Once IRCC has determined that an applicant is a member of the Federal Skilled Worker Class, both the principal applicant and their family members, whether accompanying or not, must complete medical examinations if required, and pass criminal and security checks.
Work experience
- in the same type of job as your primary NOC.
- within the last 10 years.
- paid work (volunteer work, unpaid internships don’t count).
- at skill type 0, or skill levels A or B of the 2011 National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- at least 1 year (1,560 hours total / 30 hours per week), continuous:
- a) full-time at 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours) .
- b) equal amount in part-time: 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours) .
- c) full-time at more than 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than 1 job = 1 year full time (1,560 hours).
- You must show that you performed the duties set out in the occupational description in the NOC.
Education
If you went to school in Canada, you must have a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary school. If you have foreign education, you must have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an approved agency showing that your foreign education is equal to a completed certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary school.
Language Ability
You must take an approved language test in English or French that shows you meet the level for writing, reading, listening and speaking and get a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities. Your test results must not be more than two years old on the day you apply for permanent residence.
FEDERAL SKILLED TRADES
Canadian Immigration started the taking new applications under this extremely popular category of Federal Skilled Trades in January 2013. This program has a quota of 3000 applications that will be accepted in one year. There are 43 Targeted occupations referred to as skilled trades that are eligible under this program.
Determine your eligibility — Skilled trades
Minimum requirements – To be eligible, you must:
- plan to live outside the province of Quebec (Note: The province of Quebec selects its own skilled workers. If you plan on living in Quebec, see Quebec-selected skilled workers for more information),
- meet the required levels in English or French for each language ability (speaking, reading, writing and listening),
- have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the five years before you apply,
- meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC), except for needing a certificate of qualification, and
- have an offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
CANADIAN EXPERIENCE CLASS
The Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.
If you have worked in Canada under proper authorization then Canadian Experience Class program is for you. Canada Experience Class program identifies the candidates who have contributed significantly to the Canadian economy by completing their studies and working in Canada. For many international graduates, Canadian Experience Class may be fastest option for achieving Canadian permanent residence. Self-employment and work experience gained while you were a full-time student (such as on a co-op work term) doesn’t count under this program.
- at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada, in the last three years (before you apply). The work was:
- a) full-time OR.
- b) an equal amount in part-time.
- gained your work experience in Canada with the proper authorization.
- meet the required language levels needed for your job for each language ability:
- a) writing
- b) reading
- c) listening
- d) speaking
planned to live outside the province of Quebec.