Express Entry is the standard system to manage new independent applications for permanent residence under the following federal economic immigration categories:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
- Provincial Nominee Programs (Provinces and territories can also recruit candidates from the Express Entry system).
Acquiring permanent residence through the Express Entry system has two major steps:
- Qualifying for the pool of Express Entry candidates: The potential candidates provide information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education and other details. In order to be accepted into a pool of candidates, the candidate must meet the criteria of one of the above three federal programs. Candidates can stay in the pool for up to 12 months.
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Being ranked among the pool of candidates and invited to apply: Candidates are ranked in the pool by using a Comprehensive Ranking System. This system awards points using the information in their profile from step 1 above. Candidates with the highest scores are issued invitations to apply for permanent residence. The invitation rounds take place throughout the year. If someone is invited to apply, they will have to submit their application within 90 days. There is no minimum cut-off score which will guarantee an invitation.
Federal Skilled Workers Program
This is the most general and commonly applied category meant for those not in the skilled trades or without specifically Canadian experience. The selection criteria in this category include language skills in English and/or French; education; work experience; age; a valid job offer and adaptability to settle in Canada. Points are earned for how well you do in each of these six categories. The total points will determine if you qualify for the Express Entry pool.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
This category suits people who want to immigrate to Canada based on a qualified skilled trade and have a minimum of two years experience in that skilled trade within the last five years. Skilled trades are occupations requiring hands-on skills and knowledge and generally acquired after diplomas and apprenticeship (such as electricians, industrial technicians or chefs). The applicants must also meet language and other current requirements. The applicant must posses either an offer of full-time employment (at least one year long) or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
Canadian Experience Class
If you have at least one year of Canadian work experience under proper authorization in a recognized area within the last three years and meet language and other requirements, you could be eligible for immigration under this category. Skilled work experience should be in managerial jobs, professional jobs or technical jobs and skilled trades.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Most provinces and territories in Canada can nominate immigrants through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). These immigrants must have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of that province or territory, and must want to live there. Each province and territory has its own streams (immigration programs that target certain groups) and criteria for their PNP. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target students, business people, skilled workers or semi-skilled workers.