Canada’s Express Entry System

If you have Canada’s needed skills and you have the work experience, you may be able to immigrate to Canada using the Express Entry System. Under the Express Entry System, you can qualify under one of the programs it manages:

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Program

The FSW, FST and CEC programs are by invitation only. So you are required to submit an expression of interest (EOI) in order to be considered for an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Only when invited can you submit your permanent resident application. If your permanent resident application is approved, you and the dependents you have included in your application will be given permanent resident status when you enter Canada.

Having permanent resident status means you can work in most jobs without the need to apply for a work permit. There are jobs that only Canadian citizens can do such as those that involve high level security clearance. Individuals in Canada with permanent resident status and those with Canadian citizenship virtually enjoy the same privileges, except that only citizens of Canada can vote in the Elections.

Permanent residents may also apply for Canadian citizenship after completing the physical presence requirement. Canadian law allows individuals to hold more than one citizenship so you do not have to give up your current citizenship to become Canadian. Some other countries, however, will take your citizenship if you become Canadian.

Submitting an Expression of Interest for Express Entry

Submitting an expression of interest (EOI) means creating an Express Entry Profile. Once you have successfully submitted an Express Entry Profile, you are officially an Express Entry Candidate waiting to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence. Your Express Entry Candidate Profile will show the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score that you have accumulated based on the information you have provided when you were creating your profile.

Your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence largely depends on whether you are one of the candidates with the highest CRS scores. However, factors such as the program you are qualified in, whether you are already in Canada, your profession, your educational background, your family ties to Canada and your skills can play a major role in your success when you take into account the needs of each Canadian provinces/territories participating in the Provincial Nominee Program.

IRCC regularly publishes the number of Express Entry Candidates with their corresponding CRS scores. This will give you an idea of your position in the competition to receive an invitation to apply.

Click on the button to use our CRS calculator and then check your ranking using the table below.

Calculate your CRS score

CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool as of May 25, 2020

Source: IRCC

Additional requirements for each program

Each of the three programs have their own specific requirements before you can create an Express Entry Profile:

Federal Skilled Worker Program

• You must have at least the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma
• Your must have at least one year of continuous work experience within the last 10 years (working at least 30 paid hours per week)
• You must score at least 67 points using the Six Selection Factors Criteria

Use our Six Selection Factors Calculator

Federal Skilled Trades Program

• You must have a valid job offer from an eligible Canadian employer or have a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority
• You must have worked for at least 2 years within the last 5 years (working at least 30 paid hours per week)
• Your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code matches one of the 4-digit NOC codes below

Click on the job title to learn more about the position and determine whether this describes your work experience.

Source: IRCC

Canadian Experience Class Program

• You must have worked in Canada for at least 12 months within the last 3 years (working at least 30 paid hours per week)

A candidate can be eligible under more than one of the three Express Entry Programs. However, you cannot choose which program you want to apply under, the Express Entry System will decide which program to invite you under.

The Language Requirements for Express Entry

Canada has two official languages – English and French. You must demonstrate proficiency in the use of one or both of Canada’s official languages. To do that, you must take an approved language test.

For those who would like to demonstrate proficiency in the use of the English language, there are two approved language tests – the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) General Test and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) General Training Test.

And for those demonstrating their proficiency in the use of the French language can choose to take the TEF Canada language test or the TCF Canada language test.

More information about Canada’s approved language tests

Required language test scores for Express Entry

Canada uses the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) to measure your English language skills. The Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) is used to measure your French language skills. CELPIP or IELTS language test results must be converted into CLB level.  TEF Canada or TCF Canada language test results into NCLC level.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program requires you to get a minimum of CLB/NCLC 7. Federal Skilled Trades Program, you will need to get a minimum of CLB/NCLC 5 for speaking and listening, and a minimum of CLB/NCLC 4 for writing and reading.
For the Canadian Experience Class Program, you will need to get a minimum CLB/NCLC 7 if your job and work experience fall under Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A, or CLB/NCLC 5 if your job and work experience fall under Skill Level B.

Convert your language test results here

Proof of funds requirements

CEC candidates are not required to show proof of settlement funds. FST and FSW candidates to be exempted from the proof of funds requirement must provide the following:

• Proof of authorization to work in Canada
• A valid job offer

The table below shows that amount you need to provide as proof of funds. The amount increases slightly every year. The amounts below are in Canadian dollars and valid from January 01, 2020 to December 31, 2020.

Check you Skill Type or Skill Level

Determine your Skill Type or Skill Level using the table below. In the search box, type in one of the job positions you have held within the last 10 years. Click on the job title to read the “Lead Statement” and main duties and responsibilities associated with the job title. The “Lead Statement” must accurately describe the job position you held and you must have performed majority of the main duties listed.

If your work experience falls under Skill Level C or D, you cannot use the Express Entry System. However, there are several other immigration programs and pathways you can explore.

Source: IRCC