Express Entry Eligibility

Express Entry Eligibility

To be eligible for the Express Entry system, candidates must qualify under one of the three federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Below are the eligibility criteria for each program:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The FSWP is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. Eligibility is based on:

1. Work Experience

   • At least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification (NOC) 0, A, or B) within the last 10 years.

2. Language Proficiency

   • Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French in all four language abilities (speaking, reading, writing, listening), proven by an approved language test.

3. Education

   • A Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, or a foreign equivalent assessed by an approved Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

4. Proof of Funds

   • Sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada unless you have a valid job offer or are currently authorized to work in Canada.

5. Other Factors

   • Score at least 67 points out of 100 on the FSWP selection grid, which assesses factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, adaptability, and job offer.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The FSTP is for skilled workers qualified in a skilled trade wanting to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. Eligibility is based on:

1. Work Experience

   • At least two years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount in part-time) in a skilled trade within the last five years.

2. Job Offer or Certification

   • A valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.

3. Language Proficiency

   • Minimum CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing, proven by an approved language test.

4. Other Factors

   • Meet the job requirements for the skilled trade as per the NOC, except for needing a certificate of qualification.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The CEC is for skilled workers with Canadian work experience who want to become permanent residents. Eligibility is based on:

1. Work Experience

   • At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years (NOC 0, A, or B).

2. Language Proficiency

   • Minimum CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs and CLB 5 for NOC B jobs in English or French, proven by an approved language test.

3. Education

   • No specific education requirements for CEC. However, having Canadian or foreign education can help improve CRS score.

4. Other Factors

   • Plan to live outside the province of Quebec.

General Requirements

• Admissibility: You must be admissible to Canada, meaning you must pass medical exams and security background checks.
• Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada, unless you have a valid job offer or are already working in Canada.