IMMIGRATING TO CANADA PERMANENTLY
Express Entry
The Express Entry system is a point-based system that awards points on the basis of various factors like age, education, language, work experience, and adaptability etc.
Candidates in the pool with the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score can receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Complete applications for permanent residency could be processed within 6 months.
The Express Entry system ensures that candidates who are most likely to economically establish themselves in Canada, not simply those first in line are able to immigrate to Canada.
There are three programs under the Express Entry system:
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Federal Skilled Worker Program
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Federal Skilled Trades Program
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Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Worker Program
This program is one of the more popular immigration programs to to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker.
Minimum eligibility requirements are:
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at least one year continuous full-time work experience or an equal amount in part-time (1,560 hours total for 30 hours/week) within the last 10 years and fall within NOC level 0, A or B;
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meet the minimum English or French language scores. Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in all 4 abilities.
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a completed educational credential of at least one year in length.
Your application will be assessed based on 6 selection factors:
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age
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education
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work experience
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whether you have a valid job offer
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English and/or French language skills
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adaptability (how well you’re likely to settle here)
The minimum points required for all factors is 67 points.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade.
Minimum eligibility requirements are:
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Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing;
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have at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part time experience in a skilled trade within the 5 years before you apply;
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meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the NOC, except for needing a certificate of qualification;
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have a valid job offer of full time employment for at least one year or
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certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.
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you must show that you have enough money for you and your family to settle in Canada, unless you are currently able to legally work in Canada and have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class is a permanent residence category for temporary foreign workers and foreign graduates with qualifying Canadian skilled work experience. Individuals may already be in Canada working as a temporary worker or student, or they may be outside Canada but have Canadian work experience.
To be eligible under this program you need:
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at least one year of skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, B) in Canada in the last 3 years before you apply
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work experience must be full time (1,560 hours/30 hours per week) or an equal amount in part time hours
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meet the minimum English or French language scores. Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 for NOC 0, A jobs; or
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minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5 for NOC B jobs
Provincial Nominee Program
The provincial nominee program is an excellent pathway to Canada and provides an opportunity for individuals who may not have otherwise qualified for permanent residency to apply and have a greater chance of success with their application.
You can find out more information about the nominee programs available in each province here.
