Express entry is your ticket to Canada if you are looking to get Canada PR from inside or outside Canada. There are major three categories of express entry which we will discuss in this blog.
If you are looking to get Canada permanent residency through Express entry then you must know which category is for you. Selecting the most suitable pathway can be overwhelming, So an immigration consultant in Edmonton Canada can help you choose the right path. As we delve into the details of each category you will know the ideal route according to your skill, experience, and education.
Understanding the Express Entry
The Ministry of Immigration introduced the Express entry system in 2015 to streamline the process for Canada Permanent residency. It is a gateway for skilled workers who have experience in certain occupations and can match the CRS score requirement to be called under the Express Entry draw. Let us explore the immigration process that is under express entry.
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program
3. Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)
This category of Express Entry is for those skilled professionals who have experience in any of the skilled occupations. The candidate has to meet certain eligibility criteria regarding work experience, Language proficiency, and education. Here is a glimpse into the requirements
To qualify for immigration under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), you must have accrued at least one year of paid work experience within the past decade in NOC 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations, either in Canada or abroad. This experience should align with the occupation you intend to use for your immigration application, referred to as your primary occupation.
Your work experience must meet the following criteria:
– It should have been obtained within the last 10 years, whether in Canada or abroad.
– The work must have been compensated, either through wages or commission; volunteer work or unpaid internships are not considered.
– You should have worked continuously for at least one year, or accumulated a total of 1,560 hours (equivalent to 30 hours per week).
– If your work was part-time, it should not exceed 15 hours per week and must sum up to 1,560 hours. You can combine multiple part-time roles to meet this requirement, but any hours worked beyond 30 hours per week will be disregarded.
If you acquired work experience as a student while studying in Canada, it may count towards meeting the minimum requirements provided that:
– You received payment in the form of wages or commission.
– Your employment was continuous without any breaks.
– You fulfill all other stipulated criteria.
Regarding language proficiency, you must demonstrate competency in either English or French through approved language tests assessing writing, reading, listening, and speaking skills.
In terms of education, you need to possess a Canadian high school or post-secondary institution certificate, diploma, or degree, or an equivalent credential from abroad, validated by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Your eligibility under the CEC is evaluated based on various factors including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, presence of a job offer, and adaptability. Candidates are assigned CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) scores to determine their eligibility.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
This is a targeted skilled category in which IRCC is inviting candidates with experience in certain skills. This is targetting skilled professionals in designated trades who have a minimum of two years of full-time work experience within the past 5 years along with either a valid job offer or a certificate of Qualification
Work experience in skill trade.
Having at least 2 years of full-time work experience in NOC-designated skill trade occupations, meeting job requirements mentioned in the national occupational Classification. Your work experience must be in one of these major groups
Major Group 72, technical trades and transportation officers and controllers
excluding Sub-Major Group 726, transportation officers and controllers
Major Group 73, general trades
Major Group 82, supervisors in natural resources, agriculture, and related production
Major Group 83, occupations in natural resources and related production
Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors, and utility operators and controllers
Major Group 93, central control and process operators and aircraft assembly assemblers and inspectors, excluding Sub-Major Group 932, aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors
Minor Group 6320, cooks, butchers and bakers
Unit Group 62200, chefs
If you are not able to provide your experience along with the NOC description, you are not qualified to apply under the occupation mentioned.
To qualify under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), you need to meet specific additional requirements:
1. Offer of Employment or Certificate of Qualification: Obtain a job offer valid for at least one year, or hold a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian authority for the particular skilled trade you specialize in.
2. Language Proficiency and Education: Your language proficiency and education must align with the requirements set for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). Language test results are valid for 24 months.
3. Additional Requirements:
– Proof of Funds: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself independently upon immigrating to Canada.
– Admissibility: Ensure that you are admissible to Canada, meeting all relevant criteria and passing necessary security and medical checks.
– Intended Province of Settlement: Plan to settle in any Canadian province, except Quebec.
Meeting these requirements will strengthen your eligibility for the Federal Skilled Trades Program, facilitating your immigration process to Canada.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This class of Express entry is for those individuals who have at least 1 year of work experience in Canada. This will streamline the pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers.
Work Experience: The candidate must have at least 1 year of work experience in Canada in the last three years. This experience must be gained in TEER 1, 2, or 3 under continuous, paid, and full-time.
Candidate must not be a refugee and working illegally in Canada. He must be living outside the province of Quebec as Quebec has its immigration programs.
Category-based Selections
Before June 28, 2023, candidates for immigration to Canada were evaluated based on various human capital factors such as work experience, professional fields, language proficiency, education, and age. Their eligibility was determined by assigning them a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, with those scoring highest being issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency after each draw.
However, on May 31, 2023, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) introduced new category-based selection criteria aimed at aligning immigration policies with labor market demands and promoting the French language. These new criteria encompass six distinct categories:
1. Healthcare
2. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professions
3. Trades
4. Transport
5. Agriculture and agri-food
6. French-language proficiency
Under this updated system, candidates will be assessed and selected based on their qualifications and experience within these specific categories, reflecting a targeted approach to meet Canada’s evolving economic and linguistic needs.