Express Entry Eligibility

Express Entry Eligibility

Canada provides several Economic Immigration Programs designed to assist prospective immigrants in acquiring permanent resident status. The Express Entry system is geared towards accelerating the process of obtaining a permanent residency visa for individuals applying through these programs. This web-based platform enables applicants to generate Express Entry profiles and lodge their applications for any of the four economic immigration programs. Enlisting the services of a skilled immigration specialist can aid in developing a robust profile, enhancing the prospects of a favorable result.

Requirements for Express Entry Eligibility

Fulfilling the eligibility criteria of any of the four federal economic immigration programs is essential to establish a solid profile for consideration in the Express Entry selection procedure.

The Express Entry selection system is aligned with the following federal economic immigration programs:

  • Canadian Experience Class
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Federal Skilled Trade Class (FSTP)
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (Partial inclusion)

Each of these programs comes with distinct eligibility prerequisites. Nevertheless, the subsequent criteria are shared across all of them:

  • At least one year of skilled-level work experience without any gaps
  • Proficiency in English or French as per accepted language tests
  • A clean criminal record
  • Good health condition

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Foreign workers and international students have the opportunity to attain permanent resident status via the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program. To qualify, applicants must possess a minimum of one year’s technical, professional, or skilled work experience in a managerial or professional role within Canada, spanning the 36 months preceding the application date. Additionally, achieving a language proficiency score of CLB 5 or CLB 7 is imperative.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Canada presents the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) as a primary route for skilled workers seeking economic immigration opportunities. A prerequisite for eligibility is a minimum of one year’s work experience in designated occupations falling under the National Occupation Classification skill levels 0, A, or B.

Prospective applicants need to achieve a minimum score of 67 out of 100 points on the Point Assessment Grid to be eligible for consideration in the Express Entry system. Points are allocated based on six key factors, which encompass:

Age: Points are assigned based on your age at the time your application is submitted. Individuals within the 18 to 35 age bracket can secure a maximum of 12 points. Those surpassing the age of 35 will receive fewer points
Education: Your educational attainment should at least match the equivalent of Canadian secondary education. Possessing a higher level of educational achievement results in the allocation of more points.
Work Experience: In order to attain the minimum points, a minimum of one year of work experience is required. Accumulating additional years of work experience will yield higher point allocations.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in one or both of Canada’s official languages holds significant importance. Up to 24 points can be earned for the first official language, and an additional 4 points for the second official language.
Adaptability: A maximum of ten points can be secured in the adaptability category if you have family members or close relatives residing in Canada who can provide support upon your relocation. Additional points can also be obtained if your spouse is prepared to accompany you in your migration to Canada.
Arranged Employment: Holding a valid job offer from a Canadian employer allows you to potentially earn up to 10 points within this category. It is important to note that the job offer must be secured prior to submitting your immigration application for Canada.

In order to be eligible to apply through the Express Entry program, candidates must attain a minimum of 67 points out of 100.

Federal Skilled Trade Class (FSTP)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) offers individuals the opportunity to acquire permanent residency based on their expertise in skilled trades. Eligibility for FSTP requires a minimum of two years’ full-time work experience, fulfilling the job requirement conditions for skilled trades. Alternatively, applicants can hold a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian authority in the skilled trade field, or secure a one-year full-time job offer from a Canadian employer.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)

he Express Entry selection system accepts a subset of Provincial Nominee Programs. Nevertheless, these candidates are required to fulfill the prerequisites of any of the aforementioned Federal Economic Immigration Programs. Individuals who possess a provincial nomination within Canada can accrue extra points within the Comprehensive Ranking System

Turning Ineligibility into Eligibility for Express Entry

If you find yourself ineligible under the current circumstances, you have the option to explore various avenues to regain eligibility by seeking guidance from a professional immigration counselor. One approach is to submit an Express Entry application to address the issues causing ineligibility. It’s possible that the challenges lie in meeting the criteria for language proficiency, educational credentials, or work experience.

Attaining eligibility for the Canadian Experience Class stands as the most advantageous route within the Express Entry selection process for securing permanent residency. Possessing Canadian education credentials and Canadian work experience will enhance your Comprehensive Ranking System score. Pursuing studies in Canada serves as a primary pathway for immigration.

If you’re considering the Express Entry selection route to achieve permanent residency, you’ve come to the right place. is here to offer expert immigration guidance. Our dedicated teams of immigration professionals are ready to provide tailored support to individuals seeking immigration opportunities. We’re also capable of aiding you in enhancing your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. Pay us a visit today to address your uncertainties and commence your immigration journey with a reliable immigration counselor.

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