EXPRESS ENTRY

What is an Express Entry Canada?

Express Entry is an online selection system that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC Canada) uses to evaluate candidates and invite them to immigrate based on their likelihood of economic success in Canada. First introduced in 2015, the program has ushered in many improvements to Canadian immigration, including quicker processing times, greater accessibility to applicants from various fields, and an increased focus on the quality of applications. Express Entry manages Permanent Residence (PR) skilled workers’ applications for four economic immigration programs:

  1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Applicants from one of 50 National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories with secondary education and at least one year of continuous work experience are eligible. A job offer is not required.
  2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Applicants must have at least two years of work experience in the past five years in a skilled trade. They must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a certification of qualification in their marketing issued by a Canadian authority.
  3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Applicants must be skilled workers with at least one year of Canadian work experience.
  4. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP): An Express Entry option is available for provincial immigration programs. Each province or territory has its criteria – inquire on their website. Provinces and Territories (PTs) can also recruit candidates from the Express Entry pool to meet local labour market needs through the PNP.
How do I qualify for Canada Express Entry?

The candidate must first meet the requirements of at least one of these programs to be eligible to place in a pool of candidates for immigration. They may complete an online Express Entry profile identifying their skills and qualifications. Then, the Express Entry system uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank the applicants against other applicants in the pool on a points-based system considering a variety of factors, including age, education, work experience (Abroad and Canadian work experience), language proficiency in English and French, family members and details on any job offer. The IRCC holds periodic draws, historically every two weeks, and invites the top-scoring candidates to apply for Canada PR.

What if my CRS score is low?

Since you must compete in the Express Entry pool to get ITA, knowing the various ways to increase your CRS score is essential. You can improve your CRS score if you have submitted your Express Entry profile and your CRS score is lower than what is in demand. 

How can I raise my CRS above 500?

Here is an article detailing the key steps to improve your CRS.

How Can I find my NOC 2021 codes and TEER?

Here are steps to find your NOC Codes.

Can I apply for PNP without Express Entry?

You must apply to the province or territory for nomination under a non-Express Entry stream in the non-Express Entry process. You must fulfill the province’s qualifying standards to be nominated. Processing times for applications are more extended than through Express.

Does Express Entry give you CANADA PR?

It is not a given that you will get an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence (PR Canada) after completing an Express Entry profile. Your score and Express Entry pool performance using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS Canada) will determine whether you are invited to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

How Can We Assist You?

At ARNIKA VISA, we help you to find the most tailored strategy to achieve your immigration goals. From filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents, we take care of it all. We can assist you entirely or partially based on our different packages. We can advise you professionally regarding the required personalized supporting documents to increase the chance of your approval and, finally, submit your application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative. Suppose you want to discover how the RCIC can help you. In that case, the first step is to complete the Assessment Form (To detail your personal, educational, and employment information) available on the site.

What is FSW in Canada PR?

To immigrate to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), foreign workers (Candidates) are assessed under the six selection factors: language skills, education, work experience, age, job offer, and adaptability to Canada. 

Who are eligible for FSW Canada?

These factors are part of a 100-point grid to assess eligibility for the FSWP. Applicants earn points for their performance in each of the six elements. The current pass mark is 67 points. An overview of all Minimum requirements is provided below:

  • Language ability: Must take approved language tests in English or French to get a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities.
  • Education: Canadian Secondary or Post-secondary degree or a completed foreign credential and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization
  • Skilled Work Experience: One continuous year of full-time paid work experience (1560 total hours, & 30 hours/week) OR two straight years of equivalent part-time paid work experience (15 hours/week) in the same job within the last ten years in you’ve worked in one of this National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories: TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. (Don’t need to meet the employment requirement on NOC)
  • Student Work Experience: Has gained while you were studying in Canada or abroad counts towards the minimum requirements for the FSWP if wages or commissions are paid, the work was continuous (no gaps in employment), and meets all the other provisions of the Program. This includes co-op terms & apprenticeships.
  • Proof of Settlement Funds: For the applicant and accompanying family unless you can legally work in Canada and have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.
  • Admissibility to Canada: The applicant must not be prohibited from entering Canada, have been in Canada illegally, have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada or be under a removal order in Canada.
  • Where you can live in Canada: Plan to live outside of Quebec
What distinguishes CRS and FSW from one another?

FSW stands for Federal Skilled Workers, who are qualified for permanent residency in Canada after reaching economic stability, and CRS stands for the Comprehensive Ranking System, which ranks immigrant applicants in the express entry Canada programs.

The criteria for each system are different. Your score in FSW is based on a scale of 100, with a minimum score of 67 necessary. For the CRS, applicants are given a number out of 1200; those who score more than 480 have a fair chance of hearing back, but the higher the score, the better.

How Can We Assist You?

At ARNIKA VISA, we help you to find the most tailored strategy to achieve your immigration goals. From filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents, we take care of it all. We can assist you entirely or partially based on our different packages. We can advise you professionally regarding the required personalized supporting documents to increase the chance of your approval and, finally, submit your application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative. Suppose you want to discover how the RCIC can help you. In that case, the first step is to complete the Assessment Form (To detail your personal, educational, and employment information) available on the site.

What is the CEC in Canada?

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an immigration program designed for skilled workers and international students who have obtained Canadian work experience and want to become Permanent Residents (PR). Having gained Canadian work/education experience, these individuals have already lived in Canadian society and established essential connections. The CEC supports the transition from a Temporary Status to Permanent (TR2PR Canada pathway) to build their life in Canada, considering the time the international student or skilled worker spends in Canada while contributing to Canadian society.

Who are eligible for CEC in Canada?

An overview of all Minimum requirements is provided below:

  • Language ability: You have achieved a minimum of a CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities under TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs OR a CLB/NCLC 5 under TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs on an approved language test.
  • Education: No educational requirement, but you can add Express Entry points and increase a candidate’s CRS score.
  • Qualify work experience: You have at least one year of continuous full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) paid work experience in Canada within the last three years in a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job categories. Have gained your Canadian work experience (After graduation in the case of students) with the proper authorization (Work Experience gained in Quebec counts, but self-employment or while waiting for a refugee decision does not). You must have been paid a wage (or earned a commission), but there is no minimum requirement for your qualifying work experience. Non-paid employment does not qualify under the CEC.
  • Proof of Settlement Funds: No need.
  • Admissibility to Canada: The applicant must not be prohibited from entering Canada, have been in Canada illegally, have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada or be under a removal order in Canada.
  • Where you can live in Canada: Plan to live outside of Quebec
Is NOC C eligible for CEC?

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rely on the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.1 published by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and Statistics Canada to evaluate whether a candidate’s work experience, based on the skill type and level, is in the list of eligible jobs for the Canadian Experience Class stream. Therefore, managerial, professional, technical positions and skilled trades under the skill type 0, or skill levels A or B of the NOC, are eligible. Applicants must show that they performed the duties set out in the lead statement of the occupational description in the NOC. This includes all the essential duties and most of the primary responsibilities listed.

What is a good CRS score for CEC?

A “good” CRS score for an all-program draw appears to be around 480 points based on previous drawings.

Is CEC the same as Express Entry?

Canada’s Express Entry system includes CEC. The Canadian government wants these brilliant individuals to stay in the country permanently and is aware of the vast pool of candidates currently in Canada.

How Can I find my TEER job categories?

Here are steps to find your TEER occupation.

Do I need a job offer for CEC?

No, in most cases, you don’t need a job offer. However, if you: qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program; and. lack the resources to maintain yourself and your family in Canada, you will need one.

How Can We Assist You?

At ARNIKA VISA, we help you to find the most tailored strategy to achieve your immigration goals. From filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents, we take care of it all. We can assist you entirely or partially based on our different packages. We can advise you professionally regarding the required personalized supporting documents to increase the chance of your approval and, finally, submit your application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative. Suppose you want to discover how the RCIC can help you. In that case, the first step is to complete the Assessment Form (To detail your personal, educational, and employment information) available on the site.

What is FST in Canada PR?

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. Currently, eligible skilled trades are the following:

  • 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 utility 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
  • Unite Group 62200, chefs

These major NOC groups are subdivided into different occupations. A candidate must also meet language ability, work experience, and qualification requirements to qualify under this stream.

What are the requirements for FST?

An overview of all Minimum requirements is provided below:

  • Language Ability: Must take approved language tests in English or French to get a minimum CLB 5 (Canadian Language Benchmark) in Speaking and listening and CLB 4 in the reading and writing sections of an approved language test.
  • Education: No educational requirement
  • Skilled Work Experience: Have at least two years of continuous full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) paid work experience in a skilled trade in the five years before applying. (The date the applicant first became eligible to practice this occupation means when you first became qualified to practice on your own in that trade.) Work experience in a business can only count if you are eligible to independently practice that trade in the region where you got your work experience.
  • Meet the job requirements of the skilled trade as set out in the NOC (Except for provincial certificate)
  • Have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer of at least one year in the same trade you are applying under, OR you possess a Canadian skilled trade certificate or qualification in that same trade.
  • Proof of Settlement Funds: For the applicant and accompanying family unless you can legally work in Canada and have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada.
  • Admissibility to Canada: The applicant must not be prohibited from entering Canada, have been in Canada illegally, have an unresolved refugee claim in Canada or be under a removal order in Canada.
  • Where you can live in Canada: Plan to live outside of Quebec
What jobs are considered skilled in Canada?

You’ll likely have to go to the province or territory to be assessed for your trade. You may also need an employer in Canada to give you experience and training. To learn more about getting evaluated, you should go to the body’s website that governs trades for the province/territory where you would like to live and work. The process is different, depending on where you want to go. Each website has more details about certificates of qualification to work in that province or territory in a specific skilled trade and what you must do to get one. 

If a province or territory does not regulate your trade, it may be federally regulated (for example, airplane mechanics). You can find out who handles your business by visiting the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials website.

How Can We Assist You?

At ARNIKA VISA, we help you to find the most tailored strategy to achieve your immigration goals. From filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents, we take care of it all. We can assist you entirely or partially based on our different packages. We can advise you professionally regarding the required personalized supporting documents to increase the chance of your approval and, finally, submit your application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative. Suppose you want to discover how the RCIC can help you. In that case, the first step is to complete the Assessment Form (To detail your personal, educational, and employment information) available on the site.

Can I apply for PNP with Express Entry?

An Express Entry (EE) option is available for provincial immigration programs known as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). Each province or territory has its criteria – inquire on their website. Provinces and Territories (PTs) can also recruit candidates from the Express Entry pool to meet local labour market needs through the PNP. If you are a skilled foreign worker and want to immigrate to Canada but do not have enough CRS scores in the Express Entry Pool, you can settle in Canada through Canada PNP.

How can I get PNP from EE?

If a province or territory nominates you through an Express Entry stream, it will be listed on your nomination certificate. You can confirm this with the province or territory.

How do I apply to immigrate to Canada as PNP through EE?

There are two ways to apply.

  • The applicants contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination under their Express Entry stream. They get a nomination through their account, which they accept electronically. If the province or territory agrees to nominate them, they create an Express Entry profile (or update their profile if they already have one) and show they have been set.

OR

  • The applicants create an Express Entry profile and show the provinces and territories they are interested in. They apply to their Express Entry stream” If they are nominated, “they will offer it to them through their account and accept it electronically. If a province or territory sends a “notification of interest” to their account, they contact them directly.

You will need to create an Express Entry profile during the process in both cases, so you should do it right from the start.

Follow these steps to apply for the PNP through Express Entry
  1. Submit an Express Entry profile
  2. Get an Express Entry stream nomination (or have your nomination confirmed)
  3. Get an invitation to apply for permanent residence (once you have accepted your nomination)
  4. Fill out your application if the province or territory withdraws your nomination
Can I apply for EE and PNP at the same time?

You may submit a joint Express Entry and PNP application for Canada PR. You must first submit your application through Express Entry, for which you must meet the eligibility of three programs managed by EE. (FSW, CEC, FST).

Is PNP faster than Express Entry?

A province nomination will significantly improve your chances of receiving a PR invitation (ITA) through EE, and you’ll also gain access to a six-month processing standard. This is faster than the primary PNP streams’ current processing time and EE.

How Can We Assist You?

At ARNIKA VISA, we help you to find the best strategy to achieve your immigration goals. From filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents, we take care of it all. We can assist you entirely or partially based on our different packages. We can advise you professionally regarding the required personalized supporting documents to increase the chance of your approval and, finally, submit your application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative. Suppose you want to discover how the RCIC can help you. In that case, the first step is to complete the Assessment Form (To detail your personal, educational, and employment information) available on the site.