Express Entry Eligibility
Canada offers various immigration programs to help people gain permanent residency. The Express Entry system is created to speed up the process for those applying under these programs. The online system enables applicants to build profiles and apply for one of the four economic immigration programs. Working with an experienced immigration consultant can help you build a solid profile and improve your chances of success.
Requirements for the Express Entry Eligibility
To be considered in an Express Entry process, you must meet the eligibility requirements for one of the four federal economic immigration programs. Here are the programs connected with the Express Entry system:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trade Class
- Provincial Nominee Programs
Each one of these has its own specific eligibility criteria. However, the criteria listed below apply to all these programs:
- A minimum of 1 year of continuous skilled work experience
- Skill in French or English proven by an approved language test
- No criminal record
- Being in good health
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Foreign workers as well as international students can apply for permanent residency through the CEC program. To qualify, you need at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years, in a professional, technical, or managerial role. You must also meet the required language test score of CLB 5 or CLB 7.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Canada offers FSWP as the main option for experienced workers looking to immigrate. To qualify, applicants must have a minimum of one year of professional experience in jobs listed under skill levels 0, A, or B in the National Occupation Classification.
To be eligible for an Express Entry program, applicants should score at least 67 out of the 100 points on the Point Assessment Grid. Points are given based on six main factors:
- Age: Points are awarded based on your age when you submit your application. People between the ages of 18 and 35 are eligible for up to 12 points. Those above 35 will receive fewer points.
- Education: Your education should be at least equal to the Canadian high school level. The higher your education, the more points you will earn.
- Work Experience: To qualify for the minimum points, you need work experience of at least one year. Gaining more years of work experience will earn you more points.
- Language Proficiency: Being skilled in one or both of Canada’s official languages is very important. You can earn up to 24 points for your first language and an additional 4 points for your second language.
- Arranged Employment: Having a valid employment offer from a Canadian employer can earn you up to 10 points. You must secure the employment offer before submitting your application.
- Adaptability: You can earn up to 10 points for adaptability if you have family members or close relatives in Canada who can assist you when you move. Additional points can be earned if your spouse agrees to move with you to Canada.
To apply via the Express Entry program, candidates must score at least 67 points out of 100.
Federal Skilled Trade Class (FSTP)
The FSTP allows people to apply for permanent residency through their skills in trades. To qualify, applicants need a minimum of two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade or hold a certificate from a Canadian authority in that trade. Alternatively, they can have a full-time employment offer from a Canadian employer for at least one year.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
The Express Entry system includes some PNPs. However, candidates must still fulfill the criteria of one of the Federal Economic Immigration Programs. If someone has a provincial nomination from Canada, they can earn extra points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
How to Improve Your Eligibility for Express Entry?
If you are not eligible right now, you can look for ways to become eligible again by consulting an immigration expert. One option is to apply through Express Entry to fix the issues that are preventing your eligibility. The problem might be related to language skills, education, or work experience.
Qualifying for the Canadian Experience Class represents one of the best pathways to gain permanent residency through Express Entry. Having a Canadian education as well as work experience can boost your CRS score. Studying in Canada is a key way to improve your chances of immigration.
How CWC Can Help?
For those looking to use the Express Entry process to become permanent residents, you have come to the perfect destination. CWC is ready to offer expert help with immigration. Our team of professionals is ready to provide personalized support for those exploring immigration options. We are here to help you improve your CRS scores. Visit CWC today for a FREE assessment to get answers to your questions and begin your path to immigration with a reliable expert.
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