What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to organize and process applications for skilled workers who would like to immigrate to Canada and acquire Canadian permanent residence status. The system manages three main federal economic programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
How can I apply for Express Entry?
Applying for Express Entry is a two-step process. Step 1 is to submit your profile which requires the following documents:
- Language test results
- Educational credential assessment report
- A passport or travel document
After you submit your profile and you receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you will want to provide a more substantial application that includes reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and results of a medical examination.
Who is eligible for Express Entry?
Individuals with college degrees, skilled work experience, and moderate proficiency in English and/or French are ideal Express Entry candidates.
If you want to submit a profile through the Express Entry system, candidates must also meet the eligibility requirements for the three federal programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The best way to know if you are eligible is to try using our free online assessment tool.
What are the requirements for Express Entry?
In general, to be eligible to apply to Express Entry as a skilled worker, you must:
- Have no less than one year, within the last few 10 years of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation
- Have enough knowledge to demonstrate on an approved language test at the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) seven in either English or French
- Completed post-secondary education that is assessed against Canadian standards with an Education Credential Assessment
These are some of the minimum requirements to apply to Canada's Express Entry system as a skilled worker. Meeting these requirements doesn't mean you will receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Candidates with stronger profiles will almost always be selected over candidates that simply meet the minimum requirement.