Express Entry
Federal Skilled Worker Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of the most popular programs among people with no Canadian work experience, as long as candidates meet the cut-off mark and other requirements. In the FSWP, the selection is based on the applicant’s ability to settle in Canada and contribute to the Canadian economy. The requirements are set out below.
Requirements
- A Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential, or a completed foreign credential supported by an Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
- At least one continuous year of full-time (1,560 hours in a year or 30 hours per week) paid work in the same job (NOC A, B, and O) within the last ten years OR at least two continuous years of part-time (15 hours per week) paid work in the same job (NOC A, B, and O) within the last ten years
- A score of at least CLB 7 in all four skills of English or French
- The necessary funds for the applicant and any accompanying family members
Canadian Experience Class
This program seeks to provide a pathway to people who have Canadian work experience. Compared to the Federal Skilled Worker Program, it is easier to get points with the CEC, as points are allocated for Canadian work experience and studies. The required language proficiency is also lower than that of the FSWP for NOC B jobs.
It is noteworthy that work experience gained as a student, as a refugee claimant, as an individual without status, or through self-employment does not count towards the CEC. Work experience gained in Quebec counts, but the applicant must intend to live outside of Quebec. The requirements are set out below.
Requirements
- At least one (could be non-continuous) year of full-time (1,560 hours in a year or 30 hours per week) paid work in Canada (NOC A, B, and O occupation) within the last three years before applying
- The work experience must be completed in Canada with the proper authorization
- The language proficiency requirement depends on the NOC level of your occupation. NOC O, A, and B are CLB 7, 7, and 5, respectively, in all four skills
- Under this program, you are exempt from showing proof of settlement funds
Federal Skilled Trade Program
The selection for this program is based on the applicant’s qualification in a skilled trade. The Canadian government designed the program to reduce labor shortages in skilled trade occupations like electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, crane operators, et cetera. Therefore, this program offers applicants not just the opportunity to immigrate to Canada but also to find a well-paid job. The requirements are set out below.
Requirements
- A score of at least CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and 4 in writing and reading
- Two years of work experience (non-continuous) within the last five years in a skilled trade
- EITHER an LMIA approved full-time job offer from up to two employers for at least one year OR a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial body
- Meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as outlined in the National Occupation Level (NOC), unless the applicant has a provincial certificate
- The required funds for the applicant and any accompanying family members
