Which Canada Express Entry Program is Best For You?

If any country in the world strives for flexible, transparent and inclusive immigration policies, it is Canada. The country prides itself on its welcoming nature towards foreign nationals.

In fact, the Business Council of Canada (BCC) released a report in July which surveyed 80 businesses in Canada - these Canadian businesses explained how they plan to maximize Canada’s immigration programs when hiring foreign workers in Canada.

According to the BCC, these businesses employ approximately 1.6 million workers in more than 20 industries, resulting in $1.2 trillion in revenues in 2020.

The report stated that two-thirds of companies seek global talent abroad through Canada’s immigration programs, while the remaining third hires foreign workers already in Canada.

It is evident that Canadian employers fully rely on Canada’s immigration programs. In turn, these programs act as a filter for hiring global talent that will add value to the Canadian economy. Due to this, employers seek to utilize Canada’s immigration programs to their fullest potential over the next three years.

Now that you are aware of the country’s willingness to openly accept immigrants, let us look at the Canada Express Entry system, how it works and the application process...

What exactly is the Canada Express Entry System?

The Express Entry system is not an immigration program, but rather, it is a points-driven system designed to manage immigration applications. You would be pleased to know that Express Entry is one of the fastest and most preferred immigration pathways.

Why is the Express Entry so Popular?

If you decide to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system, you can be well assured that you will find a suitable option that will ease your plight of settling in Canada. Under the Express Entry system, you will find three highly versatile immigration programs that aim to accommodate the individual’s various needs and circumstances.

The following immigration pathways are under the Express Entry:

1.Canadian Experience Class
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program

The programs mentioned above are highly versatile; however, everyone’s needs and the situation is different. Therefore, we advise you to contact our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) for guidance and support for the best suitable immigration option.

Get Started Today

For now, we will look closely at the eligibility factors for each Canada Express Entry program.

1. Canadian Experience Class

This program is aimed at skilled workers with at least one year of Canadian work experience in the last three years in the stipulated occupation before applying for the job.

This program does not require formal education, though; you can improve your rank in the Express Entry pool if you:

• Attended a school in Canada and obtained a certificate, diploma or degree from the Canadian school,
• if you completed a foreign credential, you should have completed an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) report, which is standard for immigration purposes. The report must have been from a designated organization, whereby it will show that your report is the equivalent of a completed Canadian credential.

Note, you will earn extra points and increase your ranking in the Express Entry pool if you have any of the abovementioned factors. Applicants should also be prepared for a language ability test in reading, writing, listening and speaking - they should achieve the Canadian Language Benchmark level seven for NOC 0 or A jobs or Canadian Language Benchmark five for NOC B jobs.

For your convenience, find out more about increasing your CRS score here.

2. Federal Skilled Program

This program is for you if you are a skilled worker with foreign work experience. You must meet the program’s education criteria and other criteria factors.

Below are the eligibility factors.

Work Experience

You must be a skilled worker who worked in one of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) job categories:

• Jobs in management (skill type 0)
• Jobs at a professional level (skill level A)
• Technical jobs and skilled trades (skill level B)

The above eligibility factors must be within your proven occupation/job/industry and should serve as a demonstration of the duties or roles you have performed within the last ten years - volunteers or internships will not count, but part-time work is recognized.

The experience for full-time workers should have been an ongoing occurrence for at least one year or 1,560 hours total (30 hours per week). Furthermore, the experience for part-time workers should be based on paid wages - your work experience can be more or less than 15 hours/week but should add up to 1,560 hours. This experience can entail more than one part-time job to accumulate the necessary hours you need to apply.

On a lighter note, conduct the necessary research on the current top in-demand jobs for foreigners in Canada and ensure that you can meet the eligibility criteria before applying.

What about Work Experience for International Students?

Students who have gained the necessary work experience in the field or occupation they are applying for will account for the minimum requirements if:

• it was paid wages or work on commissions,
• consistent work without any gaps in employment, and
• meets the program criteria.

There will be a language ability test in reading, writing, listening and speaking. The foreign student should achieve a minimum level for the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) seven in all four abilities.

If you attended a school in Canada, you should have obtained a certificate, diploma or degree from the Canadian school. If you completed a foreign credential, you should have completed an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) report for immigration purposes. The report must have been from a designated organization, whereby it will show that your report is the equivalent of a completed Canadian credential.

For your convenience, find out more about the best Canadian cities for international students here. But before you decide on settling in Canada, you should show that you are admissible to Canada (you are eligible to enter the Canadian borders), and you should ensure that you have the necessary proof of funds to sustain yourself or any family members.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

This program targets skilled workers who are qualified professionals in a skilled trade or industry. To be successful under this program, you must secure a valid job offer or have a certificate of qualification from a designated learning institution. Let us take a closer look…

Work Experience for Skilled Workers

Skilled trades under this program are arranged under the following groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). According to the Canadian government, the following are the NOC groups:

• Major Group 72, industrial, electrical and construction trades
• Major Group 73, maintenance and equipment operation trades
• Major Group 82, supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production
• Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utility supervisors and central control operators
• Minor Group 632, chefs and cooks
• Minor Group 633, butchers and bakers

Remember, the major NOC groups are subdivided and branch out to other occupations, and they are all skill type B.

The occupational duties outlined in the lead statement of the occupation described in the NOC must be proven. When applying, you must know your NOC and skill type. Find out more NOC B jobs in Canada here.

The Minimum Requirements

Like the other programs under Express Entry, there is a language ability test (in reading, writing, listening and speaking). The skilled worker must have at least two years of work experience on a full-time basis or experience in part-time work in a skilled trade within the last five years before applying.

Additionally, you must:

• meet the NOC or job requirements,
• the program criteria,
• ensure that you have a job offer lined up,
• have proof of funds and
• be admissible to Canada.

Note: We urge applicants to remain honest when stating their information on their Express Entry profile and application - this information must be validated with the necessary supporting documents later. These documents could include your credentials, medical results and biometrics (ID and fingerprints). Should the immigration officer discover you’ve been dishonest, your application will be rejected immediately.

You may be eligible to apply for the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP) through the Express Entry. This immigration pathway is program-driven, and you may find our resource about 11 PNP pathways that can earn you permanent residency here.

The Application Process

All immigration programs will require you to follow these steps if you are applying for the Canada Express Entry:

• Step 1: Check if you meet the program criteria (and the job requirements) - you can do this with our eligibility assessment.
• Step 2: Check your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score - under the Express Entry system or other points-driven programs
• Step 3: Gather your documents beforehand and have them ready
• Step 4: Create your online Express Entry profile
• Step 5: Apply to the most suitable program, pay the application fees and submit your application

At this point, you can only wait while your application gets evaluated. For now, you can find out more about the IRCC processing times and how fast you can immigrate to Canada here.

Get started with an adventure of a lifetime and contact our Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) to guide you through the process easily.

Ready to Start? Apply Here

FAQS

1. Which Express Entry program is best?

The Canadian government has over 100 immigration programs and visas. Programs under the Express Entry is also highly accommodating -your chosen program would depend on your needs and circumstances. Be sure to select the appropriate program that you are eligible for. Find out more about a suitable program for you with the help of our Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) today.

2. How can I increase my chances of Express Entry Canada?

You can increase your CRS score and stand a chance of receiving an ITA to apply directly to the Express Entry stream. Find out more about increasing your CRS score here.

3. How much score is needed for Express Entry Canada?

You can earn at least 600 points and an additional 600 points for certain factors that the government will deem favourable. Find out more about Express Entry here.