Express Entry (EE) is currently the most popular economic immigration application pathway in Canada. After submitting an application online, candidates enter a pool where the immigration agency assesses and selects candidates based on a unified scoring system. Those who receive an invitation to apply will be eligible to apply for Canadian permanent residency. The application is submitted online, and the standard processing time is 6 months, making it Canada’s fast-track immigration program.
Programs of immigration under the EE fast-track system:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
- A minimum of one year of work experience in Canada in NOC Skill Type 0, A, or B within the past three years is required.
- Language proficiency must be at least CLB 7 for NOC Skill Type 0 or A, and CLB 5 for NOC Skill Type B.
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW):
- A minimum of one year of continuous work experience within the past ten years in NOC Skill Type 0, A, or B is required, which can be obtained in Canada or abroad.
- Language proficiency must be at least CLB 7 or above.
- Six selection factors (language proficiency, education, work experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability) are scored, and the total score must reach 67 points.
Federal Skilled Trades (FST):
- A minimum of two years of full-time work experience or an equivalent part-time work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years is required.
- Language proficiency must be at least CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
- The applicant must obtain an LMIA with employer support or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial authority. d. other requirements of the NOC must be met.
Scoring Factors:
- Core/human capital factors: including age, education level, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience.
- Spouse or common-law partner factors.
- Skill transferability factors (cross-cutting factors).
- Additional points (provincial nomination, LMIA, Canadian education, siblings).
Application process:
- Applicants who meet the requirements of the EE category register an EE profile and enter the pool of candidates.
- If the candidate’s score is higher than the current EE invitation score, the candidate will receive an invitation to apply (ITA).
- Prepare the documents and submit them online within 60 days.
- If additional documents are requested during the process, they should be submitted within the given time frame.
- Once approved, the candidate will become a permanent resident.