Express Entry: Economic Immigration Programs in Canada

The Canada Immigration and Citizenship (CICC) offers three primary economic immigration programs under the Express Entry system for skilled workers:

  1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

A. Work Experience as a Skilled Worker

  • You must have a minimum of one year of continuous full-time work experience.
  • Your work experience must fall under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill types 0, A, or B.
  • Part-time work experience can be considered, provided it equates to the equivalent of one year of full-time work.
  • All work experience must be paid.

B. Language Ability

  • You must achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 in all four language skills: writing, reading, listening, and speaking.
  • Your language test results must be valid on the day you apply for permanent residence.

C. Education

  • If you studied in Canada, you must possess a certificate, diploma, or degree from a recognized high school or post-secondary institution.
  • If your education was completed outside Canada, you must have your foreign credentials assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) by a designated institution. The ECA report must confirm that your foreign education is equivalent to a completed Canadian secondary or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree.

D. Proof of Funds

  • You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Canada unless you are legally permitted to work in Canada or possess a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

Six Selection Factors

If you meet the minimum requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program, your application will be evaluated based on the following factors:

  • Age
  • Education
  • Work experience
  • Valid job offer
  • English or French language skills
  • Adaptability

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Minimum Requirements

  • You must have a minimum of two years of full-time skilled work experience.
  • Language ability must meet the following minimum scores: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Minimum Requirements

  • Language ability must meet the required CLB levels.
  • You must have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada.
  • You must possess Canadian educational credentials or an ECA.
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