Express Entry Program

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To immigrate to Canada under the Federal Skilled Worker program, a foreign worker must have one (1) year of eligible experience and meet other requirements. Candidates are assessed under the six (6) selection factors, such as language skills, education, work experience, age, job offer, and adaptability in Canada. Foreign skilled workers are gaining points under each and need at least 67 points to meet the minimum eligibility criteria. An overview of all requirements is provided below.

Step 1 - Selection Factors

To qualify for Express Entry Immigration as a Federal Skilled Worker, a candidate must reach at least 67 points (out of 100) under the six (6) selection factors. These criteria are components of a 100-point system “selection grid”. Each gives a certain number of the Federal Skilled Worker points. If a candidate gets 67 points or more, he can start immigration by registering an Express Entry Profile in the pool. However, only candidates with the highest CRS score are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Maximum points in the grid under six factors:

English or French Language Skills – 28 points max.
Education – 25 points max.
Work Experience 15 points max.
Age – 12 points max.
Arranged Employment in Canada/ Valid Job Offer – 10 points max.
Adaptability (how well you’re likely to settle in Canada) – 10 points max.

Step 2 - Other Requirements If "67 Pass-mark" Is Met

Work Experience Candidate must have one (1) year of work experience that was:

In the same job
Paid
Continuous and gained within the last 10 years.

Importantly, only specified occupations and jobs are eligible for immigration under the Federal Skilled Worker Stream. The National Occupational Classification System (NOC) is used to assess whether a work experience, based on the skill type and level, is in the list of eligible occupations. Thus, skill type 0, or skill levels A or B of the NOC are eligible. Candidate must show that all the duties specified in the lead statement of the occupational description in the NOC were done.

Language ability

A minimum result of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) seven (7) in all four language abilities: reading, writing, listening and speaking is required. Candidate can take either the English or French language test. For English, there are two options, CELPIP or IELTS. Only the “General” (not academic!) option is accepted under the Express Entry. For French, TEF test is the only possible option. The language test result is accepted if it less then two (2) years old (on the day candidate submits/ applies for permanent residence). Language test equivalency charts are helpful to convert IELTS, CELPIP or TEF results into corresponding CLB level

Language ability

To meet the education requirement and get points, a foreign national with an education in Canada must provide a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary or post-secondary school. Candidates must prove that their foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian one. This can be achieved by applying for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report to one of the accepted agency

Comparative Education Service (CES), University of Toronto
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS);
International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES), British Columbia Institute of Technology;
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS), Government of Alberta;
World Education Services (WES)
The Medical Council of Canada (MCC)
The Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC)

Proof of funds

Comparative Education Service (CES), University of Toronto
Applicant
Spouse or common-law partner
Dependent children (under 22 years old)
Spouse’s dependent children.
Adaptability (how well you’re likely to settle in Canada) – 10 points max.

Funds required based on family size

1 – $12,960
2 – $16,135
3 – $19,836
4 – $24,083
5 – $27,315
6 – $30,806
7 – $34,299
Each additional family member – $3,492