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Express Entry

Canada Permanent Residency through Express Entry: Eligibility, Process, and How to Apply

Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the fastest and most popular pathways to obtain Permanent Residency (PR). Designed for skilled workers, this points-based system allows candidates to apply for PR in as little as 6 months. At North Vista Immigration, we specialize in helping applicants navigate the Express Entry process, ensuring a smooth and successful journey to Canada. Below, we break down everything you need to know about Express Entry, from eligibility to the application process.

Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for three federal economic immigration programs:  

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

Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for one of these programs can create an Express Entry profile, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and potentially receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residency.

Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry

To qualify for Express Entry, you must meet the minimum requirements for one of the three programs:  

  1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)  
  • Work Experience: At least 1 year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation within the last 10 years.  
  • Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French (IELTS score of 6.0 in all four abilities: reading, writing, speaking, and listening).  
  • Education: A Canadian secondary or post-secondary diploma or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).  
  • Points Requirement: Score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSWP grid (based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability).  

2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)  

  • Work Experience: At least 2 years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.  
  • Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification: A valid job offer for at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.  
  • Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.  

3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)  

  • Work Experience: At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).  

Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 for NOC TEER 0 or 1 jobs, or CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 or 3 jobs. 

Why Choose North Vista Immigration?

Navigating the Express Entry system can be complex, but our team of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) is here to help. We offer:


Eligibility Assessment: Determine your eligibility and CRS score.
Document Preparation: Ensure your application is complete and accurate.
CRS Optimization: Provide strategies to improve your CRS score.
Ongoing Support: We guide you through every step of the process.

How to Improve Your CRS Score

Improve Language Scores:
Retake language tests to achieve higher CLB levels.
Gain Additional Work Experience
Accumulate more skilled work experience.
Obtain a Provincial Nomination
A nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program(PNP) adds 600 points to your CRS score.
Pursue Higher Education
Complete additional degrees or diplomas.
Secure a Valid Job Offer
A qualifying job offer can add 50 or 200 points to your score.
How long does Express Entry take?
Processing times are typically 6 months or less after submitting your PR application.
Can I include my family in my application?
Yes, your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your application.
What is the minimum CRS score required?
The minimum CRS score varies with each draw. Check the latest draw results on the IRCC website.
Do I need a job offer to apply?
No, a job offer is not mandatory, but it can increase your CRS score.
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