Express Entry – Immigration for Skilled Workers
Express Entry
The Government of Canada has made it much easier for foreign skilled workers to apply for and obtain Permanent Resident status in Canada. The new and improved “Express Entry Program” will allow foreign skilled workers and tradespersons to apply for and obtain Permanent Resident status online in a much more efficient system than the previous “first-come-first-serve” system.
To qualify for the Express Entry program, you must provide proof that you have experience in a specific trade or skill. It is important to understand that not all skills or trades qualify under the Express Entry Program.
Skilled tradesmen, skilled workers and those who have considerable experience in their specialized domain are the three types of applicants that under the new Express Entry program. Each of these different categories have specific criteria that must be met in order to be eligible for the Express Entry program. Citizenship and Immigration Canada offers free assessments on their website to determine your eligibility!
How does it work?
A foreign skilled worker or tradesman that qualifies under the Express Entry program is entered into a pool of other potential candidates seeking to obtain Permanent Resident status in Canada. Applicants with more experience, education and higher language abilities will receive a higher overall score, and consequently, will be considered a stronger candidate to be accepted under the Express Entry program.
Do I need a Job Offer?
Although applicants with Canadian job offers receive additional points towards their application, and stand the greatest chance of being selected under the Express Entry program, it is not essential that an applicant receive a Canadian job offer prior to applying under the Express Entry program. Furthermore, those applicants that do not possess a Canadian employment offer, will automatically be entered into a job bank whereby potential Canadian employers can view their CV’s and offer them employment opportunities.
What about my past education?
Each applicant will also need to provide proof of past education relating to their skill or trade. Diplomas and degrees vary by country and institution with respect to whether Canada will accept the credential. Unrecognized foreign degrees/diplomas will need to analyzed, and the applicant will need to provide an Education Credential Assessment attesting to the level and legitimacy of the foreign credential.
Should I improve my Language skills?
Another requirement that foreign tradespersons and skilled workers face under the Express Entry program is proving their language skills and abilities. This will require candidates to take a recognized language exam and obtain a passing mark in all categories. Applicants should diligently research and understand which Canadian Language Benchmark applies to their particular skill or trade.
To find out if you are eligible to apply for Permanent Resident status in Canada under the Express Entry program, contact the Canada Immigration Team and receive your free assessment today!
