The Express Entry system in Canada is designed to manage immigration applications for skilled workers through three key programs: the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST).
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program targets individuals who have at least one year of work experience in Canada within the last three years. The work must be in skilled professions.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): Aimed at skilled workers with foreign work experience who wish to immigrate to Canada. Applicants are assessed based on their education, work experience, age, language abilities, and adaptability to Canadian society.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST): This is for individuals who have qualifications in a skilled trade. Applicants must have at least two years of work experience within the last five years and may also need a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a certification of qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian authority.
The application process for these programs is conducted through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), where candidates are scored based on various criteria. Those who score the highest are invited to apply for permanent residency.
Applicants must also meet the necessary language requirements and demonstrate financial stability to support themselves and their families in Canada. Additionally, they must provide medical and criminal record documents.
This Express Entry process involves creating an online profile, which includes details about the applicant’s work experience, language skills, education, and other relevant information. Candidates are then placed in a pool, where they are ranked according to the CRS, and periodically, invitations to apply for permanent residency are issued to the top-ranking candidates.
Improving language skills, gaining additional work experience, or furthering education can increase an applicant’s CRS score, thereby enhancing their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.