International immigration

Express Entry

Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage permanent residence applications for skilled workers. The following are the three different immigration programs for which skilled workers may be eligible for:

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
  • Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

This immigration program is for foreign workers who:

  • Have skilled work experience, which according to the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) is defined as:
    • Managerial jobs (skill level 0)
    • Professional jobs (skill type A)
    • Technical jobs and skilled trades (skill type B)
  • Have completed at least 1 year of skilled full-time work (or the equivalent in part-time work) in Canada
  • Meet the language requirements for their job
    • Canadian Language Benchmark 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs or
    • Canadian Language Benchmark 5 for NOC B jobs
  • Plan to live and work outside of Quebec

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

This immigration program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience. In order to be eligible for this program, you must have:

  • Skilled work experience, which according to the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) is defined as:
    • Managerial jobs (skill level 0)
    • Professional jobs (skill type A)
    • Technical jobs and skilled trades (skill type B)
  • At least 1 year of full-time paid work (or the equivalent in part-time work) in the last 10 years
  • A Canadian certificate, diploma, or degree, or the equivalent in foreign education with a valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
  • A minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark 7 in reading, writing, speaking, and listening
  • Enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada
  • A minimum score of 67 points (out of 100) in the selection factor point grid which assesses your:
    • Age
    • Education
    • Work experience
    • Arranged employment
    • Language proficiency
    • Adaptability

Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

This immigration program is for skilled workers with experience and qualifications in a skilled trade. According to the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC), skilled trades fall under these categories:

  • Industrial, electrical and construction trades (Major Group 72)
  • Maintenance and equipment operation trades (Major Group 73)
  • Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production (Major Group 82)
  • Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators (Major Group 92)
  • Chefs and cooks (Minor Group 632)
  • Butchers and bakers (Minor Group 633)

In order to be eligible for this program, you must:

  • Have at least 2 years of full-time paid work (or the equivalent in part-time work) in a skilled trade in the last 5 years
  • Have a valid offer of full-time employment accompanied by an LMIA for a period of at least 1 year
  • Meet the minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark 5 in speaking and listening and Canadian Language Benchmark 4 in reading and writing
  • Meet the job requirements for the skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification, except for needing a certificate of qualification