Permanent Residence

Express Entry

Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It’s designed to fast-track the immigration process, generally processing applications in six months or less.

How does the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) work?

The CRS is a points-based system that is used to assess and score a candidate’s profile to rank them in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded for several factors, including skills, education, language proficiency, and work experience. The highest-ranked candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class. (See Comprehensive Ranking System below for more information on these three classes.)

What happens after I receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. This involves providing documentation, including language test results, educational credential assessments, police certificates, and others to support the information you provided in your Express Entry profile.

Express Entry Programs

Who qualifies as a Federal Skilled Worker?

A Federal Skilled Worker is someone who has at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a managerial, professional, or technical job listed in the National Occupational Classification (NOC). They must also meet minimum language proficiency standards and demonstrate financial stability to support themselves and their dependents.

What is the point system for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and how does it work?

The FSWP uses a 100-point grid to assess applicants. Points are awarded for factors such as education, language skills, work experience, age, arranged employment in Canada, and adaptability factors. As of July 2023, applicants need a minimum of 67 points to be eligible for the FSWP.

Who qualifies as a Federal Skilled Trades worker?

A Federal Skilled Trades worker is someone who has at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the five years before applying. They must meet minimum language requirements and have either a job offer for a full-time position for a total period of at least one year or a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.

What trades are included in the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)?

The FSTP covers various skilled trades under major groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC), such as Industrial, Electrical and Construction Trades, Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades, Supervisors and Technical Occupations in Natural Resources, Agriculture and Related Production, and others. It’s essential to check the NOC list for the most updated categories.

How do I apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?

You apply through the Express Entry system, which involves creating an online profile where you provide information about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other details. You’ll be entered into a pool of candidates, and those who meet the criteria will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application.

Who is eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) application?

The CEC is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. Applicants should have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, meet minimum language proficiency standards, and intend to live outside the province of Quebec.

What counts as "Canadian work experience?"

Canadian work experience means having worked in Canada with temporary resident status with the authorization to work. The work must be at least one year (1,560 hours total/30 hours per week), continuous, and in the same job within the last three years before you apply, and at a skill type 0, or skill levels A or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).

How do I apply for the Canadian Experience Class?

Applications for the CEC are managed through the Express Entry system. You’ll need to create an online profile where you provide details about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other personal information. If you meet the criteria, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. After receiving an ITA, you’ll have 60 days to submit a complete application.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Ontario (Express Entry)

What is the Ontario Provincial Nominee Program?

The Ontario Provincial Nominee Program, known as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), is a program designed to attract and retain individuals who can contribute to Ontario’s economy.

The program has a variety of streams, each targeting different groups such as skilled workers, international students, and business people.

What are the eligibility criteria for the OINP and How can I apply?

The specific eligibility criteria will depend on which stream you’re applying under. However, common criteria across most streams include: relevant work experience, language skills (English or French), and the intention to live and work in Ontario.

To apply, you’ll first need to make an expression of interest in the OINP. If Ontario nominates you, you’ll then submit an application for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Even though Ontario can nominate individuals for permanent residency, the final decision on immigration applications is made by the federal government.

Nova Scotia (Express Entry)

What is the Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program?

The Nova Scotia Provincial Nominee Program (NSPNP) is a program designed to attract and retain individuals who can contribute to Nova Scotia’s economy.

The program has several streams, each designed to target specific groups including skilled workers, international graduates, and entrepreneurs, among others.

What are the eligibility criteria for the NSPNP and How can I apply?

The specific eligibility criteria will depend on which stream you’re applying under. Typically, criteria include: relevant work experience, education, language skills (English or French), and the ability to establish economically in Nova Scotia.

To apply, you first apply to NSPNP. If you’re nominated, you then submit an application for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Even though the province can nominate individuals for permanent residency, the final decision on immigration applications rests with the federal government.