As of January 1 2015 Express entry has become the new system for permanent residency applications. Applicants must be accepted and fit the requirements for one of the following programs in order to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry; FSW, FSTP, CEC and PNP. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) has
announced its new Permanent Residency program called Express Entry for skilled workers interested in Immigrating to Canada. This new program comprises of the same skilled worker programs such as, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, and the Federal Skilled Trades Class. Applicants will be assessed on a new scale of factors using a ranking system called the Comprehensive Ranking System. Applicants who score a high enough ranking will be issued an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residency. To find out more on the Express Entry system, contact our team of professionals.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) comprises of skilled workers with professionally recognized experience who are chosen to apply for permanent residency based on their ability to contribute to the Canadian economy. Those who wish to choose to apply for the FSW program must do so online through the Express Entry Portal and will be extracted from the Express entry pool system should they qualify for permanent residency.
CIC assess all its applicants from a grid comprised of 6 sections based on a total of 100 points. The passing grade for acceptance into the program is 67/100. Applicants will be assessed on the following factors:
- English and/or French skills 28pts
- Education 25pts
- Adaptability 10pts
- Arranged Employment 10pts
- Age 12pts
- Work Experience 15pts
The Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP) is a skilled worker program whereby candidates may apply for Permanent Residency through Express Entry. Candidates must be recognized and qualified under a skilled trade along with the following requirements
| Province | Language | Skilled Work Experience | Job Requirements | Job-Offer | Education |
| Plan to live outside of Quebec | Pass the minimum Bench Mark for English or French language test | Two years of full-time work experience or an equal amount in Part-time in a skilled trade – 5 years prior to applying | Meet the job requirements and description indicated in the NOC for the designated “skilled trade†| Candidate has a full-time job offer for at least one year | Canadian post secondary diploma, degree, certificate |
| Not applicable if candidates have certificate of qualification | Or Candidate has certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by provincial/territorial authority of Canada | Or ECA report approved by CIC with equivalence of Canadian Secondary minimum |
