Skilled workers who wish to permanently live and work in Canada most commonly apply for permanent residence (PR) under the Express Entry System, which is run by the federal government authority – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). There are three sub-categories or ‘streams’ under this system, each of which requires candidates to meet the basic Canada PR requirements:
Federal Skilled Workers Program
- English/French language Skills: CLB/NCLC 7 or higher in each test component (listening, reading, writing, speaking) of an approved language proficiency examination
- Work Experience: At least one year of continuous work experience gained within or outside Canada – in the preceding 10 years – in an occupation listed as Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Job Offer: Not required, but having a job offer from a Canadian employer adds points under the program selection criteria
- Level of Education: At least secondary level (high school) education is required
- Proof of Funds: Have sufficient funds to support self and accompanying family members while settling in Canada.
- Selection Criteria: Score at least 67 points based on the six program-specific selection factors – age, academic qualifications, work experience, availability of a Canadian job offer, English and/or French language proficiency, and adaptability. Please note that this point test is different from the Canada immigration points calculator selection process.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
- English/French language Skills: At least CLB/NCLC 5 in the listening and speaking components and CLB/NCLC 4 in the reading and writing components of an approved language proficiency examination
- Work Experience: At least two years of work experience within or outside Canada – in the preceding five years – in a skilled trade listed under key groups of NOC Skill Level B.
- Job Offer: Valid job offer for at least one year of full-time employment under a Canadian employer OR certificate or qualification issued by a provincial/territorial/federal authority of Canada in the relevant skilled trade
- Level of Education: Not minimum requirement
- Proof of Funds: Have sufficient funds to support self and accompanying family members while settling in Canada. Those who have a Canadian job offer or are already legally allowed to work in Canada need not meet this requirement.
Canadian Experience Class
- English/French language Skills: CLB/NCLC 7 or higher in each test component for those whose occupation is listed as NOC Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A, or at least CLB/NCLC 5 for those whose occupation is listed as Skill Level B. To identify your Skill Type/Level, it is best to visit the official NOC website or seek the assistance of immigration experts.
- Work Experience: One year of work experience in Canada – within the preceding three years – in in an occupation listed as NOC Skill Type 0 or Skill Level A or B.
- Job Offer: Not required
- Level of Education: No minimum requirement
Note: In addition to these requirements, all candidates must be considered ‘admissible’ to Canada.
To identify the most suitable stream for a particular profile, candidates must fully comprehend the specific Canada PR requirements and verify if they meet the criteria. The application procedure under all streams is fairly similar, but should ideally be pursued under expert supervision, through a licensed immigration consultancy like Visa Experts – which offers the services of an authorized representative and draws on 25 years of experience to accurately assess eligibility and navigate the visa process.
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