Canada’s immigration programs offer various pathways for individuals to obtain permanent residency and start a new life in one of the most diverse and prosperous countries. Two popular options include Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This guide will cover the requirements, steps to apply, relevant websites, and how to begin your application immediately.
What is Canada Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online immigration system introduced by Canada in 2015. It manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The system operates on a points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), where applicants are awarded points based on factors such as education, work experience, language ability, and other attributes. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
Express Entry Requirements
To be eligible for Express Entry, you must meet the criteria for one of the three economic programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French.
Work Experience: At least 1 year of continuous work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled occupation (NOC Skill Type 0, A, or B).
Education: Minimum secondary education (high school). Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is required if your education is outside Canada.
Proof of Funds: Show enough funds to support yourself and your family, unless you are already working in Canada or have a valid job offer.
Minimum CRS Points: You must achieve a score high enough to qualify for an ITA.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
Language Proficiency: CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
Work Experience: At least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade in the last 5 years.
Job Offer: You must either have a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in your trade from a Canadian authority.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
Work Experience: At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years.
Language Proficiency: CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs and CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
Education: Not required for the CEC but can add points to your CRS score.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
What is the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) are immigration programs operated by Canadian provinces and territories. They allow provinces to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on the specific needs of their labor market and population growth.
Each province has its own PNP, with unique streams that may target skilled workers, students, entrepreneurs, or people with family connections in the province.
PNP Requirements
PNP requirements vary by province, but some common criteria include:
Work Experience: Relevant work experience in a skilled occupation, often aligned with the province’s in-demand jobs.
Job Offer: In some provinces, a valid job offer from an employer is required.
Language Proficiency: Depending on the stream, you may need to demonstrate language skills (English/French) through tests like IELTS or TEF.
Connection to the Province: Some provinces require you to have prior work experience, education, or family in the province.
Proof of Funds: You may need to show sufficient financial resources to settle in the province.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
Steps to Apply for Canada Express Entry
Determine Eligibility: Check if you meet the criteria for one of the three Express Entry programs by using the Government of Canada’s eligibility tool: Express Entry Eligibility.
Create an Online Express Entry Profile: Visit the official Express Entry website and create a profile. You’ll need to provide information about your:
Education
Work experience
Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
Other personal details
Calculate CRS Score: After submitting your profile, the system will automatically calculate your CRS score based on the information you provided. You can use the CRS calculator beforehand to estimate your score: CRS Calculator.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you have a high CRS score, you may be selected from the pool of candidates and receive an ITA in one of the regular draws held every two weeks.
Submit Documents: After receiving an ITA, you will need to submit all supporting documents, including:
Proof of identity (passport)
Language test results
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
Proof of work experience (reference letters)
Medical exams and police certificates
Application Review and Approval: Once all documents are submitted, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will process your application. If approved, you will receive confirmation of your permanent residency.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
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Steps to Apply for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Research Provincial PNPs: Start by visiting the websites of the provinces you are interested in. Each province has different programs and criteria:
Alberta: Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program
British Columbia: BC PNP
Ontario: Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
Saskatchewan: Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program
Choose a PNP Stream: Identify which PNP stream matches your profile, whether you’re a skilled worker, entrepreneur, or student.
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI): In many PNPs, you will first need to submit an EOI, similar to creating an Express Entry profile, to show your interest in moving to the province.
Receive a Nomination: If the province selects you based on their labor market needs, you will receive a provincial nomination, which adds 600 points to your CRS score in Express Entry.
Apply for Permanent Residency: After receiving the nomination, you will be able to apply for permanent residency through the federal government. The nomination significantly increases your chances of receiving an ITA through Express Entry.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
Websites to Start Your Application Immediately
Express Entry
Government of Canada Express Entry Page
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
Alberta: AINP
British Columbia: BC PNP
Manitoba: MPNP
New Brunswick: NBPNP
Ontario: OINP
Saskatchewan: SINP
CRS Calculator: CRS Score Calculator
IELTS/TEF Language Test:
IELTS
TEF Canada
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
Score 8+ in IELTS, click here to get the guide
How to Start Your Application Immediately
To begin your application:
Create Your Express Entry Profile: Register on the Government of Canada Express Entry portal.
Take a Language Test: Register for an English or French test like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF Canada.
Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If you studied outside Canada, get your educational qualifications assessed through one of the IRCC-designated organizations (e.g., WES).
Research and Apply to PNP Programs: Visit provincial websites to explore their PNP streams and apply directly for nomination or express interest via Express Entry.
With the correct preparation, you can maximize your chances of moving to Canada through Express Entry or a PNP, starting your journey toward a new life in one of the world’s best countries for immigrants.
Must Have:
To apply for Canada’s IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada) Express Entry, there are several requirements you need to meet. The process is designed for skilled workers and includes the following key requirements:
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Eligibility Criteria
You must meet the minimum requirements for one of the three immigration programs under Express Entry:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
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Age
There is no specific age requirement, but applicants between 18 and 35 years receive the most points. You can still apply if you’re older, but your points will be lower.
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Work Experience
You need to have at least one year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 jobs) in the last 10 years.
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Language Proficiency
You must prove your proficiency in either English or French by taking an accepted language test such as:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
TEF (Test d’évaluation de français)
You need at least a CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) 7 for FSWP and higher CLB for some jobs or provincial nominations.
Score 8+ in IELTS, click here to get the guide
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Education
You must have:
A Canadian secondary or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, or
A foreign credential that’s equivalent to a Canadian one, verified by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an approved organization.
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Proof of Funds
You must prove you have enough money to settle in Canada unless:
You are applying under the Canadian Experience Class, or
You have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
For a single applicant, the minimum required funds are approximately CAD 13,757, and this amount increases with the number of family members.
Get Proof Of Funds
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Medical Examination
You and your family members must undergo a medical exam to prove you are in good health before entering Canada.
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Police Certificates
You must provide police certificates from each country where you’ve lived for more than 6 months since the age of 18 to prove you have no criminal background.
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Express Entry Profile
You must create an Express Entry profile online, where you will provide your personal information, such as:
Work history
Education
Language skills
Family background
Age, etc.
Based on the information you provide, you’ll receive a CRS score. This score determines whether you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Points are awarded based on:
Age
Education
Work experience
Language proficiency
Job offer (if applicable)
Provincial nomination (if applicable)
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Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score is above the cut-off in the Express Entry draw, you will receive an ITA, after which you must:
Submit a complete permanent residence application within 60 days
Provide supporting documents, including work references, language results, and education certificates.
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Job Offer (Optional)
While not required, having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly increase your CRS score.
For more information, you can speak to Happy Face
Disclaimer
Related Post :
How To Apply For Canadian Immigration As A Skilled Worker Through Express Entry
Immigrating To Canada Through Express Entry
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Tool for Skilled Immigrants: Express Entry
Documents For Express Entry: Proof Of Funds
Immigrate To Canada Without A Job Offer Through A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
