Express Entry
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Federal Skilled Worker
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) is one of the three immigration programs under Canada’s Express Entry system, designed for skilled professionals with work experience outside of Canada to apply for permanent residency.
Applicants must meet the following criteria: at least 1 year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in the past 10 years (in occupations classified as TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3); a minimum of a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent (with an Educational Credential Assessment); a language proficiency of CLB 7 or higher in English or French; and sufficient proof of funds (unless holding a valid job offer in Canada). Candidates are evaluated using a points-based system that considers six factors: education, work experience, language ability, age, adaptability, and job offers, with a minimum requirement of 67 points. The FSW program does not require Canadian work experience and is a fast-track pathway for skilled professionals worldwide to immigrate to Canada.
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Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three immigration programs under the Express Entry system, designed for foreign skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
Applicants must meet the following criteria: at least one year of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in Canada within the last three years, in occupations classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC; language proficiency meeting the minimum requirements (CLB 7 for TEER 0 and 1, CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3); and no educational requirements, although higher education can improve Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. CEC applicants do not need to provide proof of funds, and the application process is fast, making it an ideal pathway for temporary residents in Canada with work experience to achieve permanent residency.
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Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the three immigration programs under Canada’s Express Entry system, specifically designed for skilled trades professionals.
Applicants must meet the following criteria: at least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the past 5 years; a valid full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority; occupation must fall under the skilled trades category of the NOC (e.g., construction, manufacturing, maintenance); minimum language proficiency of CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing; no formal education requirements, though higher education can improve Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores. The FSTP program has lower language requirements and focuses on skilled trades, making it an ideal pathway for professionals with technical expertise to immigrate to Canada.