Who is eligible for Canada's Express Entry programs?

Posted by Nationwide Immigration Services on March 30th, 2024

Indians seeking permanent residence in Canada have been applying through Canada’s Express Entry managed streams for years now. It is the main pathway for economic immigration and is plannin’ to welcome more than 1 million newcomers by 2026. 

If you are planning to apply for Canada PR visa, you must go through the details about what is Express Entry, what are its streams and what makes you eligible to apply for one of them.

What is the Express Entry system in Canada?

Express Entry manages permanent residency applications through three federal economic immigration programs, which are:

• The Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)

• The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

• The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

If you wish to apply through any of these programs, you have to meet the unique eligibility requirements for the program you are applyin’ for. 

Eligibility Requirements for FSWP

If you are a skilled worker in India, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is the best way to apply for permanent residency in Canada. 

To be eligible for this program, you must meet the eligibility for Canada PR and achieve 67 points (out of 100). Upon enterin’ the Express Entry pool, you will be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score (no matter which program you apply for).

Along with 67 points, meet the followin’ requirements:

• You must possess at least one year of full-time or similar work experience in the past 10 years. The work experience should be in a skilled occupation as listed under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER level 0,1,2, or 3.

• You should meet the language requirements in either English or French (equivalent to CLB 7). 

• Proof you have enough funds to support yourself and any dependents accompanyin’ you to Canada. 

Eligibility Requirements for FSTP

Another economic pathway under Express Entry is for newcomers who have eligible skilled trade experience. 

To be eligible for this program, you must meet the followin’ requirements: 

• You must possess a minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade. This work experience must be gained within the last 5 years before the date of application submission. 

• You must meet the job requirements for the skilled trade listed under the NOC. 

• You should have a valid employment offer. It should be paid, full-time (at least 30 hours per week) from up to 2 Canadian employers. Also, it should be for at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification* from a provincial or territorial body.

• Provide language test results achievin’ at least CLB/NCLC 5 for speaking & listening. And at least a CLB/NCLC level 4 for reading and writing.

• You should be able to show your skills & experience

• Provide proof of funds to support yourself in Canada unless currently authorized to work in and be employed in the country.

Eligibility Requirements for CEC

Another renowned pathway for skilled workers and international students within Canada or those with Canadian work experience should consider the Canadian Experience Class. You can gain PR through this route and remain in Canada. 

If you wish to apply for CEC, you must gain high CRS for your past Canadian experience and education as well as official language ability, which is usually built up over time in Canada.

To be eligible for this program, you must meet the followin’ requirements: 

• Must have obtained at least one year of professional, skilled, or technical work experience in Canada. This should be gained within 3 years (36 months) of the application date.

• You must have at least a CLB or NCLC level of 5 for NOC TEER category 2 or 3 level jobs, or a CLB/NCLC level of 7 for NOC TEER 0, or 1 level jobs.

• You must demonstrate your intention to live and work outside of Quebec. 

Note: Under CEC, you are not required to show proof of settlements.

Havin’ trouble with your application? Talk to the best immigration consultants in Delhi at Nationwide Visas today! With over 17 years of workin’ in the immigration industry, the team of Nationwide Visas are equipped with extensive knowledge to help you achieve your dream of immigrating to Canada from India. 

Start your process today!