This article is the first in a five-part series which deep-dives into the Express Entry Program in Canada. It will cover everything you need to know about the program from how it works, the different types of programs, and more! Let’s get started!
What is Express Entry?
“Canada has a great job market and plenty of opportunities. If you come as a skilled immigrant, you and your family will benefit from our high quality of life.” – Government of Canada
The Express Entry Program (EE) in Canada was designed for skilled immigrants and professionals that wish to settle in Canada permanently. This program was launched on January 1, 2015 and replaced the original “first-come, first-served” immigration system. The EE program consists of 3 main categories: Federal Skilled Workers Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
1. Federal Skilled Workers Program
This program was created as a way to address regional labour shortages in Canada in a approximately 347 eligible positions covering anything from computer engineers, programmers, and software developers, accountants, supervisors in the automotive industry, and doctors, to name a few. The occupations are primarily managerial, professional or technical in nature.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. Skilled trades for the Federal Skilled Trades Program are organized under these groups of the National Occupational Classification (NOC):
- Industrial, electrical and construction trades
- Maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources
- Agriculture and related production
- Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators chefs and cooks, butchers and bakers
3. Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. It was developed for temporary foreign workers and foreign graduates with qualifying Canadian work experience.
Under this program, skilled work experience means:
- Managerial jobs
- Professional jobs
- Technical jobs
- Skilled trades
Express Entry Canada – How long does it take?
There are various factors that come into play when determining how long the entire process takes. For example, skilled workers and those with work experience in an industry with high-demand can obtain permanent residency through the Express Entry Program in as little as 4 – 6 months. The next articles will cover the admission process and the qualifications required under each program. Stay tuned!
And if you’re interested in finding out if Express Entry is a good option for you, get started here.
