Federal Skilled Worker - Express Entry
Canada Immigration Guide – Express Entry System
Programs Covered Under Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
How Express Entry Works
All eligible candidates submit their profiles online and enter a pool. The system ranks candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Top-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Key points:
- Profile submission is free
- Profile remains valid for 1 year
- ITA holders must apply within 60 days
- Draws happen regularly
Candidates with a provincial nomination or valid job offer have higher chances of selection.
Employers in Canada can also search candidates through Job Bank based on skills, education, and experience.
Only candidates with occupations listed under NOC 0, A, or B are eligible.
Processing Time
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
NOC List (National Occupational Classification)
Purpose of NOC
- Job seekers understand Canadian job roles
- Employers find skilled workers
- Immigration officers assess eligibility
- Students and professionals plan careers
NOC Skill Types
| Skill Type | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 0 | Management occupations |
| 1 | Business, finance and administration |
| 2 | Natural and applied sciences |
| 3 | Health occupations |
| 4 | Education, law and social services |
| 5 | Arts, culture, recreation and sport |
| 6 | Sales and service occupations |
| 7 | Trades and transport |
| 8 | Natural resources and agriculture |
| 9 | Manufacturing and utilities |
NOC Skill Levels
| Skill Level | Education Requirement |
|---|---|
| A | University degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD) |
| B | College diploma, apprenticeship, or technical training |
| C | Secondary school and job-specific training |
| D | On-the-job training or no formal education |
Canada Points System (CRS – Comprehensive Ranking System)
Canada uses a points-based system to evaluate Express Entry profiles. Eligible candidates must apply under one of the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Applicants provide details such as:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
- Language skills
- Job offer or nomination
The CRS system ranks candidates based on a total of 1,200 points.
CRS Scoring Factors
| Factor | Maximum Points (Single) | With Spouse |
|---|---|---|
| Core human capital | 500 | 460 |
| Age | 110 | 100 |
| Education | 150 | 140 |
| Language ability | 160 | 150 |
| Canadian work experience | 80 | 70 |
| Spouse factors | Not applicable | 40 |
| Skills transferability | 100 | 100 |
| Job offer / nomination | 600 | 600 |
| Grand Total | 1200 | 1200 |
Canada Language Ability Requirements
Language skills are essential for Canada immigration under Express Entry. Applicants must prove English or French ability through approved tests.
Accepted tests include:
- IELTS (General Training)
- CELPIP
- PTE Core
Test results must:
- Be valid (not older than 2 years)
- Be original (photocopies not accepted)
- Be submitted with the application
IELTS CLB Score Chart
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0–7.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| 9–10 | 7.0–9.0 | 8.0–9.0 | 7.0–9.0 | 7.0–9.0 |
PTE Core Score Chart
| CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 68–75 | 60–70 | 60–68 | 69–79 |
| 8 | 76–83 | 71–81 | 69–77 | 80–87 |
| 9–10 | 84–90 | 82–90 | 78–90 | 88–90 |
Canada Visa Fees
Applicants must pay visa processing fees when applying for Canadian immigration.
Additional Costs May Include:
- Medical examination
- Police clearance certificate
- Language test fees
Payment Methods
Fees can be paid in:
- Canadian dollars or Indian rupees
- Bank drafts
- Money orders
- Certified cheques
- Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express)
Cash payments are not accepted.
Permanent Residence Fees
| Category | Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Principal applicant | 1525 CAD |
| Spouse / dependent (18+) | 1525 CAD |
| Biometrics (per adult) | 85 CAD |
| Dependent under 18 | 260 CAD |
Visualize Your Future
Frequently Asked Questions
Express Entry is an online immigration system used by Canada to manage skilled worker applications. It ranks candidates based on points and selects the highest-scoring profiles for permanent residency.
The CRS score is based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and job offer or provincial nomination. The total score is calculated out of 1,200 points.
Most applications under Express Entry are processed in around 6 months or less after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), depending on eligibility and document verification.
Yes, most applicants must prove English or French language ability through approved tests like IELTS, CELPIP, or PTE Core. Results must be valid and not older than 2 years.
Yes, you can apply without a job offer. However, having a valid job offer or provincial nomination significantly increases your CRS score and chances of selection.
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