What is Express Entry?

What Is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada’s online system used to manage immigration applications for three major economic immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

If you qualify under at least one, you can create an Express Entry profile and enter the candidate pool. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence in regular draws.

Eligibility Requirements by Program

To be accepted into the Express Entry pool, you must meet the minimum criteria of one of the three programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

You must:

• Have at least 1 year of continuous skilled work experience (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3) in the last 10 years.
• Show language proficiency in English or French (tested and proven).
• Have secondary or post‑secondary education.
• Score at least 67/100 points on the FSWP points grid.
• Demonstrate funds to support settlement (unless you have a valid Canadian job offer).

2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Designed for people with Canadian experience:

• At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last 3 years (full‑ or part‑time equivalent).
• Language ability levels depend on your skill type.
• No education requirement, though credential assessments help CRS scoring.

3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

For skilled tradespeople:

• 2 years of work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
• A valid job offer for at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority.
• Language minimums (different from FSWP).