Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry immigration system is set to welcome over 110,000 newcomers in 2024, with plans to increase that number to 117,500 annually by 2025 and 2026. Given this rising demand, individuals interested in immigrating to Canada should understand if they qualify—and how to improve their eligibility over time.
Express Entry is an immigration management platform that handles applications for three of Canada’s federal economic immigration streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Each program has its own path to eligibility based on factors such as work experience, language proficiency, and educational background.
Candidates who meet the basic eligibility requirements of one of these three programs can create an Express Entry profile and be placed into the applicant pool. They receive a score under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates core human capital factors like age, education, language skills, and work history. Regular draws are held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), and candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.
The FSWP is ideal for skilled professionals abroad. To qualify, you must score at least 67 points on the FSWP grid, independent of the CRS, and meet criteria such as one year of skilled work experience (NOC TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3), language proficiency at CLB level 7 in all abilities, and proof of settlement funds—unless you’re already employed in Canada.
For those already in Canada, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) allows skilled workers and international graduates with Canadian work experience to apply for permanent residency. You must have at least one year of Canadian work experience within the last three years and meet language requirements based on the job classification. CEC applicants are exempt from settlement fund requirements.
Meanwhile, the FSTP targets individuals in skilled trades such as electricians, plumbers, and bakers. Eligibility includes two years of full-time experience in a qualifying trade, a valid job offer or provincial certificate, basic language skills (CLB 5 for speaking/listening and CLB 4 for reading/writing), and either proof of funds or current employment in Canada.
Canada recently added category-based draws to the Express Entry system, giving preference to candidates with experience in high-demand sectors like healthcare, STEM, and trades, or with strong French language skills. This adds further opportunity for targeted immigration strategies.
For anyone considering immigration to Canada through Express Entry, learning the requirements and understanding how to build your profile ahead of future draws is more important than ever. With strategic planning, many skilled workers can turn Canada’s points-based pathway into a permanent home.