Maple News reports that Canada is expected to welcome over 100,000 new permanent residents in 2025 through its flagship economic immigration pathway: the Express Entry system. This remains one of the fastest and most efficient ways for skilled workers to secure permanent residency in the country.
To begin your Express Entry journey, you cannot apply directly for permanent residency. Instead, you must first enter the Express Entry pool by submitting a profile that serves as an Expression of Interest (EOI). Candidates are then ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which scores applicants on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills. The highest-scoring candidates regularly receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) from the federal government.
To become eligible for the Express Entry pool, you must qualify under one of the three federal programs:
1. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.
2. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled professionals with foreign work experience.
3. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For experienced tradespeople with qualifications in a skilled trade.
Applicants must also confirm their intent to settle outside the province of Quebec, which manages its own immigration pathways independently. Quebec-bound immigrants should explore the province’s separate programs.
Once in the pool, candidates can enhance their CRS scores with factors such as a Canadian job offer, provincial nomination, or increased language proficiency. Settlement funds also play a role—applicants without a valid job offer must demonstrate they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and their family members upon arrival.
Additionally, to be considered a ‘valid job offer’ under Express Entry, it must be full-time, non-seasonal, and last at least one year. In most cases, the offer must be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
For those who are ineligible for Express Entry, alternative immigration routes exist, including employer-driven programs and provincial nominee streams. While Express Entry remains a competitive and fast option, understanding the requirements and preparing a strong profile can significantly boost your chances of receiving an ITA.
Maple News encourages prospective applicants to stay informed and seek professional advice to navigate Canada’s evolving immigration landscape with confidence.