
What is a Valid Job Offer?
To count as a valid job offer for Express Entry, your job offer must meet these criteria:
- Full-time (at least 30 hours per week or 1,560 hours per year)
- Continuous and not seasonal
- In a skilled occupation
- For at least one year after your permanent residency is issued
You must also fall into one of these three situations for your job offer to be considered valid:
Situation 1: New LMIA-Supported Job Offer
You have a new job offer that is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Situation 2: LMIA-Supported Work Permit
- You’re already working for an employer listed on your work permit.
- You’re authorized to work in Canada on both the day you apply for PR and when your PR visa is issued.
- Your current employer has offered you a full-time job for at least one year after receiving permanent residency.
Situation 3: LMIA-Exempt Job for at Least One Year
- You’re working for an employer listed on your work permit.
- You have at least one year of full-time work experience with this employer.
- Your current employer has given you a full-time job offer for at least one year after you receive permanent residency.
Note:
- For the Federal Worker Stream Program (FWSP), your job offer must be from one employer.
- For the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), you can have job offers from up to two employers.
What If I Want to Settle in Quebec?
If you plan to settle in Quebec, you’re not eligible for Express Entry. Instead, you’ll need to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
Quebec’s Immigration Programs
Program | Eligibility |
---|---|
Skilled Worker Program | Skilled workers with relevant experience |
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) | Temporary foreign workers or graduates from Quebec institutions |
Quebec Investor Program | Individuals with at least a $2 million net worth and investment readiness |
Quebec Entrepreneur Program | Entrepreneurs who want to start or buy a business in Quebec |
Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program | Self-employed individuals in cultural or athletic fields |
What If I Don’t Qualify for Express Entry?
There are alternative immigration pathways you can explore:
1. Base Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Aside from receiving an ITA through Express Entry, you can apply directly for PR after being nominated by a province or territory.
Requirements for Base PNPs:
- Demonstrate your intent to reside in the province.
- Be eligible for that province’s specific PNP stream.
Note: Quebec and Nunavut do not have PNPs.
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program is for foreign workers and international graduates with a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces:
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island (PEI)
AIP nominees can receive a two-year work permit and apply for PR with support from their employer and the province.
3. Federal Immigration Pilots
Current active federal pilots:
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot: For French-speaking workers with a job offer in a designated Francophone community outside Quebec.
- Agri-Food Pilot: For experienced non-seasonal workers in agriculture and food sectors.
- Rural Community Immigration Pilot: For skilled workers with a job offer from a designated rural community in Canada.
Each of these pilots allows direct PR applications to the federal government.
In 2025, Canada aims to welcome over 100,000 new permanent residents through the Express Entry system. If you’re dreaming of moving to Canada, Express Entry could be one of the fastest ways to achieve permanent residency. Let’s break it down step by step.
How Does Express Entry Work?
You can’t apply for permanent residence directly through Express Entry. First, you must receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Canadian government. Here’s how the process works:
- Check if you’re eligible to join the Express Entry pool.
- Create an online profile, showing your interest in Express Entry.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you meet the criteria.
- Apply for permanent residence once you get an ITA.
Who Can Apply for Express Entry?
Express Entry is used to manage applications for three federal programs. To qualify, you must have skilled work experience and meet the requirements for at least one of these programs:
Program Name | Who It’s For |
---|---|
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | People with work experience in Canada |
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | Skilled workers without Canadian experience |
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) | Skilled tradespeople without Canadian experience |
You also need to plan to live outside Quebec, as Quebec has its own system for selecting immigrants.
What Are the Requirements for Each Program?
Here’s a quick comparison of what you’ll need:
Eligibility Criteria | CEC | FSWP | FSTP |
---|---|---|---|
Language Proficiency | CLB 7 (higher-skilled jobs) or CLB 5 (lower-skilled jobs) | CLB 7 in all areas | CLB 5 (speaking & listening), CLB 4 (reading & writing) |
Education | No requirement | Canadian high school or equivalent | No requirement |
Work Experience | 1 year in Canada (last 3 years) | 1 continuous year (last 10 years) | 2 years (last 5 years) |
Type of Work | Skilled jobs | Skilled jobs | Specific trades only |
Settlement Funds Required? | No | Yes (unless you have a job offer) | Yes (unless you have a job offer) |
A Closer Look at Each Program
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- No education requirement.
- No settlement funds needed.
- Your work experience doesn’t have to be continuous (just 1 year in the last 3 years).
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- You don’t need Canadian work experience, and you can count work from the last 10 years.
- You must score at least 67 points on a selection grid based on age, education, language skills, and work experience.
- Your 1 year of work experience must be continuous.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- You’ll need either:
- A certificate of qualification in your trade, or
- A valid job offer from one or two employers.
- No education requirement.
- Your trade must fall under certain job categories, like:
- Technical trades
- Supervisors in natural resources, agriculture, or manufacturing
- Cooks, butchers, and bakers
- Chefs
Work Experience That Doesn’t Count
No matter which program you apply for, certain types of work don’t count as eligible experience:
- Unpaid work (including internships)
- Self-employment
- Work experience while studying (except in some cases for FSWP)
How to Enter the Express Entry Pool
To apply for Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry, you need to:
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
- Upload the necessary documents
What is an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
An EOI is an online application you submit on the IRCC website to show your interest in immigrating to Canada.
You’ll provide details about yourself and your spouse (if applicable), including:
- Age
- Education
- Work experience
Which Documents Do You Need?
When submitting your EOI, you must upload these documents:
- Language test results
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) (if applicable)
Note: Even if you don’t need settlement funds, you must still upload a letter explaining why. You can be exempt if:
- You’re invited under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or
- You have a valid job offer and are authorized to work in Canada.
Language Proficiency Tests
You must take an approved language test to prove your language skills. Approved tests include:
- English Tests:
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index)
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- PTE Core (Pearson Test of English)
- French Tests:
- TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français)
- TCF (Test de Connaissance du Français)
Your test results will be converted into Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels, ranging from CLB 1 to CLB 10.
💡 Tip: Your test must be less than two years old when you apply. If it expires, you’ll need to retake it.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If you completed your education outside Canada, you’ll need an ECA to prove how your qualifications compare to Canadian standards.
Approved ECA providers include:
- World Education Services (WES)
- Comparative Education Service (CES)
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
An ECA is valid for five years. However, if you’re a doctor, pharmacist, or architect, you may need an ECA from a specific professional body.
How Does the Government Invite Candidates?
The Canadian government holds regular Express Entry draws to select top-ranking candidates from the pool. If selected, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
In 2024, Canada held 54 draws and issued 98,803 ITAs to applicants worldwide.
Types of Express Entry Draws
- General Draws – Open to all eligible candidates.
- Program-Specific Draws – Only for specific programs like CEC, FSWP, or FSTP.
- Category-Based Draws – Focus on certain occupations or language abilities, such as:
- Healthcare
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)
- Trades
- Transport
- Agriculture and Agri-Food
- French Language Proficiency
💡 For 2025, priority categories include healthcare, trades, and French language proficiency.
How Are Candidates Ranked?
To be invited, your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score must meet the draw’s cut-off. The CRS score is based on three main factors:
Factor | Maximum Points |
---|---|
Core human capital + spousal factors | 500 points |
Skill transferability factors | 100 points |
Additional factors | 600 points |
You can use CanadaVisa’s CRS Calculator to estimate your score.
Core Human Capital Factors
This includes your:
- Age
- Education
- Language Proficiency
- Canadian Work Experience
If you’re applying alone, you can score up to 500 points.
If you’re applying with a spouse, your maximum is 460 points, with an extra 40 points for your spouse’s:
- Education
- Language Proficiency
- Canadian Work Experience
Skill Transferability Factors
You can earn up to 100 points for a combination of skills, such as:
- Education + Canadian Work Experience
- Foreign Work Experience + Language Proficiency (CLB 7+)
- Certificate of Qualification + Language Proficiency (CLB 7+)
Each factor has a maximum of 50 points, but the total for skill transferability is capped at 100 points.
Additional Factors
You can gain up to 600 extra points for:
- French language proficiency
- Post-secondary education in Canada
- Arranged employment
- Having a sibling in Canada (who is a citizen or permanent resident)
- Provincial Nomination
How to Increase Your Chances of Receiving an ITA
Increase Your CRS Score
Boosting your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score will improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the Express Entry pool. Here’s how:
Key Factors to Improve Your CRS Score
Factor | Maximum CRS Points |
---|---|
Language Proficiency | 260 (160 + 50 + 50) |
Canadian Work Experience | 130 (80 + 50) |
Provincial or Territorial Nomination | 600 |
Valid Job Offer | 200 |
1. Improve Your Language Proficiency
You can earn up to 260 points for language proficiency. Your primary language can be either English or French.
- Achieve Higher CLB Levels:
Example: A candidate with CLB 7 earns 68 points, while someone with CLB 10 earns 136 points. - Earn Extra Points for French:
Up to 50 additional CRS points for strong French proficiency. - Retake Language Tests:
There’s no limit to how many times you can retake the test to improve your score.
2. Increase Your Work Experience
Canadian work experience scores more points than foreign experience.
- Gain Canadian Work Experience: Up to 80 CRS points for Canadian experience under core human capital factors.
- Skill Transferability: Earn up to 50 points for combining work experience with strong language skills or a post-secondary degree.
Example Combinations:
Factor Combination | Max Points |
---|---|
Canadian Work Experience + Degree | 50 |
Foreign Work Experience + Language Proficiency (CLB 7+) | 50 |
3. Obtain a Provincial Nomination
Receiving a Provincial or Territorial Nomination adds 600 CRS points, nearly guaranteeing an ITA.
- Research PNP Streams: Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
4. Secure a Valid Job Offer
A valid job offer can boost your CRS score by 50 or 200 points.
- Job Offers Must Meet Specific Criteria:
Supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or be LMIA-exempt.
⚠️ Note: CRS points for valid job offers will only be available until Spring 2025.
What Happens After Receiving an ITA?
1️⃣ Accept or Decline the ITA: You have 60 days to respond.
2️⃣ Gather Documents: Police certificates, proof of funds, medical exams, biometrics, etc.
3️⃣ Complete and Submit the Application: Fill out all sections on the permanent residence portal.
4️⃣ Pay Fees: Application processing and Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF).
5️⃣ Wait for Processing: Processing takes six months, during which additional documents may be requested.
6️⃣ Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
What is a Valid Job Offer?
To count as a valid job offer for Express Entry, your job offer must meet these criteria:
- Full-time (at least 30 hours per week or 1,560 hours per year)
- Continuous and not seasonal
- In a skilled occupation
- For at least one year after your permanent residency is issued
You must also fall into one of these three situations for your job offer to be considered valid:
Situation 1: New LMIA-Supported Job Offer
You have a new job offer that is supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Situation 2: LMIA-Supported Work Permit
- You’re already working for an employer listed on your work permit.
- You’re authorized to work in Canada on both the day you apply for PR and when your PR visa is issued.
- Your current employer has offered you a full-time job for at least one year after receiving permanent residency.
Situation 3: LMIA-Exempt Job for at Least One Year
- You’re working for an employer listed on your work permit.
- You have at least one year of full-time work experience with this employer.
- Your current employer has given you a full-time job offer for at least one year after you receive permanent residency.
Note:
- For the Federal Worker Stream Program (FWSP), your job offer must be from one employer.
- For the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), you can have job offers from up to two employers.
What If I Want to Settle in Quebec?
If you plan to settle in Quebec, you’re not eligible for Express Entry. Instead, you’ll need to obtain a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ) from the Ministère de l’Immigration, de la Francisation et de l’Intégration (MIFI).
Quebec’s Immigration Programs
Program | Eligibility |
---|---|
Skilled Worker Program | Skilled workers with relevant experience |
Quebec Experience Program (PEQ) | Temporary foreign workers or graduates from Quebec institutions |
Quebec Investor Program | Individuals with at least a $2 million net worth and investment readiness |
Quebec Entrepreneur Program | Entrepreneurs who want to start or buy a business in Quebec |
Quebec Self-Employed Worker Program | Self-employed individuals in cultural or athletic fields |
What If I Don’t Qualify for Express Entry?
There are alternative immigration pathways you can explore:
1. Base Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Aside from receiving an ITA through Express Entry, you can apply directly for PR after being nominated by a province or territory.
Requirements for Base PNPs:
- Demonstrate your intent to reside in the province.
- Be eligible for that province’s specific PNP stream.
Note: Quebec and Nunavut do not have PNPs.
2. Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
The Atlantic Immigration Program is for foreign workers and international graduates with a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of Canada’s Atlantic provinces:
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Nova Scotia
- Prince Edward Island (PEI)
AIP nominees can receive a two-year work permit and apply for PR with support from their employer and the province.
3. Federal Immigration Pilots
Current active federal pilots:
- Francophone Community Immigration Pilot: For French-speaking workers with a job offer in a designated Francophone community outside Quebec.
- Agri-Food Pilot: For experienced non-seasonal workers in agriculture and food sectors.
- Rural Community Immigration Pilot: For skilled workers with a job offer from a designated rural community in Canada.
Each of these pilots allows direct PR applications to the federal government.
Don’t hesitate to reach out us AsKubeir for expert guidance and personalized support. Let us help you turn your career goals into reality and start your new chapter in Canada with confidence!
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