Canada’s Express Entry system is the fast lane for skilled immigrants looking to call Canada home. Launched in January 2015, this digital immigration system is designed to be quicker, more efficient, and competitive. It includes several programs that cater to different types of skilled immigrants.

The purpose of Express Entry and immigration programs at large is to solve for Canada’s labour market needs and boost its economy. Applicants are broadly assessed based on a points system that evaluates factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Some programs will have additional filters like Canadian work experience or graduating from a masters program at a specific province.

Express Entry Programs

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

This program targets skilled workers with foreign work experience who are looking to immigrate to Canada. Applicants are assessed based on a points system that evaluates factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

Skilled Work: Jobs in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC system. Includes managerial (TEER 0), professional (TEER 1), and technical jobs (TEER 2, 3) that require formal education or training (e.g., engineers, accountants).

To find your NOC or your TEER category, use our NOC Finder here.

Eligibility Criteria:

• One year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years.
• Meet the minimum score of 67 points out of 100 on the FSWP calculator.
• Language: Min CLB 7 in English or French

Note: the last explicit FSWP draw was conducted in February 23, 2023 (as of January 30th, 2025). See all the round of invitations and cut offs here.

Reference: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/federal-skilled-trades.html

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Designed for those with qualifications in a skilled trade, this program requires candidates to have a valid 1) job offer or 2) a certificate of qualification in their trade issued by a Canadian province, territory or federal authority.

Skilled Trades: Specialized technical jobs, typically classified under TEER 2 and 3 in the NOC system. Includes occupations like electricians, plumbers, and carpenters that involve manual or practical skills, such as construction, mechanical work, and certain service jobs.

Certificate of Qualification: a document issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority that certifies that an individual is qualified to work in a specific skilled trade (e.g electrician, plumber) in Canada.

Eligibility Criteria:

• A job offer for full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that trade.
• Two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years.