Are You Eligible for Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada's main system for skilled-worker permanent residence. It manages three programs, and to enter the pool you must be eligible for at least one of them.

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The three programs

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

For skilled workers with foreign experience. Generally needs 1+ year of continuous skilled work (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3), a language test, and education (with an ECA if obtained outside Canada). You must also meet a minimum points threshold.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For people with skilled work experience in Canada: at least 1 year of TEER 0-3 work in the last 3 years, plus a language test. No education requirement, though it can add points.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

For qualified people in skilled trades: 2 years of trade experience in the last 5 years, a valid job offer or certificate of qualification, and a language test.

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The core building blocks

Across the programs, eligibility usually comes down to four things:

• Skilled work experience in a TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation
• Language — an approved English or French test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF)
• Education — and, if earned abroad, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• Proof of funds, unless you have a valid job offer or are already working in Canada

Meeting the minimum is only the entry ticket. Once in the pool, candidates are ranked by their CRS score, and only the highest-scoring are invited in each draw. Two people can both "be eligible" and have very different real chances.