Canada · 43.65° N, 79.38° W
Skilled Migration to Canada
Canada's economic immigration system runs through Express Entry and a network of Provincial Nominee Programs, each weighing your occupation, qualifications and experience differently.
- Main pathways
- Express Entry (FSWP, FSTP, CEC) and Provincial Nominee Programs
- Classification
- NOC occupational code and TEER category
- Ranking system
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
- Credential check
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign qualifications
General patterns only. CRS cut-offs, NOC lists and PNP streams change frequently, so always confirm current settings.
Introduction
One system, many entry points.
Express Entry manages applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and, for some applicants, the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates are ranked by their Comprehensive Ranking System score and the highest-ranked receive invitations to apply.
Provinces and territories also run their own Provincial Nominee Programs, which can target specific occupations, trades or regional labour needs outside the main Express Entry pool.
Economic immigration pathways
Routes we work with most often.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
For skilled workers with foreign work experience, assessed on education, language, experience and age.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
For qualified tradespeople with a valid job offer or certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority.
Canadian Experience Class
For candidates with qualifying skilled work experience in Canada, where applicable.
Provincial Nominee Programs
Province-specific streams targeting particular occupations, trades or regional employers.
Other relevant economic immigration pathways may apply depending on your occupation and province. We confirm current options with you.
Application process
From profile to permanent residence.
Start with your NOC classification. Everything else follows from getting that right.
IRCC: Express EntryStep 01
Confirm your NOC & TEER category
We match your occupation to the correct National Occupational Classification code and TEER category.
Step 02
Get your credentials assessed
Foreign qualifications are usually assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment.
Step 03
Sit a recognised language test
Results such as IELTS General Training convert to Canadian Language Benchmark levels.
Step 04
Create your Express Entry profile
Submit your profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System score.
Step 05
Consider a provincial nomination
A PNP nomination can add significant CRS points or offer a separate route to permanent residence.
Step 06
Receive an invitation to apply
Candidates above the cut-off in a draw receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Step 07
Submit your application
Lodge your permanent residence application with IRCC within the required time, with full supporting documents.
Application documentation
What you will typically need.
For your Express Entry profile
- Passport or national identity document
- Educational Credential Assessment report
- Language test results, such as IELTS
- Proof of skilled work experience
For your permanent residence application
- Invitation to apply and completed application forms
- Proof of funds, where required
- Provincial nomination certificate, where applicable
- Medical exam and police certificates
A general overview, not a complete list. Requirements vary by programme, province and personal circumstances. We prepare a tailored checklist with you.
Visa application guidance
Understand the system, from the source.
We help you understand what Express Entry and your relevant PNP ask for, prepare your documents and work through the application steps.
Permanent residence decisions are made only by the Government of Canada, and we cannot guarantee any outcome.
Canada questions
Skilled migration to Canada: common questions.
An ECA compares your foreign educational credential to the Canadian standard. It is generally required for Express Entry if your education was obtained outside Canada.
The CRS scores Express Entry candidates on factors such as age, education, language ability and work experience. Candidates are ranked against each other, and those above the cut-off in a draw receive an invitation to apply.
Not always. A valid job offer can add CRS points and is required for some Federal Skilled Trades applicants, but many Express Entry candidates apply without one.
It depends on your occupation and the provinces actively nominating for it. A provincial nomination can add significant CRS points or open an entirely separate pathway. We help you check current provincial streams against your profile.
Canada consultation
Ready to check your
Canadian eligibility?
Tell us your occupation and work history and we will explain your likely Express Entry or PNP pathway.