How to Immigrate to Canada as a Skilled Worker
With a strong economy, a high quality of life, and a clear immigration pathway for professionals, many people from Latin America, Asia, Europe, and beyond are turning their dreams into reality by moving to Canada. If you’re a skilled worker looking to immigrate, this guide will walk you through the key steps and options available.
- What Is the Express Entry System?
The Express Entry system is Canada’s main pathway for skilled workers to gain permanent residence. It manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Most skilled workers apply through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, which is designed for people with foreign work experience who meet specific education, language, and skill requirements.
- Eligibility Requirements
To qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you need to meet certain criteria:
Work Experience:
You must have at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in a skilled occupation (classified under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3) within the last 10 years.
Language Proficiency:
You must take an approved English or French language test (like IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada or TCF Canda) and meet at least CLB 7 in all abilities.
Education:
A foreign degree or diploma must be evaluated by a recognized body like WES, to ensure it matches Canadian standards.
** If you meet all the minimum requirements, you will then need to score 67 points in the FSW selection point grid before you can submit a profile to the Express Entry pool. These factors include Language, Education, Skilled Work Experience, Age, Arranged Employment, and Adaptability.
Proof of Funds:
You must show you have enough money to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada (unless you are exempted).
- The Points-Based System
Canada uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score candidates in the Express Entry pool. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
CRS scores are based on:
- Age
- Education
- Work Experience
- Language Proficiency
- Adaptability
Scores vary in each draw.
- The Step-by-Step Process
Here’s how to apply as a skilled worker through Express Entry:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Use the official CRS calculator to estimate your score.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Prepare your language test results, educational credential assessment (ECA), passport, and work documents.
Step 3: Create Your Express Entry Profile
Submit your profile online. You’ll be placed into the Express Entry pool and ranked.
Step 4: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your score is above the cutoff, you’ll receive an ITA during one of the draws.
Step 5: Submit Your PR Application
After receiving your ITA, you have 60 days to submit all your application, supporting documents and pay the fees.
Step 6: Wait for Approval
Most Express Entry applications are processed in 6 months or less, but this processing times varies.
- Do You Need a Job Offer?
No, a job offer is not required, and as of March 25, 2025, having a valid job offer no longer gives you CRS points. However, please note it is still a very good thing to have one, as it may open doors for PNPs or other pilots or exempt you from having to prove funds.
- Consider Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
If your CRS score is low, consider applying through a Provincial Nominee Program, which allows provinces to select skilled workers who meet their local labor needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 points to your Express Entry score—practically guaranteeing an ITA in a PNP draw.
Final Thoughts
Immigrating to Canada as a skilled worker is absolutely possible—but preparation is key. Make sure your documents are in order and compliant, your language results are current, and your profile accurately reflects your strengths. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to get help from a regulated immigration consultant or immigration lawyer.
Canada may be just the place for you to start a new life with better opportunities.
