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Express Entry 

Express Entry is the Federal’s online system that processes immigration applications in economy class. It is considered the fast track in applying for the Permanent Residency in Canada.

The PR applicants that apply through Express Entry are categorized as skilled workers and they are classified into 4 classes:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

To apply through FSWP, the skilled workers must some requirements:

  • Have minimum CLB 7 in their English/French language skill.
  • Have a qualifying job that is listed as either NOC 0, A, OR B.
  • Have continuous full-time job experience of at least one year (=1,560 hours per year or 30 hours per week) within 10 years in NOC 0, A, B.
  • A job offer from a Canadian employer is not a requirement, but it will increase the points and the chance of success if the applicant has it.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

FSTP is for foreign trade workers that have work experience in eligible trade occupations and reside overseas.

The difference between FSWP and FSTP is that FSTP can be also for semi-skilled workers,

To apply through FSTP, the skilled workers must some requirements:

  • Have a minimum CLB 5 in their English/French language skill
  • Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience within the last 5 years.
  • Must have a full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for at least 1 year OR trade certification from a provincial, territorial, or federal governing body.
  • The job experience is classified as NOC B (technical jobs and skilled trades that require a college education or apprenticeship training)

Jobs that are categorized as FSTP:

  • Industrial, Electrical, and Construction Trades
  • Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades
  • Supervisors and Technical Jobs in Natural Resources, Agriculture, and Related Production
  • Processing, Manufacturing, Utilities Supervisors, and Central Control Operators
  • Chefs and Cooks
  • Butchers and Bakers

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

CEC is for foreign students who graduate in Canada and have Canadian work experience.

 To apply through CEC, the requirements are:

  • Have minimum CLB 7 for NOC 0, A jobs OR CLB 5 for NOC B jobs in their English/French language skill.
  • Have at least 1-year of work experience in Canada within the past 3 years in the job classified as NOC 0, A, B. Unlike in FSWP where the applicant must have a continuous job for 1 year, in CEC the job experience does not need to be continuous.
  • Applicants under CEC do not need to show proof of funds, whereas proof of funds is required for FSWP or FSTP. 

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

PNP is a program that allows provinces and territories to nominate foreign nationals to apply for PR in Canada. It is a bilateral agreement between the province/territory and the federal government regarding immigration policy. Provinces set their own selection criteria and guidelines for selecting applicants and the Federal government through IRCC filters the admissibility of the PR candidates selected by the province. This program facilitates foreign nationals to enter quickly into Canada.


There are more than 80  programs in PNP.  The criteria for nomination varied from province to province. However, the PR candidates if get selected by the province will get an additional 600 points in their CRS score. After that, they proceed with their PR application through IRCC and undergo an inadmissibility assessment by a visa officer who has the final decision on the application. 


PNP’s requirements are relatively easier compared to the other programs (FSWP, FSTP, CEC) under Express Entry. However, successful applicants must show intent and commitment to reside in the province/territory that nominated them. Another advantage of PNP is that it is open to applicants with semi or low-skilled categories (NOC level C and D occupations).

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