Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) launched Express Entry in early 2015, where prospective immigrants are required to complete an online form to express their interest in becoming a permanent resident of Canada as long as they qualify under one of the qualifying streams. Registration with Express Entry is not an application for permanent residence, but rather an indication of an individual’s interest to become a candidate for Canadian permanent residence.
Express Entry candidates are required to complete an online profile and will be awarded points according to language proficiency, education, Canadian work experience, and other human capital factors that are deemed to lead to success in Canada. Candidates may qualify to create an Express Entry profile under the following programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee stream.
Federal Skilled Worker applications are assessed based on an applicant’s ability to become economically established upon immigrating to Canada. Skilled workers are assessed based on a points system. Points are assigned to applicants for their education level, English and/or French language ability, relevant skilled employment experience, age, and adaptability in Canada.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is available for foreign nationals who have completed at least 12 months of full-time authorized work (minimum 30 hours per week in one or more jobs) in Canada in the three years preceding the application filing date.
Canadian Experience Class applications are assessed according to two main criteria:
All immigration categories require applicants to include their dependent family members, defined as spouses or common-law partners, and/or dependent children in their applications, who will become Canadian permanent residents at the same time as the principal applicant. Parents or grandparents are not considered dependent family members.
Similar to the program administered by the Federal government, the provincial programs select qualified skilled workers and business people on the basis of selection criteria and procedures based on factors that reflect the immigrant’s genuine intent to live in the province, and ability to integrate and successfully settle in the province.
Selection is based on a combination of factors including age, education, guaranteed employment, official language ability, occupational demand, work experience, family in Canada, and adaptability, which may includes time spent working, studying or visiting the province.
In order to qualify for a Canadian citizenship grant, an applicant must be living in Canada as a permanent residence and meet the minimum eligibility criteria.
There are limited circumstances where someone is already a Canadian citizen and wishes to apply for proof
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