Am I eligible for express entry?

Under express entry there are multiple programs. The eligibility for express entry program is based on a variety of factors - age, work experience, family members, language ability etc. Let us look at the different factors.

Am I too old to apply? 

If you are older than 46 years, you won't get points. But it would be tougher for you and perhaps you might need a PNP nomination to get thru. Conversely, you should be at least 18 years old to be a primary applicant.

Which program might be better suited based on my work experience?

1. If you don't have Canadian work experience but 
• At least 1 year of continuous foreign experience within last 10 years AND
• This foreign experience can be either combination of full-time or part-time work in your primary NOC
• NOC code is either 0, A or B
• You would be suited for Federal Skilled worker.
2. If you have 1 year of Canadian experience in the last 3 years -
• NOC is either 0, A or B
• This can be a combination of either full-time or part-time work 
• Your would be suited for Canadian experience class.
• If you were on work permit in Canada in the last 3 years this might be a good one for you to try.
3. If you have either Canadian or foreign experience under NOC code B 
• If your profession is a technical job or skilled trade that usually call for a college diploma or training as an apprentice like plumber, electrician, chef then you fall under NOC code B. 
• Two years within last 5 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work)
• You can be suited for Federal Skilled trades program.

What is the minimum required language proficiency?

Now that you have figured out what program you want to target, here is what it comes down to -

1. Federal Skilled Worker - At a minimum you need CLB 7
2. Canadian Experience Class (NOC 0 or A) - At a minimum you need CLB 7
3. NOC B  - 
1. Federal Skilled Worker - CLB 7
2. Canadian Experience Class - CLB 5
3. Federal Skilled Trades - 
• CLB 5 for speaking and listening
• CLB 4 for reading and writing

While these are minimums, you need to calculate your score and find out if you are on par with the cut-offs from previous draws for you to get an invite. If you are falling short then you should work on improving your language scores. 

What can you do to improve your score?

Language test scores can be improved. If your score is below the recent cut off scores then consider redoing your test. If you are applying as a family then you can try 2 ways - Try with your spouse as the primary applicant and then with yourself as the primary applicant. The majority of points is based on the primary applicant's profile and only few points are based on the dependent. So, whichever way yields more points, go for it.

What is the minimum level of education needed?

1. For Federal skilled worker program, you need a minimum of secondary level education. Although you get more points with higher levels of education.
2. For rest of the 2 programs, you don't need to submit proof of education.

How are you applying? - Single/Family?

If you are single then you need to excel at every factor for you to get an invite. With a partner or spouse, you get additional points for your spouse too (education and language) ; boosting your score to meet the cut-off. As a family, you also have options. Always calculate 2 scenarios - 1) You as primary 2) Your spouse as primary. Since there are various factors at play, you should go ahead with the scenario that yields more points. If your spouse being primary yields more points then have them as the primary applicant.

Is a job necessary to qualify?

For Federal Skilled worker and Canadian Experience Class programs, you don't need a job. You do need a job for Federal Skilled trades. Our personal experience has been that employers are open to hiring you if you have permanent residence. So don't worry if you don't have a job yet.

Hope this answers all your queries on eligibility! 

Next steps-

1. Get started with Express entry today!

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