Express Entry is the system Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to manage applications to three major federal skilled worker immigration programs.

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

As well, many provinces operate Provincial Nomination Programs (PNPs) streams that are aligned with Express Entry. Candidates who are eligible for one of the programs managed by Express Entry must submit a profile to the Express Entry pool.

All Express Entry candidates are then assigned a score based on their profile using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), regardless of the program for which they are eligible. This score is based on various criteria, including age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and connections to Canada. The highest-ranking candidates are issued invitations to apply for permanent residence in periodic Express Entry draws. Once invited, processing times are as fast as 6 months.

Canada’s provinces and territories operate unique immigration programs designed to meet their individual economic and demographic needs. These are called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Many of these programs target skilled workers who can fill gaps in provincial and territorial workforces, so there are a variety of options for skilled workers.

The province of Quebec retains significant autonomy and authority over its immigration policies and procedures, especially when compared to the other provinces and territories. For this reason, Quebec operates its own immigration programs which are outside of the federal Express Entry system.

Applying for permanent residence through the province of Quebec follows a two-step process. First, it is necessary to apply to the Quebec government to receive a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ). Once an applicant has a CSQ, they are then able to submit a paper-based application for permanent residence to Canada’s federal immigration authorities. Quebec operates two major permanent residence programs for skilled workers:

• Quebec Experience Program (PEQ)
• Quebec Skilled Worker (QSW)

Skilled workers who are interested in working in Canada, but are not eligible for an existing immigration program, may be interested in pursuing a temporary work permit. Work experience gained while on a temporary work permit may increase the candidate’s eligibility for permanent residence immigration programs. To obtain a work permit, candidates usually require a job offer from a Canadian employer.