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Permanent Resident Programs: Economic Classes

Published On: May 13, 2024

The Federal Skilled Worker Program targets experienced workers with foreign or Canadian experience (Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities=TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in the last ten years. One year (1,560 hours) of continuous work is required, including student work. Minimum language skills and education are also needed. Meeting these bars gets you assessed on age, education, experience, job offer, language, and adaptability. Scoring at least 67 points out of 100 (different from the Express Entry CRS score) is needed to qualify.

Canadian Permanent Residency: Did you know that in 2022, 58% of immigrants settled in Canada through economic pathways? This large number highlights the importance of immigration practitioners staying up-to-date with this ever-evolving sector of the Canadian immigration system. The following blog article will explore some of Canada’s main economic immigration programs.

What is Economic Immigration to Canada?

Canadian Permanent Residency targets immigrants to boost the economy. Selection is based on factors like age, work experience, and education. Each program prioritizes these differently. You must pass a medical exam and background check and maintain legal status. Most programs require proof of funds. Ashton's CIEC course covers these and other economic immigration programs.

Express Entry Streams

 Express Entry is an online system used to manage Canadian Permanent Residency applications from skilled workers planning to live outside Quebec in the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates eligible for at least one of the three programs submit their profile, which will be ranked against other profiles in the pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) with a maximum of 1200 points. To be invited to apply for permanent residency, a candidate needs to have a score equal to or above the minimum points for the present round of invitations. Eligible individuals can also apply to Express Entry and a Provincial Nominee Program simultaneously, boosting their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency. IRCC aims to process most complete applications in 6 months or less.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program targets experienced workers with foreign or Canadian experience (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in the last ten years. One year (1,560 hours) of continuous work is required, including student work. Minimum language skills and education are also needed. Meeting these bars gets you assessed on age, education, experience, job offer, language, and adaptability. The skilled worker must score at least 67 points out of 100 (different from the Express Entry CRS score) to qualify.

Canadian Experience Class

 The Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers who have gained at least one year or 1,560 hours of paid Canadian work experience within the last three years. Candidates must have gained experience by working in Canada as temporary residents in one or more TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories. For example, the program is popular among previous international students who have gained work experience on a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Candidates also must fulfill specific language requirements. While there is no education requirement, individuals can significantly improve their CRS score by providing proof of eligible Canadian or foreign education. This class does not apply to self-employed individuals, full-time students in Canada and refugee claimants.

Federal Skilled Trades

 The Federal Skilled Trades Program leads to Canadian Permanent Residency. To be eligible, candidates must have at least two years of paid, full-time work experience or an equivalent amount of part-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years. Their work experience must belong to one of the occupation groups listed here. Additionally, individuals must have a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade from a Canadian, provincial, territorial, or federal authority. Candidates must also take an approved language test and achieve the minimum required score. Although there is no education requirement, individuals can significantly improve their CRS score by providing proof of eligible Canadian or foreign education.

 Atlantic Immigration Program

The Atlantic Immigration Program helps skilled workers and international graduates live in Canada's Atlantic provinces. It benefits the economy by offering Canadian permanent residency to those with job offers from designated employers. To qualify, experience or education requirements apply, with some exceptions for graduates from Atlantic Canada's post-secondary institutions.

Economic Mobility Pathways Program

This Canadian permanent residency program helps skilled refugees immigrate through economic programs. Applicants prove status with UN documents.

Two streams exist: Job Offer and No Job Offer.

Job Offer Stream:

  • Requires a full-time, non-seasonal job offer (any TEER category) from a Canadian employer.
  • Proof of 1,560 hours work experience (any timeframe).
  • Education and experience depend on job offer's TEER level.
  • Requires Official language skills.

No Job Offer Stream:

  • Requires 1,560 hours work experience in the last 3 years (TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
  • Canadian or foreign secondary school credential required.
  • Must meet all language requirements.

Regional EMPP:

Requires eligibility for a regional permanent immigration program.

Start-Up Business Class

Start-Up Business Class grants permanent residency to immigrant entrepreneurs with promising business ideas.

Requirements:

  • Innovative business creating Canadian jobs & global competition
  • Letter of support from designated organization
  • Meet language & sufficient funds requirements
  • Own 10% or more voting rights (combined ownership with designated org > 50%)

Evaluation: Age, language skills, education (beyond minimums)

Application: Individual or group (up to 5)

  • Business incorporated in Canada with core operations within the country

Program Capped (as of April 30, 2024)

Need a Refresher in Canada’s Economic Immigration Programs?

The CIEC Certificate deepens knowledge of economic immigration programs for licensed professionals.

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