Why Skilled Workers and International Graduates in Quebec Should Consider Express Entry

Temporary residents in Quebec looking to settle elsewhere in Canada have options to explore if they are pursuing permanent residence (PR) status. This becomes especially relevant with the recent pause in Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) and the Graduate Component of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).

Understanding Express Entry and Its Benefits
The Express Entry system is Canada’s federal pathway to permanent residency for candidates who intend to settle outside Quebec. The system is designed to invite top-ranking candidates from three main federal programs through a points-based ranking system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This system assesses factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

The Canadian government plans to admit 124,680 new permanent residents through Express Entry by 2025. If you’re eligible, you can create a profile and enter the pool of candidates, similar to Quebec’s Arrima system.

Key Express Entry Programs: Which One Fits You?
To qualify for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through Express Entry, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for one of these programs and achieve a competitive CRS score. Here are the main programs to consider:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
• Requirements: One year of skilled work experience in Canada and proficiency in English or French.
• Best for: Those with Canadian work experience.
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
• Requirements: One year of skilled work experience, language proficiency, settlement funds (or a valid job offer), and meeting a minimum FSWP grid score.
• Best for: Candidates without Canadian work experience.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
• Requirements: Two years of skilled trade experience, a certificate of qualification (or valid job offer), and meeting language requirements.
• Best for: Tradespeople without Canadian experience.
  
  

Category-Based Express Entry Draws
To increase your chances of receiving an ITA, you can qualify for category-based draws if you meet specific criteria. For example, high French proficiency or work experience in select fields can boost your chances. Here are some categories and their recent CRS cut-offs:

• French Proficiency: NCLC level 7 or higher – Cut-off score 444
• Healthcare and STEM: Work experience in eligible occupations – Cut-off scores 445 and 491, respectively
  
  

How Express Entry Works
Express Entry operates in two main stages:

1. Profile Creation: Candidates create and submit a profile. If eligible, they enter the Express Entry pool and receive a CRS score.
2. Invitation Rounds (Draws): Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for PR during regular rounds. Successful candidates have 60 days to submit their PR application.
   
   

Types of Express Entry Draws

• General Rounds: Top-ranking candidates across all programs are invited.
• Program-Specific Rounds: Targeted invitations for specific Express Entry programs, including Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
• Category-Based Rounds: Invitations based on factors like language proficiency or specific occupations.
  
  

Maximizing Your CRS Score
Candidates earn points across three categories in the CRS:

• Core Human Capital Factors (age, education, language skills, and work experience)
• Skill Transferability Factors (combinations like education and work experience)
• Additional Factors (e.g., provincial nomination, Canadian education, job offers, French proficiency)

Provincial nominations provide 600 additional points, significantly boosting your chances of receiving an ITA.

Eligibility for Key Programs

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Requires one year of Canadian skilled work experience and adequate language proficiency.
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Requires one year of skilled work experience, language proficiency, settlement funds, and a minimum score on the FSWP grid.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For candidates with skilled trades experience and either a job offer or certification in their trade.
  
  

Applying through Express Entry
The process involves:

1. Eligibility Check: Meeting requirements for one of the programs.
2. Language Testing and Credential Assessment
3. Profile Submission
4. Waiting for ITA
5. Completing PR Application within 60 days of receiving an ITA.
   
   

Express Entry Processing Times
Processing times vary, but applications are typically processed within six months once submitted. High CRS scores or eligibility for targeted draws may speed up the process.

For skilled workers and graduates in Quebec considering settling in other Canadian provinces, Express Entry offers an efficient pathway to permanent residency. Be sure to explore your eligibility and maximize your profile to increase your chances of success.