Express Entry
Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class & Federal Skilled Trades
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW) allows skilled foreign workers to apply for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry system. Candidates are assessed based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency in English or French, and adaptability. The program is designed to attract highly skilled individuals who can contribute to Canada’s labour market and economic growth.
To qualify, applicants must meet minimum requirements for skilled work experience in eligible occupations, demonstrate language proficiency through approved tests, intend to settle in any province outside of Quebec, and achieve sufficient points under the Federal Skilled Worker points grid. Candidates are entered into the Express Entry pool and ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), with periodic invitations issued to the highest-ranked applicants to apply for permanent residence.
Cohen Visa advises skilled workers on FSW eligibility, CRS strategy, documentation, and application compliance to support efficient Express Entry applications and long-term permanent residence planning in Canada.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) provides a pathway to permanent residence for foreign nationals who have gained skilled work experience in Canada. The program recognizes the value of Canadian labour market experience and is administered through Express Entry, ranking candidates on the CRS to prioritize applicants who can contribute immediately to Canada’s economy.
To qualify, applicants must have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years, meet language proficiency requirements in English or French, and plan to live outside Quebec. Candidates are entered into the Express Entry pool and high-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.
Cohen Visa advises candidates on CEC eligibility, documentation, CRS scoring, and compliance to support efficient Express Entry applications and long-term permanent residence planning in Canada.
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST) targets skilled workers in eligible trades to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry. It recognizes workers with experience in occupations in demand in Canada and allows candidates to support provincial and national labour market needs.
To qualify, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the five years before applying, meet minimum language requirements, plan to live outside Quebec, and possess a valid job offer in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority for their trade. Candidates enter the Express Entry pool and are ranked by CRS; high-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.
Cohen Visa advises skilled trades workers on FST eligibility, documentation, CRS strategy, and application compliance to support efficient Express Entry applications and long-term permanent residence planning in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
FSW, CEC, FST & Express Entry
Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing applications for permanent residence under three federal economic programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST). Eligible candidates create a profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score; invitations to apply (ITAs) are issued to top-ranked candidates in periodic draws.
FSW is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who meet minimum thresholds for skilled work, language ability, education, and other selection factors. Candidates are assessed on a 100-point grid and must also meet the minimum 67-point pass mark to enter the Express Entry pool, in addition to later competing on CRS.
CEC is for candidates with at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience obtained lawfully (typically on valid work authorization). It recognizes those who have already integrated into the Canadian labour market. Language requirements and other criteria apply.
FST is for qualified tradespersons in specific occupational groups. Eligibility usually includes relevant work experience, a valid job offer or certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory, and meeting language and other requirements. Not all trades or situations qualify; we assess fit against current program rules.
A job offer is not always required, depending on the program and your profile. A qualifying offer can increase CRS points. Some candidates (e.g. certain CEC or high-CRS FSW applicants) may receive an ITA without a permanent offer. Cohen Visa advises on whether an offer, provincial nomination, or other factors best strengthen your case.
We advise on program selection (FSW, CEC, or FST), eligibility, documentation, language and education credential strategy, CRS improvement, provincial nomination alignment, and submission of a complete permanent residence application after an ITA. We align your file with IRCC expectations and your long-term goals.