Pathways to Permanent
Residence for International
Students
Sarah Finall
IRCC Outreach Officer
Mar 2020
2
• What is Express Entry?
• Pathways to Permanent Residence Under Express Entry:
Important Concepts to Know and Understand Before you Apply
How to Qualify and Apply for Permanent Residence
• Working in Canada after Graduation
• Questions and Answers
Agenda
3
Express Entry: Background
• Launched in January 2015
• Express Entry is the first step to immigrate to Canada permanently as a skilled
worker under the:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
A portion of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• In order to be eligible for Express Entry, applicants must meet the criteria of at
least one of these programs
• Quebec manages its own immigration programs outside of Express Entry
4
• International students
have the education, skills
and experience that
Canada is looking for.
International Students and Permanent
Residence
• After graduating you might
be able to make Canada
your permanent home
through Express Entry.
5
Student Pathway to Permanent Residence: Express Entry
• Immigrating Permanently to Canada is a Multi-Step Process:
Apply for a
study
permit
Complete
studies in
an eligible
program
Apply for a
post-
graduation
work
permit
Gain one
year of
Canadian
work
experience
at the NOC
0, A, or B
level
Pass an
approved
language
test
6
Important Concepts to Know and Understand
Do you have at least one year of skilled work experience and do you know your NOC code?
• NOC – National Occupational Classification
Have you had your ability in Canada’s official languages tested?
• CLB – Canadian Language Benchmarks
Have you had your foreign certificate/diploma/degree assessed for equivalency to Canadian
education?
• ECA – Educational Credential Assessment
7
Important Definitions: National Occupational Classification
(NOC)
• The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a classification system used by the
Government of Canada to classify occupations (jobs).
• NOC codes are used to classify jobs by occupational area and skill level.
• Work experience for Express Entry: NOC 0, A and B.
• Important Tip: Don’t rely on job title alone. Duties listed under the NOC must match
your actual work experience.
NOC
0
Management Jobs
NOC
A
Professional Jobs
(usually require university education)
NOC
B
Technical Jobs
and Skilled Trades (usually require college education or
apprenticeship
training)
NOC
C
Semi
-skilled jobs (usually require secondary school or vocational training)
NOC
D
Entry
level jobs (on-the-job training)
8
How to Find your NOC Skill Type or Level
• Skill Type or Level is Referenced in each NOC Code:
Skill Type 0 – 1
st
digit of code is 0
NOC 0015 – CEO of Manufacturing Company
NOC 0112 – Human Resources Manager
Skill Level A – 2
nd
digit of code is 0 or 1
NOC 4021 – College Instructor
NOC 1111 – Accountant
Skill Level B – 2
nd
digit of code is 2 or 3
NOC 1241 – Administrative Assistant
NOC 6322 – Cook
Skill Level C – 2
nd
digit of code is 4 or 5
NOC 1414 - Receptionist
NOC 6513 – Food and Beverage
Server
Skill Level D – 2
nd
digit of code is 6 or 7
NOC 6611 – Cashier
NOC 6711 – Food Counter
Attendant
NOC Level Tool:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-
refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-
canada/express-entry/eligibility/find-national-
occupation-code.html
9
• Language Tests are used to determine the language ability of applicants applying for permanent
residence in Canada.
• Language Test Scores are equated to the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) - language
test equivalency charts are available on the IRCC website.
• Everyone must prove their language ability by taking an approved language test:
English: CELPIP General
English: IELTS General Training
French: TEF compréhension de l’écrit, compréhension de l’orale, expression écrite, et
expression orale
French: TCF compréhension de l’écrit, compréhension de l’orale, expression écrite, et
expression orale
• Test results must be less than two years old when the candidate completes their Express Entry
profile, and when they apply for permanent residence.
Language Tests & Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)
10
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is used to verify a foreign
degree, diploma, certificate (or other proof of your credential) is valid
and equal to a Canadian one.
• An ECA must be completed in order to get points for education
completed outside of Canada.
• A list of designated organizations that offer ECAs is on the IRCC website.
• Many international students who completed studies in Canada will not
need an ECA.
11
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Key Criteria:
• At least one year of continuous work experience within the last 10
years (in a NOC 0, A or B job), in Canada or in another country.
• Language skills (CLB 7 in all 4 abilities).
• Education (Canadian secondary or post-secondary certificate, diploma
or degree, or the foreign equivalent).
• And a score of 67 or higher out of 100 on the Federal Skilled Worker
points grid (which assesses six selection factors: language skills,
education, work experience, age, arranged employment, adaptability).
12
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Key Criteria:
• At least 24 months of cumulative work experience in an eligible
skilled trade within the last five years.
• Meet job requirements of the skilled trade as set by the NOC
(except the requirement related to certification).
• Language skills (CLB 5, speaking and listening; CLB 4, reading and
writing).
• Have a valid job offer in the skilled trade for at least one year, or a
Canadian certificate of qualification in the skilled trades.
• *All work experience in this program falls under NOC B.
13
Canadian Experience Class
Key Criteria:
• At least 12 months of cumulative, skilled Canadian work experience (in a
NOC 0, A or B job) within the last three years.
Full-Time: 30 hours/week for 12 months (at same job or at more than one job)
= 1 year full time (1,560 hours).
Part-Time: 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours).
• Language skills:
NOC 0 and A jobs (CLB 7 in all 4 abilities)
NOC B jobs (CLB 5 in all 4 abilities)
14
What DOESN’T count:
Any employment in Canada
during full-time study (e.g.
while on a co-op work permit
or off-campus work, while a
full-time student)
Self-employment, even if
skilled
Unauthorized work
What DOES count:
Full-time (or part-time
equivalent) work experience in
Canada at NOC 0/A/B level in
the past 3 years
Work experience gained while
legally authorized to work in
Canada, (e.g. on a Post
Graduate or other work
permit)
Canadian Experience Class: Work Experience
15
Express Entry: Background
• Express Entry is the first step to immigrate to Canada
permanently as a skilled worker under the:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
A portion of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Quebec manages its own immigration programs outside
of Express Entry
16
User friendly, online system from profile creation to application for permanent residence;
Creating an Express Entry profile is free and a profile is active for up to one year;
Candidates may be eligible for more than one program under Express Entry
Points are awarded to former international students who completed at least a one year program of
education in Canada
The top scoring candidates in the pool are invited in every round
Fast processing of permanent residence applications – within 6 months in most cases
Express Entry Highlights for International Students
17
Express Entry Step by Step Process
18
Step 1: Create an Express Entry Profile
Creating a profile is free and does not require an immigration representative. Profiles are created
online at www.Canada.ca and are active for one year.
Before creating a profile, candidates need to complete language tests and obtain any necessary
Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs). Language tests and ECAs are done by third parties which
charge fees for services.
Candidates need to be prepared to answer questions about their skills, work experience, language
ability, education, and other details.
To get into the pool, candidates need to meet the criteria of at least one of the federal economic
immigration programs managed by Express Entry:
Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Worker
Federal Skilled Trades
19
Step 1 Continued: Key Notes to Remember
No Guarantees:
Completing a profile does not guarantee an invitation to apply and; completing an
application for permanent residence does not guarantee permanent residence.
Be Truthful:
Anyone who provides false information could be found inadmissible for misrepresentation
and could be barred for five years from applying to come to Canada.
Keep Your Profile Up to Date:
Update your profile with a valid job offer, new language test results, education completed,
new changes in family composition (married, divorced, etc.) or new contact information.
20
Register with Job Bank
• Candidates are encouraged to register with Job Match after creating an Express Entry profile if they do not
already have a valid job offer or provincial/territorial nomination. You can register at www.jobbank.gc.ca.
• Candidates must provide their Express Entry Profile Number and Job Seeker Validation Code when
opening a Job Match Account.
• Job Match helps connect candidates with job opportunities in Canada based on their skills, knowledge, and
experience.
• Candidates should also promote themselves to employers, recruiters, private sector job boards, etc.
21
Express Entry Pool: Key Facts
• When a candidate is accepted into the pool, they are given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
score. Points are awarded based on profile information.
• Candidates in the pool are ranked top down based on their CRS score.
• In every invitation round, top ranking candidates are invited to apply. Candidates are eligible for
each invitation round while their profile is active in the pool.
Key Notes to Consider:
• Invitation rounds take place regularly.
• Candidates may be eligible for more than one program so they may be invited for a different
program than expected.
• If after 12 months a candidate does not get an invitation to apply (ITA) their profile will expire and
they will need to complete and submit a new profile.
22
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Core
Human
Capital
Factors
Single
500
Spouse
460
Age
110
100
Education
150
140
1
st
Official Language
136
128
2
nd
Official Language
24
22
Canadian work
experience
80
70
Spouse Factors
40
Education
10
1
st
Official Language
20
Canadian
work
experience
10
Skill Transferability
100 points max
Education
(with
OL or CDN exp)
50
Foreign work experience
(with
OL or CDN exp)
50
Qualification
cert
(with
OL)
50
Total: 1200 points max
Additional Points
600 points max
Provincial Nomination
600
Valid job offer
200 (max)
Canadian Education
30 (max)
French proficiency
30 (max)
Siblings in Canada
15 (max)
This tool will help you calculate your Comprehensive
Ranking System (CRS) score:
www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp
23
CRS Additional Points:
Provincial/Territorial Nomination (600 pts)
• A total of 600 points are awarded to candidates with a Provincial/Territorial (P/T)
nomination
• Participating Provinces and Territories can nominate foreign nationals under their Express
Entry Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.
• PNP criteria and streams differ across the country; check individual P/T websites to learn
more.
• All candidates nominated via an Express Entry PNP stream must meet the minimum entry
criteria for Express Entry including meeting the criteria for one of the three federal
economic programs.
24
CRS Additional Points:
Valid Job Offers (200 or 50 pts)
• A total of 200 points are awarded to candidates with a valid job offer in a NOC 00 occupation.
• A total of 50 points are awarded to candidates with a valid job offer in a NOC 0, A or B
occupation.
• A job offer must be for a minimum of one year once an applicant receives permanent
residence.
• Job offers must also be non-seasonal, at the NOC 0, A, or B level, and supported by a Labour
Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) unless one is not needed.
• Candidates who don’t have a valid job offer can still get points for Canadian work experience.
25
CRS Additional Points:
Education Completed in Canada (15 or 30 pts)
• A total of 15 points are awarded for a one- or two-year diploma or certificate.
• A total of 30 points are awarded for a degree, diploma or certificate of three years or
longer, or for a Master’s, entry-to-practice professional degree*, or doctoral degree of at
least one academic year.
• To get these points, a candidate must have completed their studies at a designated
learning institution (DLI) in Canada.
• Each educational program completed in Canada needs to be entered separately into the
Express Entry profile.
*Entry-to-practice professional degree for an occupation listed in the National Occupational Classification matrix at Skill level A, for
which licensing by a provincial regulatory body is required. Eligible occupations: medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry,
optometry, law, chiropractic medicine, or pharmacy.
26
CRS Points: Official Languages
• Candidates can get more CRS points if they have proficiency in both of Canada's official
languages (English and French), and submit the results of an approved language test for
both English and French.
• Parlez-vous français? Visit canada.ca/francoimmigration to learn about Francophone life
across Canada.
Additional CRS Points for French Proficiency:
• 15 additional points for French test results at NCL 7 in all four abilities (listening, speaking,
reading, writing).
• 30 additional points for French test results of NCL 7 in all four abilities + English test
results at CLB 5 or higher.
27
CRS Additional Points:
Sibling in Canada (15 pts)
• 15 points for having at least one sibling* who is a Canadian permanent resident or
citizen, is residing in Canada, and is aged at least 18 years old
• *Sibling = the biological or adoptive children of candidate or accompanying spouse’s
- father or mother
- father or mother’s spouse
- father or mother’s common-law partner
28
Express Entry Step by Step Process
29
Step 2: Invitation to Apply
• Invitations to Apply (ITAs) are issued to the highest scoring candidates in the pool in
each round.
• Candidates could be among the top scoring if they:
Have a high level of skills, education, language and work experience;
Are nominated by a province or territory under an Express Entry stream;
Have a valid job offer; or
Have studied in Canada
30
Express Entry Invitation Rounds
• Invitation rounds take place regularly, usually approximately every 2 to 3 weeks.
• Rounds are based on the Government’s annual levels plan for immigration to Canada and IRCC’s
ability to process applications.
• IRCC publishes special instructions for each invitation round including:
• date and time of the round
• number of candidates that receive an ITA
• CRS score of the lowest ranked candidate invited in that particular round
• Results of each round are posted on the Government of Canada website in the days following
the round.
• Lowest-ranked candidates invited to apply in recent rounds have been in the CRS range of 450-
472 points
31
After Receiving an Invitation to Apply
• Candidates have 60 days to complete and submit an application for permanent
residence.
• IRCC then determines if the application has all required forms, documents and
fees.
• If your application is complete, IRCC will verify all eligibility and admissibility
criteria.
• You and your family members will need to complete medical exams and provide
police certificates, then IRCC will ensure you are admissible to Canada.
• IRCC processes complete applications in six months or less, 80% of the time.
32
How Much Money Do I Need? Fees and Proof of Funds
• Application Fee:
• $550 for principal applicant
• $550 for spouse or partner
• $150 per dependent child
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee:
• $490 for principal applicant
• $490 for spouse or partner
• Proof of Funds:
1
• $12,960 for a family of 1
• $16,135 for a family of 2
• $19,836 for a family of 3
1
Proof of funds are only required for FSW and FST streams if the candidate does not have a valid job offer. Not required for CEC or PNP.
33
Work Experience – International Students
• International students who are eligible to work off-campus can continue to work off-
campus, up to 20 hours a week, until they get a notification of completion of studies
from their institution.
• Once international students have received official notification that they have completed
their studies they can continue to work in Canada full-time only if they have applied for a
work permit (e.g. Post Graduation Work Permit Program, Temporary Foreign Worker
Program).
• Former international students who received a notification of completion of studies and
have not applied for a work permit are not authorized to work in Canada.
• Students must stop working if their work permit application is refused.
34
Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) Program
• Allows students who have graduated from a participating Canadian post-secondary institution to gain valuable
Canadian work experience.
• A PGWP is an open work permit – You can only apply once in a lifetime.
• You may be eligible if:
You have completed a study program in Canada of at least 8 months (full-time) and your study permit is still
valid at the time of your PGWP application.
You did not take unscheduled breaks and you did not exceed the allowable hours of off-campus work;
• Must be applied for within 180 days of receiving written notification of completion of studies.
• PGWP validity depends on the length of the program of study completed in Canada.
Duration of study program
(determined by DLI)
Duration of PGWP
at least 8 months
but less than 2 years
same as study program
2 years or longer 3 years
36
What if I’m Not Eligible for Express Entry?
Work Permit Options: Temporary Foreign Worker Program & International
Mobility Program
www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/work-canada
Other Immigration Programs:
www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada
Provincial Nominee Programs:
• May include options for candidates who do not meet EE entry requirements.
• Visit your Province or Territories’ website to find out more information.
37
For More Information
English: Canada.ca/ExpressEntry
French: Canada.ca/EntreeExpress
English: CitCanada
French: CitImmCanFR
English: @CitImmCanada
French: @CitImmCanFR
CitImmCanada
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/index-featured-can.asp
http://www.cic.gc.ca/francais/centre-aide/index-en-vedette-can.asp
38
THANK YOU
Sarah Finall
Outreach Officer
Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada
