Three programs, one system
Express Entry manages three federal immigration programs. You need to qualify for at least one to enter the pool. Each program targets a different type of candidate — people already working in Canada, skilled professionals abroad, and qualified tradespeople.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The CEC is for people who already have skilled work experience inside Canada. It's the most popular pathway for international students who worked after graduation and temporary foreign workers already in the country.
Requirements
- Work experience: At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years. The work must be in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupations (professional, technical, or skilled jobs).
- Language: CLB 7 in all four skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) for NOC TEER 0 or 1 occupations. CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 occupations.
- Education: No minimum education requirement (though higher education helps your CRS score).
- Proof of funds: Not required for CEC applicants.
Best for
International students who worked after graduation on a PGWP, temporary foreign workers with 1+ year of Canadian experience, and anyone currently living and working in Canada in a skilled role.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
The FSW is Canada's main program for skilled professionals with foreign work experience. It's the most common choice for candidates applying from outside Canada.
Requirements
- Work experience: At least 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation within the last 10 years.
- Language: CLB 7 in all four skills for your first official language.
- Education: Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential, or foreign credential with a completed Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
- FSW points: You must score at least 67 out of 100 on the FSW selection grid (separate from CRS), which evaluates language, education, work experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability.
- Proof of funds: You must show sufficient settlement funds (CAD $15,263 for a single applicant as of July 2025), unless you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer.
Best for
Skilled professionals applying from outside Canada — engineers, IT professionals, accountants, nurses, and others with university degrees and solid work experience in their field.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
The FST targets people qualified in a skilled trade. Language requirements are lower than the other programs, and there's no education requirement — but you need hands-on trade experience.
Requirements
- Work experience: At least 2 years of full-time skilled trade experience in the last 5 years.
- Language: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing.
- Trade qualification: Either a valid job offer from a Canadian employer for at least 1 year, or a certificate of qualification in your trade from a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
- Education: No minimum education requirement.
Eligible trades include
Electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, cooks and chefs, industrial mechanics, and many other NOC trades classifications. The full list covers several dozen occupations across construction, manufacturing, food service, and maintenance.
Best for
Qualified tradespeople — particularly those with a Canadian job offer or who can obtain a Canadian trade certificate through provincial assessment.
Not sure which one fits?
Many candidates qualify for more than one program. If you meet the requirements for multiple programs, you'll be considered under whichever one gives you the best chance. The important thing is qualifying for at least one — once you're in the Express Entry pool, your CRS score determines when you get invited.