Economic Classes- A path to Permanent Residency

Express Entry is the electronic selection system for Canadian immigration under the Economic Class immigration categories. It is designed to select qualified workers to obtain Canadian permanent residency and is a completely electronic process. A candidate is evaluated based on work experience, education, language skills etc. and will be awarded points in Express Entry. Several times per yer the Government makes draws from the pool where candidates with the highest points is invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada. There are three economic class programs:

Federal Skilled Trades Class

The Federal Skilled Trades Class (FST) is an applicable route to permanent residency for persons who are qualified in a skilled trade and intend to reside in a province other than Quebec. The applicant must have at least two years of experience in the skilled trade within the last five years before applying and meet the required levels of English or French. In order to qualify for this stream, the prospective applicant must also meet the job requirements for the trade, have a job offer of full time employment (from up to two employers for at least one year) or a certificate of qualification for the specific profession. In most cases a so called LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) is needed in order to have a qualifying job offer from an employer in Canada. The application process is done through Express Entry where applicants with the highest points are invited to apply for permanent residency. The applicant must also have settlement funds to cover costs for establishment in Canada unless the applicant has a job offer. The trades that qualify for FST are:

• Group 72: industrial, electrical and construction trades
• Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades
• Group 82: Supervisors and technical occupations in natural resources, agriculture and related production
• Group 92: Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators 
• Groups 632 and 633: Chefs, cooks, butchers and bakers 

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the most popular streams to obtain permanent residency in Canada. The applicant must have at least 12 months of work experience in Canada in the three years before applying. The work experience can be either full-time or equivalent part-time work in a qualified occupation (NOC- code A, B or 0). The work must have been payed work and can not be work performed as a self-employed or under a co-op. The applicant must also have required levels of English or French. The application process is done through Express Entry where applicants with the highest points are invited to apply. 

Federal Skilled Worker Class

The Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSW) is a stream to obtain Canadian permanent residency for skilled workers that have at least one year of paid work experience in a skilled profession (NOC A,B or 0), either in Canada or abroad. In order to qualify for this stream the prospective applicant needs to score a minimum of 67 out of 100 points on six selection factors (education, proficiency in English or French, age, work experience, arranged employment and adaptability). The applicant also needs to have settlement funds in order to show that he/she can be established in Canada unless a job offer is provided. The applicant must plan to live outside of Quebec.The application process is done through Express Entry where applicants with the highest points are invited to apply for permanent residency.

Family Class Sponsorship

A Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada who is 18 years or older can sponsor certain family members to come to Canada. The family members to sponsor include:

• Spouse or Common-law partner
• Dependent children (under 22, some exceptions apply)
• Adopted children  
• Parents and Grandparents
• Other family members

The sponsor and sponsored person must fulfil certain criteria to be eligible and the sponsor must in some cases have sufficient funds in order to be a sponsor. Depending on the type of family sponsorship application the processing time can differ but is currently taking up to 12 months. For spousal and common-law applications, the application can either be submitted inside or outside Canada. Contact us for an assessment of what option is better for you.

Citizenship

In order to apply for Canadian citizenship the applicant must be a Canadian permanent resident and have been present in Canada for 1095 days during the last five years. The applicant must fulfil certain language criteria in English or French, have filed taxes for at least three years during the last five years and must also do a citizenship test which comprises questions about Canadian history, geography, politics etc. 

Work Permits in Canada

There are various number of work permits to apply for when an applicant wants to work in Canada temporarily. These include work permits in the agricultural industry, caregiver industry and high- or low skilled workers. In most cases the applicant need a job offer and so called LMIA, Labour Market Impact Assessment issued by Service Canada. In some cases no LMIA is need for example if a person enters Canada as part of trade treaties such as NAFTA or CETA, entering on an open work permit such as IEC/Working Holiday or those entering as intra-company transferees. 

Study Permit and Post Graduate Work Permits

In order to study in Canada for more than 6 months you need to have a study permit prior to coming to Canada. A study permit is also required for any program that requires a co-op or internship. A study permit is only issued if the school is a “Designated Learning Institution”.

After a student has completed a study program at a Designated Learning Institution that is at least 8 months or more, the student is able to apply for a Post Graduate Open Work Permit in Canada. The work permit is usually issued for the same time as the length of studies. Certain conditions apply to be eligible for a Post Graduate Work Permit.

Visitor Visa

When coming to Canada as a visitor, certain nationals are exempt from needing a visa to enter Canada wheres individuals from other countries need a visa. If a visa is needed the applicant needs to provide proofs such as: proof of funds, ties in home country and intent to return, valid travel document and be in good health. 

An eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) is a requirement that is needed for all visa-exempt foreign nationals who is coming to Canada by air, also if only transiting in Canada. Exceptions apply for US citizens and holders of a valid Canadian visa.