Federal Economic Immigration Programs

Express Entry

Express Entry is an online application process for skilled immigrants who want to settle in Canada permanently and take part in Canada’s economy. Express Entry is a pathway to permanent residency in Canada. You can take steps to find out if you’re eligible and apply for Express Entry. 

Express Entry is used to manage applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker 

You may be eligible for this stream if you:

  • have at least one year of skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, or B) in the last 10 years
  • meet the language and education requirements

2. Federal Skilled Trades Program

You may be eligible for this stream if you:

  • have at least two years of experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years
  • meet the language requirements
  • have a full-time job offer OR a certificate of qualification from a federal, provincial, or territorial authority 

3. Canadian Experience Class

You may be eligible for this stream if you: 

  • have at least one year of skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, or B) in Canada in the last three3 years 
  • were on valid temporary resident status while you gained your Canadian work experience
  • meet the language requirements

Start-up Visa

Canada’s Start-up Visa Program targets immigrant entrepreneurs with the skills and potential to build businesses in Canada that:

  • Are innovative,
  • Can create jobs for Canadians, and
  • Can compete on a global scale.

Who can apply

To be eligible for the Start-up Visa Program, you must:

  • Have a qualifying business
  • Get a letter of support from a designated organization
  • Meet the language requirements
  • Bring enough money to settle

Self-Employed

The Self-employed Persons Program allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently as a self-employed person.

If you’re interested in this program, you must:

  • have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics, and
  • be willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

For more information on federal economic immigration programs, visit the IRCC website.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
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Last Modified: July 19, 2021