Moving from Quebec to Canada: Mastering the Express Entry Pathway

For skilled workers and international graduates currently residing in Quebec, Canada’s Express Entry system offers an alternative pathway to permanent residency outside Quebec. This option has gained attention due to the temporary pause in Quebec’s Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) and the Graduate stream within the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ).

To help you navigate this pathway, this guide outlines the benefits of Express Entry and details the eligibility requirements for each program, making it easier to evaluate your options for permanent residency in other provinces.

Understanding Express Entry: Key Points

How Express Entry Works

Express Entry is Canada’s federal immigration management system for skilled workers who intend to live outside Quebec. The process consists of two main stages:

1. Profile Creation: You submit an online profile in the Express Entry pool and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
2. Invitation to Apply (ITA): IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) periodically conducts draws to invite top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency.

Eligibility Pathways within Express Entry

Express Entry includes three main immigration programs:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Ideal for those with at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience and language proficiency in English or French.
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Aimed at individuals with skilled work experience outside Canada who meet specific language, work, and financial requirements.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Designed for skilled tradespeople with two years of trade experience and a valid job offer or certification.

Each program has distinct eligibility criteria, including minimum language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability factors. Review the program details below to identify the one best suited to your profile.

Enhancing Your Chances: Category-Based Draws

Express Entry also includes targeted draws based on high-demand skills and language proficiency:

• French Language Proficiency: Higher NCLC levels (level 7+) can enhance eligibility for specific draws.
• Occupational Categories: Candidates with experience in healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, and agriculture may qualify for category-based draws. Recent CRS score cut-offs for these categories vary, so check for the latest updates.

Achieving a provincial nomination can also significantly boost your CRS score, providing a direct advantage in the selection process.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Points Breakdown

The CRS awards points based on core human capital, skill transferability, and additional factors, including:

• Core Human Capital: Age, education, work experience, and language skills.
• Skill Transferability: Factors like Canadian education and foreign work experience.
• Additional Points: French language ability, provincial nomination, Canadian relatives, and job offers.

Express Entry Application Process: Step-by-Step

1. Eligibility Check: Confirm your eligibility based on language, education, and work requirements.
2. Document Preparation: Gather language test results, educational assessments, work experience verification, and job offers if applicable.
3. Profile Submission: Submit your Express Entry profile to enter the pool.
4. Wait for ITA: Monitor the draws, as IRCC issues invitations approximately every two weeks.
5. Application Submission: Once you receive an ITA, complete your permanent residency application within 60 days.
6. Final Decision: IRCC processes applications within six months, after which successful applicants receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Required Documents for Express Entry

Profile Stage Documents:

• Passport or Travel Document
• Language Test Results (from an approved provider)
• Education Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education
• Proof of Work Experience
• Job Offer or Provincial Nomination (if applicable)

Completing this process with thorough preparation can help ensure a smooth application journey through Express Entry, potentially opening doors to new opportunities across Canada.

This structured approach to Canada’s Express Entry system provides skilled workers and international graduates in Quebec with a clear pathway to consider their permanent residency options outside the province. The Express Entry pathway emphasizes skilled immigration with a robust points-based system designed to streamline entry for top candidates, making it an appealing option for those seeking opportunities throughout Canada.