Immigration options for Skilled Work Professional

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The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the categories under the Canadian federal Express Entry system, which has been the fastest, safest, and most cost-effective immigration pathway to Canada.

The CEC is suitable for international students with Canadian educational backgrounds and overseas individuals holding work permits in Canada. The core requirements include at least one year of work experience in Canada and language proficiency. Applicants who meet the requirements of the CEC category enter the Express Entry system and are assigned Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. If the score exceeds the cutoff, they can receive an invitation to apply for immigration.

Requirements:

• The applicant resides in a federal province other than Quebec.
• The primary applicant is 18 years of age or older.
• At least one year of full-time or equivalent part-time work experience (30 hours/week, 1560 hours/year) in an NOC (National Occupational Classification) category TEER 0,1,2, or 3. within the last three years.
• The applicant's work experience must be authorized and recognized by relevant Canadian authorities.
• If the applicant completed studies outside of Canada, they need to undergo educational credential assessment by a recognized Canadian education assessment organization (ECA).
• For TEER O and 1 category occupations: English language proficiency at CLB 7 level (equivalent to IELTS 6 in each category). For TEER 2 and 3 category occupations: English language proficiency at CLB 5 level (equivalent to IELTS 5 in speaking and listening, and 4 in reading and writing).
• The applicant and accompanying family members must meet the medical and security clearance requirements (no criminal record).

The Canadian Federal Skilled Worker program is suitable for applicants who do not have Canadian education or work experience but have high educational qualifications and proficiency in English or French. The FSW scoring system has a maximum score of 100, with scoring factors including age, education level, work experience, possession of a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, language proficiency, and adaptability in Canada. To enter the Express Entry candidate pool through the FSW program, applicants must achieve a minimum of 67 points or more on the Federal Skilled Worker scoring grid, demonstrating eligibility to submit an Express Entry application and be screened by the immigration authorities. After submitting the Express Entry profile, applicants must also meet the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score requirements, and the immigration authorities will issue invitations based on high scores.

Application requirements:

• Have at least one year of continuous full-time paid work experience within the past ten years in a single National Occupational Classification TEER 0/1/ 2/ 3  category, without any breaks or accumulating the same work experience through different jobs.
• The job position must fall under TEER 0/1/ 2/ 3  categories.
  • TEER 0/1: Management positions, such as supervisors, managers, department heads, involving managerial duties. This occupational category has the highest education and language requirements. If the occupation is classified under NOC 0, applicants must have a high level of proficiency in English or French and at least a bachelor's degree or higher education level.
  • TEER 2: Professional positions that require specialized knowledge, such as doctors, dentists, involving professions with specific knowledge requirements. Language requirements vary depending on the nature of the occupation, and the education level generally requires a bachelor's degree or higher.
  • TEER 3: Technical positions that require professional training, such as chefs, electricians, involving positions that require professional training. Language and education requirements are relatively lower, usually requiring post-secondary education or equivalent technical training.
• Demonstrated language proficiency equivalent to Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all language abilities (listening, speaking, reading, writing), with valid scores within the past two years.
• Completion of Canadian secondary or post-secondary educational credentials (certificate, diploma, or degree), or foreign educational credentials assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Meet the minimum score of 67 points on the Federal Skilled Worker assessment grid.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support the applicant and their family's living expenses in Canada or proof of current legal employment in Canada or a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
• Applicants must be accepted by Canada and intend to reside in a region other than Quebec.

The Federal Skilled Trades program under the Canadian immigration system has been accepting applications since January 2, 2013. This program has a limited quota and only receives 3,000 applications per year. Within a total of 43 designated trades, certain occupations have additional quotas.

Requirements: The qualification assessment for Federal Skilled Trades is divided into qualified and unqualified categories. To be deemed qualified, applicants must meet the following four requirements:

• Have a valid job offer for at least one year from one or two Canadian employers in NOC skill level B occupations, or hold a professional certificate issued by a provincial or territorial regulatory authority in Canada.
• Provide sufficient language proficiency evidence demonstrating proficiency in either of Canada's official languages. The minimum language requirements are:
  • Speaking and listening: CLB 5 (English) or NCLC 5 (French).
  • Reading and writing: CLB 4 (English) or NCLC 4 (French).
• Have 24 months of work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years (if applicable).
• Meet the job description and job requirements specified in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) for Canadian skilled trades.

Most Skilled Trade occupations requires a Job Certification  to prove that a person is qualified to work in a certain skilled trade in Canada. Occupational certification in Canada is regulated by each province, which defines regulated professions and establishes regulatory authorities where applicable. Obtaining provincial-level certification from outside Canada is generally challenging. Therefore, this program is most advantageous for individuals with a job offer from a certified employer or those already working in Canada as temporary foreign workers in skilled trades.

On February 8, 2021, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada announced that eligible individuals from Hong Kong can apply for a 3-year Open Work Permit (OWP) to work in Canada. 

After gaining one year of work experience and meeting the eligibility requirements, they can apply for permanent residency (PR) through the second phase of the Lifeboat Stream B program. This program provides an additional option for Hong Kong residents in need to immigrate to Canada. The two-year OWP program has now been extended until February 7, 2025.

The eligibility criteria for the first phase of the Open Work Permit (OWP) are as follows:

• Hold a valid Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport or British National Overseas (BNO) passport.
• Graduated within the past ten years and obtained a post-secondary education diploma or degree from a Canadian or equivalent foreign institution (completed no more than 10 years before submitting the application).
  • The post-secondary diploma program must have a duration of at least two years.

※ Open Work Permit duration: February 8, 2021, to February 7, 2025.

The second phase of the Lifeboat Stream B immigration program: Stream B application criteria: 

• Hold a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport or BNO.
• Must be in Canada at the time of application and obtaining permanent residency.
• Hold a valid temporary resident visa.
• Intend to settle in regions other than the province of Quebec.
• Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5 in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
• Graduated within the past five years and meet one of the following conditions:
  • Completed a diploma/degree program at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
  • Completed a certificate program at a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI).
  • Completed an equivalent program overseas, such as a Canadian college diploma program (minimum duration of two years), post-degree diploma or certificate program (minimum duration of one year), or Canadian degree.
• Worked full-time for at least 12 months or equivalent part-time hours (at least 1,560 hours) in Canada within the three years before the application.

※ Lifeboat Stream B application deadline: August 31, 2026.

There is also the Lifeboat Stream A immigration program available in the second phase. 

In addition to working in Canada for one year through the Open Work Permit (OWP) to meet the application criteria for Lifeboat Stream B, many Hong Kong residents choose the Stream A program. Stream A is specifically for international students who have graduated in Canada within the valid period from a designated learning institution (DLI), including two-year diploma programs, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. After graduation, they can directly apply for permanent residency with the Canadian government. Stream A has relatively fewer age restrictions compared to Stream B.

Stream A application criteria:

• Hold a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport or BNO.
• Must be in Canada at the time of application and obtaining permanent residency.
• Hold a valid temporary resident visa.
• Intend to settle in regions other than the province of Quebec.
• Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 5 (IELTS 5 or above).
• Graduate from a Canadian government-recognized institution (DLI) (both public and private) within the past three years.
  • Must meet one of the following:
    • Diploma program (minimum duration of two years).
    • Degree program (bachelor's/master's/doctorate).
    • Graduate/post-graduate diploma/certificate program (minimum duration of one year).
  • Must complete at least 50% of the program within Canada.

※ If applying with a post-graduate diploma or certificate, the applicant must have obtained a degree from a university within five years from the start of the post-graduate diploma or certificate program in Canada.

※ Lifeboat Stream A application deadline: August 31, 2026.

1. Home Child Care Provider Pilot (NOC 44100)
2. Home Support Worker Pilot (NOC 44101)

To qualify, applicants must:

• Intend to reside and work in Canada (outside Quebec)
• Demonstrate language proficiency at CLB/NCLC Level 4 in English or French
• Possess education equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma
• Have either:
  • 6 months of full-time caregiving experience within the past 3 years, OR
  • Completed relevant training within the past 2 years
• Secure a qualifying job offer that is:
  • Full-time (minimum 30 hours/week)
  • Permanent (no defined end date)
  • From an approved employer

Employer Requirements:

• Must be either:
  • A private household, OR
  • An established home care agency (in business for 1+ year)
• Must pay at least the local median wage (verify through Job Bank)
• Must provide proper employment documentation

Ineligible Employment Situations:
✗ Institutional settings (daycares, nursing homes)
✗ Self-employment arrangements
✗ Positions with immediate family members
✗ Recruitment or placement agencies

1. Workers in Canada Stream (Currently Full – 2025)

• Must already be living in Canada
• Special rules for workers without current status (if they entered Canada legally by Dec 16, 2021)

2. Applicants Not in Canada Stream (Currently Closed)

• Will reopen later – requires proof of savings to settle in Canada

 General Application Procedure:

1. Secure a valid job offer from an approved employer
2. Submit your complete permanent residence application package
3. Complete required work experience period (24 months if applicable)
4. Obtain permanent resident status in Canada

2025 Program Status:

• Workers in Canada Stream: Currently at capacity (check for updates)
• Overseas Applicants Stream: Not currently accepting applications (anticipated reopening)

Recommended Next Steps:
For applicants currently in Canada:

• Prepare your documentation for future application periods
• Ensure your work experience meets program requirements

For applicants outside Canada:

• Monitor official program updates for reopening announcements
• Begin gathering required supporting documents

For personalized eligibility assessment and application support, consult with Gloridia's immigration experts. 

The Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP) is a permanent residence pathway designed to address labour shortages in Canada’s rural and developing communities by matching skilled foreign workers with local employment opportunities. Applicants must secure a valid job offer from a designated employer in one of the 14 participating communities and obtain an official endorsement from the community’s economic development organization. 

Skilled foreign workers with relevant experience who obtained a job offer and  are committed to settling and working in a participating rural Canadian community. 

• A job offer from an employer in one of the 14 participating communities; and
• An endorsement from an economic development organization in the community, that has partnered with Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) under the RCIP.

•  Job Offer: A valid full-time job offer from a designated employer in a participating RCIP community.
• Work Experience: At least 1 year (1,560 hours) of relevant work experience within the past 3 years. Graduates from a public post-secondary institution in the recommending community may be exempt.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum language test scores corresponding to the job’s NOC TEER category (typically CLB 4–6).
• Education: Canadian secondary diploma or equivalent; foreign credentials require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Settlement Funds: Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival.
• Community Recommendation: Obtain an endorsement from the local designated economic development organization.

Processing times vary based on application volume and community-specific procedures. Applicants can generally expect the process to take 2 to 3 years from endorsement to permanent residence approval. 

Pictou County (NS), North Bay (ON), Sudbury (ON), Steinbach (MB), Brandon (MB), Claresholm (AB), West Kootenay (BC), and others. Each community publishes its own list of eligible occupations and employers.