If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada through one of its most popular pathways, you may be asking: What are the eligibility requirements for Express Entry?

Express Entry is a points-based system designed to select skilled workers who can contribute to Canada’s labour market. Before creating a profile, every applicant must qualify for at least one of the three federal economic programs managed under Express Entry. Each program has its own criteria for work experience, language ability, and education and meeting these rules is the first step to entering the pool.

Below is a detailed and easy-to-follow explanation of the requirements for each program so you can determine whether you qualify.

Who Is Eligible for Express Entry?

To enter the Express Entry pool, you must first qualify under one of the following:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Let’s break down the criteria for each program in simple terms.

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is one of the most widely used pathways for applicants applying from outside Canada.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible, you must have:

• At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience
• Must be in the last 10 years
• Must fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Language proficiency
• Minimum CLB 7 in English or French
• Educational credentials
• Secondary education is required
• An ECA report is needed for foreign education
• Proof of funds
• Required unless you have a valid job offer or are already authorized to work in Canada

You must also score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSW selection grid, which evaluates age, language skills, education, work experience, employment offer, and adaptability.

2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is the preferred route for individuals already living and working in Canada.

Minimum Requirements

You must have:

• At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada
• Must be gained in the last three years
• Experience must be under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3
• Language proficiency
• Minimum CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1
• Minimum CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3
• No proof of funds required
• No educational minimum, though education helps improve your CRS score

Workers with valid work permits, PGWPs, and LMIA-based roles frequently apply through CEC because the criteria are flexible and processing times are often faster.

3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) supports individuals with training and work experience in designated trades.

Minimum Requirements

To qualify, you must have:

• At least two years of full-time experience in a skilled trade
• Must be within the last five years
• A valid job offer OR a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority
• Language proficiency
• Minimum CLB 4 in reading and writing
• Minimum CLB 5 in listening and speaking
• No education requirement, though ECA results can raise your CRS score

This pathway benefits cooks, welders, electricians, carpenters, mechanics, and other trade-specific applicants.

Eligibility Requirements for Express Entry Programs

Program	Work Experience Requirement	Language Requirement	Education Requirement	Other Conditions
FSWP	1 year foreign skilled (last 10 years)	CLB 7	Secondary or higher	Proof of funds; 67/100 points
CEC	1 year Canadian skilled (last 3 years)	CLB 5–7	None required	No proof of funds
FSTP	2 years skilled trades (last 5 years)	CLB 4–5	None required	Job offer or qualification certificate

After Meeting Eligibility Requirements

Once you determine that you qualify:

1. Create your Express Entry profile on the IRCC website
2. Enter all required information accurately
3. Receive your CRS score
4. Join the pool for up to 12 months

Your CRS score is based on:

• Age
• Education
• Language test results
• Work experience
• Job offers
• Provincial nominations
• French ability
• Family ties in Canada

Higher-scoring candidates are invited through regular draws.

To summarize, what are the eligibility requirements for Express Entry depends on which federal program you qualify for. Each pathway has its own standards for work experience, language ability, and education and meeting those rules is the foundation of entering the Express Entry pool and improving your chances of receiving an ITA.

If you need help checking your eligibility, selecting the best program, or building a strong Express Entry profile, ImmigCanada’s experts are ready to guide you. Contact us now and take your first step toward Canadian permanent residence.