Types of Work-Based Immigration Paths
There are two main ways to immigrate to Canada for work: work visas and Express Entry for skilled workers.
Work Visa
With a work visa, you can get a temporary work permit to work in Canada after receiving a job offer from a Canadian employer. After working in Canada for a certain period of time, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.
Express Entry for Skilled Workers
Under the Express Entry system, you can apply for permanent residency directly by submitting your profile and receiving a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as age, education, language skills, work experience, and more. If you receive a high enough CRS score, you will be invited to apply for permanent residency.
Work Permit
A work permit is a document that allows you to work in Canada. It is issued to eligible foreign workers who are already in Canada for a specific period of time.
Express Entry
Express Entry is the main system for managing applications for permanent residency under the three federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
To apply for Express Entry, you must create an online profile and meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three programs. You will then receive a CRS score based on your profile. If your score is high enough, you will be invited to apply for permanent residency.