Compare all Express Entry programs
Transition to National Occupational Classification 2021
On November 16, 2022, we switched to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
If you already submitted a profile but have not been sent an invitation to apply (ITA), you must
- search for your occupation under the NOC 2021 list
- update your profile with your Training, Education, Experience and Responsibilities (TEER) category and 5-digit occupation code
To remain eligible to receive an ITA, you must update your profile on or after November 16, 2022.
If you received an ITA before November 16, 2022, you must submit your application for permanent residence using NOC 2016.
If you’re having technical problems because of NOC 2021
Some people are currently having technical problems with their account when
- updating their Express Entry profiles with NOC 2021 codes
- applying through Express Entry with NOC 2021 codes
We’re working on a solution. If you’re having technical problems because of NOC 2021, use our web form to let us know. Choose “Technical difficulties” under “Type of application/enquiry”.
Make sure to include
- the problem you’re having
- what you did when the problem happened
- your email address
- your unique client identifier and your application number, if available
Express Entry is an online system that we use to manage applications for permanent residence for 3 programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Compare the key differences between the programs or choose a specific program to get more details about eligibility.
Before you compare programs, here are 2 terms you need to know:
Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)
The CLB is the Canadian standard used to describe, measure and recognize English language ability of adult immigrants and prospective immigrants who plan to live and work in Canada, or apply for citizenship.
The Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens is used to assess abilities in the French language.
There are 4 language ability tests:
- writing
- reading
- listening
- speaking
National Occupation Classification (NOC) code
The NOC is a list of all the occupations in the Canadian labor market. It describes each job according to the training, education, experience and responsibilities (TEER) needed to work in an occupation
Eligibility criteria for Express Entry
| Eligibility criteria | Canadian Experience Class | Federal Skilled Worker Program | Federal Skilled Trades Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language skills | English or French skills
|
English or French skills
|
English or French skills
|
| Type/Level of work experience | Canadian work experience in an occupation listed in 1 or more of these NOC TEER Categories:
|
Work experience in an occupation listed in 1 of these NOC TEER Categories:
|
Work experience in a skilled trade under key groups of TEER 2 or TEER 3:
|
| Amount of work experience | One year in Canada in the last 3 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work) | One year continuous within the last 10 years (combination of part-time, full-time or more than 1 job in your primary occupation) | Two years within last 5 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work) |
| Job offer | Not required. | Not required. But you can get selection criteria (FSW) points for having a valid job offer. |
Required:
|
| Education | Not required. | Secondary education required. You can get more selection criteria (FSW) points for your post-secondary education. |
Not required. |
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