Why Skilled Workers and International Graduates in Quebec Should Look to Express Entry for Permanent Residency
November 7,2024 Amritpal Kaur
If you’re an international graduate or skilled worker living in Quebec, and you’re aiming to become a permanent resident of Canada, you’ve likely been keeping an eye on recent changes in Quebec’s immigration system. With the temporary suspension of the Regular Skilled Worker Program (PRTQ) and the Graduate component of the Quebec Experience Program (PEQ), you may be wondering about your next steps.
Fortunately, there’s a viable and streamlined alternative: Canada’s Express Entry system. While Quebec manages its own immigration system, Express Entry opens up pathways to permanent residency in all provinces and territories outside Quebec. In this blog post, we’ll break down why Express Entry could be your best option and how you can leverage this system to secure your place as a permanent resident in Canada.
What is Express Entry and How Does It Work?
The Express Entry system is Canada’s federal immigration platform for skilled workers, professionals, and graduates seeking permanent residency. Unlike Quebec, which has its own set of immigration rules, Express Entry is designed for candidates intending to settle outside the province. Express Entry manages applications for three major federal programs:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for these programs can create a profile in the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked against others based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Candidates with the highest scores are then invited to apply for permanent residency.
Why Should You Consider Express Entry?
For those living in Quebec, especially with the recent suspension of key Quebec immigration programs, Express Entry presents a flexible and accessible alternative. Here are several compelling reasons to consider Express Entry:
1. Broader Opportunities Across Canada
Express Entry opens up permanent residency opportunities across all provinces and territories in Canada, excluding Quebec. While Quebec has its own unique immigration pathways, if you plan to live in another province, Express Entry is the primary route to permanent residency.
2. Faster Processing Times
Express Entry is known for its quick processing times. Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency, your application is usually processed in about six months. In comparison, some provincial immigration programs—like Quebec’s—can take significantly longer.
3. Larger Immigration Quotas
Unlike Quebec, which has specific immigration targets, Express Entry offers a larger number of spots for candidates across various sectors. In 2025, Canada’s federal immigration plan aims to welcome over 124,000 permanent residents through the Express Entry system, offering a greater chance of success for eligible candidates.
4. Opportunity to Improve Your Profile
The Express Entry system is dynamic, meaning you can improve your profile over time to increase your chances of receiving an ITA. Factors like language proficiency, a job offer, or even a provincial nomination can boost your CRS score and improve your chances of selection.
Which Express Entry Program is Right for You?
To apply through Express Entry, you need to qualify for one of the three main immigration programs. Let’s break down who should apply for each:
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class is ideal for international graduates or skilled workers who have gained work experience in Canada. If you've already worked in Canada, you may qualify for this program and benefit from a higher CRS score due to your Canadian experience.
Eligibility:
At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years.
Language proficiency in either English or French (CLB 7 for jobs in NOC 0 or 1; CLB 5 for jobs in NOC 2 or 3).
Intent to live outside Quebec.
The CEC is often the best option for individuals who have Canadian work experience and meet the language requirements, as Canadian experience significantly boosts your CRS score.
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
If you’re a skilled worker without Canadian work experience, the Federal Skilled Worker Program might be the right choice. This program is designed for people who have experience in skilled occupations outside of Canada.
Eligibility:
At least one year of full-time skilled work experience in the last 10 years in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
Language proficiency equivalent to CLB 7 in English or French.
Proof of funds unless you have a valid job offer.
Educational credentials, either Canadian or a foreign degree assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
If you meet the eligibility criteria and score well on the FSWP points grid, this program offers a pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
For those with experience in skilled trades, the Federal Skilled Trades Program offers another option for permanent residency. This program is designed for candidates who have experience in trades such as construction, plumbing, electrical, and more.
Eligibility:
Two years of skilled trade work experience in the last five years.
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory.
Language proficiency of CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
If you’re a tradesperson, the FSTP could be the best fit, especially if you have a job offer from a Canadian employer or a certification in your trade.
Category-Based Draws: A Boost to Your Chances
Express Entry offers Category-Based Draws, which prioritize candidates with specific skills or attributes. These categories include:
French language proficiency (NCLC 7 or higher).
Healthcare professionals.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) professionals.
Skilled trades and transport workers.
Agriculture and agri-food workers.
If you have a background in any of these areas, you could see your CRS score increase significantly, improving your chances of receiving an ITA in a category-based draw.
How to Improve Your CRS Score
Your CRS score plays a key role in whether you will be invited to apply for permanent residency. Here are some ways to boost your score:
Improve Your Language Skills: Take language tests in both English and French to maximize your score. Bilingual candidates can earn additional points.
Get a Job Offer: A valid job offer can give your score a significant boost.
Provincial Nomination: If you receive a provincial nomination, it adds 600 points to your CRS score, almost guaranteeing an ITA.
The Application Process: Step by Step
Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the requirements for one of the Express Entry programs (CEC, FSWP, or FSTP).
Language Testing and Credential Assessment: Take language tests and get an ECA for any foreign education.
Submit Your Profile: Create your Express Entry profile online.
Receive an ITA: If your profile meets the cutoff score, you’ll receive an ITA in a subsequent draw.
Submit Your Application: Submit your complete application for permanent residency within 60 days of receiving your ITA.
Wait for Processing: Once your application is submitted, you can expect a decision within about six months.
A Pathway to Permanent Residency Outside Quebec
For skilled workers and international graduates in Quebec who are considering a move outside the province, Express Entry offers an efficient and straightforward pathway to Canadian permanent residency. With the right qualifications, improved language proficiency, or even a job offer, Express Entry provides the opportunity to live and work in one of the many provinces and territories across Canada.
So, if you’re looking to transition to permanent residency, and Quebec’s immigration programs no longer align with your plans, consider Express Entry as your next step toward achieving your Canadian dream.