For many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), the dream of migrating to Canada represents a significant opportunity to achieve better living standards, access quality education and healthcare, and secure stable employment. Canada has long been known for its inclusive and welcoming immigration policies, making it an attractive destination for skilled workers from around the world. The country’s Category-based Express Entry system is one of the primary pathways through which skilled immigrants, including OFWs, can apply for permanent residency.
In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of applying to Canada via the Category-based Express Entry system. We will cover the different categories under which candidates can apply, the eligibility criteria, and the overall benefits of this immigration pathway. By understanding the intricacies of the Express Entry system, OFWs can better prepare their applications and increase their chances of successfully achieving their goal of living and working in Canada.
Step-by-Step Guide for OFWs: Applying to Canada via Category-Based Express Entry
This article is based on a YouTube video by Canada-based OFW vlogger “Becoming Canadian.” If you want to watch the full video, then click on the link below:
The Category-based Express Entry system is designed to invite candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet specific criteria established by the Minister of Immigration to fulfill identified economic goals. Candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence based on their ability to communicate in an official language, work experience in a specific occupation, or educational background. This system supplements general and program-specific rounds by targeting top-ranking candidates who can contribute to Canada’s economic objectives.
Canada announces the chosen categories in advance, ensuring transparency and allowing potential immigrants to prepare their applications accordingly.
Candidates with Provincial or Territorial Nomination
Candidates who receive a provincial or territorial nomination will continue to be invited through general and Provincial Nominee Program-specific rounds. These individuals have demonstrated they possess the skills, education, and work experience necessary to contribute to the economic needs of the province or territory that nominated them.
Step-by-Step Guide to Category-based Selection in Express Entry
How Categories are Chosen and Reported
Categories in the Express Entry system are chosen based on labor market information and projections, along with input from provincial and territorial partners and other stakeholders across Canada. Each year, the categories chosen, along with the rationale and the selection process, are reported to Parliament. This includes the instructions to establish a category and the number of invitations issued for each category. Regular monitoring and assessment ensure that the categories remain relevant and effective.
Current Categories
As of now, the categories include:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Who is Eligible
To be eligible for an invitation through a category-based round, candidates must:
- Meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including eligibility for one of the three covered immigration programs.
- Meet all the specific requirements in the instructions for that particular round.
During a category-based round of invitations, candidates who meet the category requirements are ranked, and top-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.
Detailed Eligibility Requirements
French-language Proficiency Category
Candidates must have French-language test results with a minimum score of 7 in all four language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens. Additionally, they must meet all other requirements specified in the instructions for that round.
Healthcare Occupations Category
Eligibility criteria include:
- At least six months of full-time, continuous work experience within the past three years in a single occupation listed in the healthcare category.
- The work experience can be obtained in Canada or abroad.
- Meeting all other requirements specified in the instructions for that round.
The healthcare occupations list includes professions such as audiologists, chiropractors, dentists, dieticians, general practitioners, licensed practical nurses, and massage therapists, among others.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations Category
Eligibility criteria include:
- At least six months of full-time, continuous work experience within the past three years in a single occupation listed in the STEM category.
- The work experience can be obtained in Canada or abroad.
- Meeting all other requirements specified in the instructions for that round.
The STEM occupations list includes roles such as architects, civil engineers, data scientists, and cybersecurity specialists.
Trade Occupations Category
Eligibility criteria include:
- At least six months of full-time, continuous work experience within the past three years in a single occupation listed in the trade category.
- The work experience can be obtained in Canada or abroad.
- Meeting all other requirements specified in the instructions for that round.
The trade occupations list includes professions such as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and welders.
Transport Occupations Category
Eligibility criteria include:
- At least six months of full-time, continuous work experience within the past three years in a single occupation listed in the transport category.
- The work experience can be obtained in Canada or abroad.
- Meeting all other requirements specified in the instructions for that round.
The transport occupations list includes roles such as aircraft assemblers, air traffic controllers, transport truck drivers, and railway traffic controllers.
Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations Category
Eligibility criteria include:
- At least six months of full-time, continuous work experience within the past three years in a single occupation listed in the agriculture and agri-food category.
- The work experience can be obtained in Canada or abroad.
- Meeting all other requirements specified in the instructions for that round.
The agriculture and agri-food occupations list includes professions such as agricultural service contractors, butchers, and farm supervisors.
For OFWs aiming to establish a new life in Canada, the Category-based Express Entry system offers a structured and transparent pathway to permanent residency. By understanding the eligibility criteria and preparing their applications accordingly, OFWs can take advantage of this opportunity to contribute to Canada’s economic growth while achieving their personal and professional goals. With categories ranging from healthcare and STEM to trade and transport occupations, there are numerous avenues for skilled workers to fulfill their Canadian dream.