Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) webpage, where you can learn more about Canada Express (CanadaExpress.org) and the services we offer, as well as educate yourself about Canadian immigration programs and various aspects of living and working in Canada!

Canada Express (CanadaExpress.org) is a team of professionals who collaborate with authorized Canadian immigration consultants in order to provide beneficial services to individuals and families who seek to immigrate to Canada.

Our goal at Canada Express is to make it easier for you and your family to complete the complex Canadian immigration process correctly and as efficiently as possible.

Canada Express subcontracts Great North Immigration Inc. and Parsis Immigration Services to perform eligibility screening of profiles of CanadaExpress.org end-users.

This service is provided in accordance with our Terms of Use (Authorized Representatives) and under the terms and conditions made available by Great North Immigration Inc. and by Parsis Immigration Services.

Canada Express is not an agent of Great North Immigration Inc. or its consultants and Canada Express is not an agent of Parsis Immigration Services or its consultant.

Great North Immigration Inc. is managed and operated by Mr. Amir Shuval and Ms. Sigal Barak, who are experienced Canadian immigration consultants.

During the past decade, Mr. Shuval and Ms. Barak have assisted numerous individuals, from all over the world, secure both permanent and temporary residence visas for Canada.

CanadaExpress.org is listed as an affiliate of Great North Immigration Inc. here.

Parsis Immigration Services is directed by Dr. Ramin Khodaie, a regulated Canadian immigration consultant who has helped hundreds of immigrants (including businesspersons, entrepreneurs, families, artists and students) from all over the world to obtain their Canadian visas so they can live in Canada.

Dr. Ramin Khodaie has more than 10 years of experience in providing Canadian immigration related assistance and representing clients in all types of immigration categories and especially with the Quebec immigration program.

CanadaExpress.org is listed as an affiliate of Parsis Immigration Services here.

The status of these immigration consultants as “Authorized Representatives” pursuant to Canada’s immigration law allows them to represent individuals in a wide range of Canadian immigration matters before federal and provincial immigration authorities.

Please note that Canada Express (CanadaExpress.org) is not affiliated with the Canadian government nor the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and is not a law firm; thus, the information provided on this website is not and should not be considered as professional or legal advice.

You and your family can enjoy many benefits from the services offered by Canada Express:

  • Assessment of your eligibility to apply for immigration to Canada
  • Guidance through each step of the Canadian immigration procedure
  • Proper preparation of your forms and documents prior to submission
  • Canadian immigration consultants to guide you and answer your questions
  • Avoid mistakes that can impact your case and cause unnecessary delays
  • Providing quality customer service from start to finish is our top priority
  • Access to affordable services (i.e., pay as you progress through each stage)
  • We keep you informed during the entire Canadian immigration process

Our Customer Service Department is ready to assist you and answer your questions.

Please feel free to contact us by telephone at +1-647-254-7748 or by email at: CSR@CanadaExpress.org

There are many reasons why people immigrate to Canada including:

  • High Quality of Life – Canada is considered one of the world’s best places to live.
  • Immigrants Are Welcomed – Canadians are friendly and welcome newcomers.
  • Canadian Job Opportunities – Skilled immigrants are needed for jobs in Canada.
  • Strong Economy – Canada has the world’s 9th largest economy and is a G7 member.
  • Prosperous – Canadians are among the most prosperous people in the world.
  • Peaceful Country – Canada is rated as one of the most peaceful countries.
  • Family Friendly – Canada is considered one of the best countries for raising families.
  • Universal Healthcare – Canadian citizens and permanent residents get free public healthcare.
  • World Class Education – Immigrants can get a quality Canadian education.
  • Open for Business – Canada is the ideal location for entrepreneurs to start a business.
  • Outdoor Scenery – Canada is a beautiful country with mountains, lakes, forests, beaches, etc.
  • Sponsorship – Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor family for immigration.
  • Citizenship – Permanent residents can apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada 3 years.

Yes, Canada is known for being one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world.

This should be of no surprise since 23% of Canada’s 40 million residents are foreign-born!

Over 350,000 immigrants are welcomed to become Canadian permanent residents every year.

Skilled immigrants and their families are in particularly high demand to help fill thousands of jobs in Canada.

Not only does Canada welcome thousands of skilled immigrants each year, but Canadians have also opened their arms to thousands of refugees fleeing war or other hardships in their home countries.

Express Entry is the points-based Canadian immigration management system for processing applications for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class Program.

Foreign workers who want to apply for immigration to Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program also have the option to have their applications processed through the Express Entry system.

In general, a skilled foreign worker will need to create an online Express Entry profile, which includes information about his or her education, work experience, English and French language abilities and other details.

The completed Express Entry profile will be reviewed by a Canadian immigration official and points will be awarded for various factors to produce a Comprehensive Ranking System score (1200 points are possible).

If the Canadian immigration official decides that the applicant appears to satisfy the criteria, his or her profile will be placed in the Express Entry pool of candidates.

In order to move forward with the Canadian immigration process, an Invitation to Apply (ITA) must be received from Canada’s national immigration agency.

The ITA may be given to candidates in the Express Entry pool who have the highest scores on the Comprehensive Ranking System, or who have received a qualifying Canadian job offer, or who have received a provincial nomination for the Provincial Nominee Program, or who are in a priority category.

After the ITA is issued, the skilled foreign worker will have up to 60 days to file a complete Application for Canadian Permanent Residency, provide the required supporting documents and pay the necessary government fees.

A decision is usually made in six months or less after a Canadian Permanent Residency Application has been correctly filed through the Express Entry system.

Canada Express works with authorized Canadian immigration consultants who can evaluate your eligibility for immigration to Canada and let you know which Canadian immigration program you are in the best position to apply for.

All you need to do is complete our online assessment application form with details about your family, education, work experience, English and French language abilities and other information, and then submit the form to the authorized Canadian immigration consultants who we subcontract for their professional evaluation.

Your online Assessment Results will inform you about your potential eligibility to apply for immigration to Canada as a skilled foreign worker, which is an important first step in the Canadian immigration process.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is a Canadian immigration program that allows eligible skilled foreign workers and their families to live, study and work in Canada for an unlimited period of time as permanent residents.

This particular Canadian immigration program uses a points system in which a minimum of 67 out of 100 points must be received for six selection factors:

  1. English and/or French language skills
  2. Education
  3. Work experience
  4. Age
  5. Qualifying Canadian job offer
  6. Adaptability

Skilled foreign workers must have a minimum of one year of full-time paid work experience during the previous 10 years in an eligible occupation categorized in the 2021 National Occupation Classification (NOC) as one of the following:

  • TEER 0
  • TEER 1
  • TEER 2
  • TEER 3

If a skilled immigrant’s education was obtained outside of Canada, he or she will need to get a favorable Education Credential Assessment (ECA) which generally states that the education received outside of Canada is equivalent to an education obtained inside Canada.

The skilled foreign worker will also need to get a certain score on an authorized language evaluation exam for English (such as the IELTS General Training Exam) and/or French (such as the TEF – Canada) and the exam scores must be less than two years old when the application is filed for Canadian permanent residency.

Other eligibility requirements must also be satisfied, such as providing Proof of Funds, having good health, possessing good character, etc.

In order to apply for Canadian immigration through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), a skilled foreign worker must file an online Express Entry profile.

 

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is a Canadian immigration program that allows eligible skilled foreign tradespeople and their families to live, study and work in Canada for an unlimited period of time as permanent residents.

One of the key criteria to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is to have a minimum of two years of full-time paid work experience during the previous five years in an eligible skilled trade and satisfy the Canadian job requirements listed in the 2021 National Occupation Classification (NOC) for that skilled trade.

Another major requirement to apply for the FSTP is to have ONE of the following:

  • Certificate of Qualification for the eligible skilled trade from a Canadian province or territory; or
  • Qualifying Canadian job offer for full-time paid employment in the eligible skilled trade lasting at least one year

 

The skilled foreign worker will also need to get a certain score on an authorized language evaluation exam for English (such as the IELTS General Training Exam) and/or  French (such as the TEF – Canada) and the exam scores must be less than two years old when the application is filed for Canadian permanent residency.

Other eligibility requirements must also be satisfied, such as providing Proof of Funds, having good health, possessing good character, etc.

In order to apply for Canadian immigration through the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), a skilled foreign tradesperson must file an online Express Entry profile.

The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) is a Canadian immigration program that offers permanent residency in Canada to eligible skilled foreign workers (and their families) whose occupations and skills are needed in a participating province or territory.

Canadian provinces and territories that participate in the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) include:

  • Alberta
  • British Columbia
  • Manitoba
  • New Brunswick
  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • Northwest Territories
  • Nova Scotia
  • Ontario
  • Prince Edward Island
  • Saskatchewan
  • Yukon

 

Please note that the Canadian province of Quebec does not participate in the PNP, however, it has its own immigration programs, such as the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program.

Each province or territory that has a PNP establishes its own eligibility criteria, based on local needs for skilled foreign workers, in cooperation with the federal Canadian immigration agency.

These requirements usually include having an eligible occupation that is in-demand in the province or territory and demonstrating a certain level of English or French language abilities.

In general, a skilled foreign worker will need to check if he or she satisfies the eligibility requirements for a particular PNP and if so, contact that province or territory to apply.

If the PNP applicant receives a provincial nomination, then he or she may generally apply for Canadian permanent residency through the Express Entry system or the non-Express Entry pathway.

As with all Canadian immigration programs, good character, good health and other criteria will also need to be satisfied.

Once approved for Canadian permanent residency through the PNP, the skilled immigrant and his or her family will settle in the province or territory that nominated them.

The Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program is a Canadian immigration program for skilled foreign workers and their families who want to live, study and work in Quebec province as permanent residents of Canada.

This Quebec immigration program uses a points system in which a single applicant must receive a minimum score of 50 points and an applicant with a spouse or common-law partner must gain 59 points for various selection factors:

  • Education
  • English and/or French language skills
  • Work experience
  • Spouse or common-law partner characteristics
  • Qualifying offer of employment in Quebec
  • Previous stay in Quebec/Having family living in Quebec
  • Age
  • Possessing adequate financial resources
  • Having children

 

Please note that skilled foreign workers who want to apply for the Quebec Regular Skilled Worker Program must have a certain level of French language proficiency (French is the main language used throughout Quebec, although many people also speak English).

In general, a skilled foreign worker must file an online Expression of Interest (EOI) with Quebec’s Arrima platform.

If an invitation is received from the Quebec immigration agency, he or she may then apply for the Quebec Selection Certificate (Certificat de sélection du Québec).

After the skilled foreign worker has received the Quebec Selection Certificate, he or she may then apply for Canadian permanent residency with Canada’s federal immigration agency.

As with other Canadian immigration programs, the good character, good health and other eligibility requirements must be satisfied.

Once approved for Canadian permanent residency, the skilled immigrant and his or her family will settle in the province of Quebec.

Over 350,000 immigrants are welcomed to become Canadian permanent residents every year.

In addition to yourself, you may also include on your Canadian immigration application your spouse or common-law partner (opposite sex or same sex), as well as your dependent children who are under 22 years of age and unmarried.

Everyone applying for immigration to Canada must satisfy the good health, good character and other eligibility requirements.

Furthermore, Canadian citizens and permanent residents who satisfy the criteria may sponsor eligible family members for immigration to Canada through the Family Sponsorship Program.

 

One of the eligibility requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is to receive an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) for Canadian immigration purposes if you obtained your education outside of Canada.

The ECA needs to be performed by the designated organization and it must indicate that the skilled foreign worker’s education received outside of Canada is equivalent to an education obtained inside of Canada.

It should be noted that a different Canadian immigration program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), does not require an Education Credential Assessment (ECA); however, skilled tradespeople may want to get an ECA anyway, so that points may be given for education on their Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

 

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is based on several factors for which points can be received and it is used to rank the profiles of individuals who are in the Express Entry pool of candidates.

In order to enter the Express Entry pool of candidates, a person must create an online Express Entry profile and satisfy the eligibility requirements for one of the following Canadian immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class Program, or Provincial Nominee Program.

There are 1200 points possible and candidates with the highest CRS scores may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency when the ITAs are periodically issued to candidates in the Express Entry pool. 

A person who has filed an online Express Entry profile can potentially receive up to 600 points on their CRS score for Core Factors and up to 600 points for Additional Factors.

A person’s total CRS score consists of his or her Core Points plus Additional Points.

 

Individuals in the Express Entry pool of candidates who have the highest scores on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency through the Express Entry management system.

There are up to 1200 points possible on the CRS score, which is based on Core Factors and Additional Factors.

After the ITA has been issued, the Express Entry candidate will have up to 60 days to file a complete application for Canadian permanent residency with Canada’s federal immigration agency (the required government fees will also need to be paid).

In the majority of cases, a decision is made in about six months or less after a Canadian permanent residency application is filed using the Express Entry system. 

Yes, everyone who applies for Canadian permanent residency is required at a certain point (near the end of the process) to receive the immigration medical exam from an approved panel physician.

For example, it is mandatory for the main applicant, his/her spouse or common-law partner and all dependent children to have a Canadian immigration medical exam.

This is because an eligibility requirement for immigration to Canada as a permanent resident is to possess good health.

An application for Canadian permanent residency will not be approved in the event that an individual’s health:

  • is a threat to the health or safety of the Canadian public; or
  • could place too high of a demand on Canada’s health or social services

“Proof of Funds” generally involves providing written documentation that you have enough money for you and your accompanying family members to settle in Canada.

Please note that even if your family members are not moving to Canada with you, it is still necessary to show that you have adequate financial resources to take care of your own living expenses in Canada as well as your family’s living expenses while they are residing outside of Canada.

Individuals who apply for Express Entry to Canada through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) are required to demonstrate Proof of Funds unless they have received authorization to work in Canada and they have a qualifying Canadian job offer.

How much money is needed to show Proof of Funds will depend on the size of the main applicant’s family.

Effective April 25, 2023, and subject to change, the minimum amount required for Proof of Funds is as follows:

  • 1 Person = $13,757 CAD
  • 2 People = $17,127 CAD
  • 3 People = $21,055 CAD
  • 4 People = $25,564 CAD
  • 5 People = $28,994 CAD
  • 6 People = $32,700 CAD
  • 7 People = $36,407 CAD

 

An additional $3,706 CAD per person would be required if there are over seven people in a family.

Keep in mind that you and your family may need more money than the minimum Proof of Funds amount, depending on where you will live in Canada after you arrive and other factors.

Proof of Funds can include official letters from financial institutions (such as banks) where you have an account and must:

  • be written on the letterhead of the financial institution
  • include the financial institution’s address, email and phone number
  • include the name of the account holder (your name)
  • include your account number(s)
  • include the date when the account was opened
  • include each account’s current balance
  • include each account’s six-month average balance
  • include your current debts (e.g., loans, credit cards)

 

In general, the Canadian immigration process takes around 12-24 months from start to finish.

How long the Canadian immigration process takes will generally be affected by various factors such as:

  • which Canadian immigration program is applied for
  • how quickly the applicant does what is required
  • whether the Canadian immigration application is filed correctly
  • how long it takes to get an Invitation to Apply (for Express Entry)
  • how busy the Canadian immigration agency is processing applications 

Yes, Canadian jobs generally pay good wages and have other benefits.

Of course, how much someone earns working in Canada will depend on their occupation, education, years of experience, the specific employer, location of the job and other factors.

Here are some recent examples of the national median hourly wages earned by people working in Canada in various occupations (Canada’s Job Bank, March 19, 2024):

  • Accountant = $38.46 CAD per hour
  • Carpenter = $30.00 CAD per hour
  • Chemist = $38.00 CAD per hour
  • Computer Systems Programmer = $41.54 CAD per hour
  • Construction Manager = $45.00 CAD per hour
  • Data Scientist = $45.96 CAD per hour
  • Electrical Engineer = $46.63 CAD per hour
  • Electrician = $34.00 CAD per hour
  • Financial Manager = $55.29 CAD per hour
  • Firefighter = $45.79 CAD per hour
  • Human Resources Manager = $54.95 CAD per hour
  • Ironworker = $40.00 CAD per hour
  • Land Surveyor = $37.09 CAD per hour
  • Logging Supervisor = $34.97 CAD per hour
  • Marketing Manager = $52.88 CAD per hour
  • Mechanical Engineer = $43.27 CAD per hour
  • Paramedic = $35.32 CAD per hour
  • Pharmacist = $52.88 CAD per hour
  • Physical Therapist = $41.63 CAD per hour
  • Plumber = $33.00 CAD per hour
  • Psychologist = $46.00 CAD per hour
  • Purchasing Manager = $57.21 CAD per hour
  • Registered Nurse = $40.39 CAD per hour
  • Secondary School Teacher = $45.30 CAD per hour
  • Software Engineer = $51.64 CAD per hour
  • Technical Writer = $35.71 CAD per hour
  • University Professor/Lecturer = $55.56 CAD per hour

 

Yes, a permanent resident of Canada can apply to become a Canadian citizen after living in Canada for a minimum of three years during the five-year period prior to applying and also satisfying other eligibility requirements. 

DISCLAIMER – Canada Express (CanadaExpress.org) is not affiliated with the Canadian Government or CICC in any way and is not a law firm. The information provided on this website is not and should not be considered as professional or legal advice.