Am I eligible for an Express Entry program?
Express Entry manages 3 programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. A few questions check their minimum requirements against IRCC's own comparison. Meeting a minimum lets you enter the pool; invitations go by score.
Every quote below was checked word for word on IRCC’s own pages on October 25, 2026. Each answer names its source page and that page’s date.
What IRCC says, situation by situation
No: Quebec selects its own skilled workers.
Not through Express Entry: Quebec selects its own skilled workers
In IRCC’s words:
“You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec . The province of Quebec selects its own skilled workers.”
Source: IRCC, page dated September 24, 2026
Not yet: your language scores are below every program's minimum.
Not yet: every program needs at least CLB 5 in speaking and listening
In IRCC’s words:
“CLB 5 for speaking and listening”
“CLB 4 for reading and writing”
“CLB 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations”
Source: IRCC, page dated June 22, 2026
Not yet: first take an approved language test.
First take an approved language test: every program needs one
In IRCC’s words:
“approved language tests in English or French meet the minimum score in all 4 abilities:”
Source: IRCC, page dated September 24, 2026
No: not on the minimums, based on what you answered.
Not on the Express Entry minimums, on what you answered
In IRCC’s words:
“Express Entry is an online system that we use to manage immigration applications for 3 programs:”
IRCC: compare the 3 programs' minimum requirements
Source: IRCC, page dated June 22, 2026
Yes, if you meet the Federal Skilled Trades minimums.
You may meet the minimum requirements of the Federal Skilled Trades Program
On what you answered, you may meet the minimum requirements of the Federal Skilled Trades Program. IRCC's minimums for it:
In IRCC’s words:
Federal Skilled Trades Program, work: “2 years within the last 5 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work)”
Federal Skilled Trades Program, job offer: “a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year, or”
Federal Skilled Trades Program, certificate (instead of a job offer): “a certificate of qualification in the above skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority”
Provincial nominee programs: “If you’re eligible for one of these programs, you can also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program.”
Source: IRCC, page dated June 22, 2026
Yes, if you meet the Federal Skilled Worker minimums.
You may meet the minimum requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program
On what you answered, you may meet the minimum requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program. IRCC's minimums for it:
In IRCC’s words:
Federal Skilled Worker Program, work: “1 year continuous within the last 10 years (combination of part-time, full-time or more than 1 job in your primary occupation )”
Federal Skilled Worker Program, education: “Secondary education required.”
Provincial nominee programs: “If you’re eligible for one of these programs, you can also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program.”
IRCC: the Federal Skilled Worker 67-point selection grid
Source: IRCC, page dated June 22, 2026
Yes, if you meet the Skilled Worker and Skilled Trades minimums.
You may meet the minimum requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program
On what you answered, you may meet the minimum requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. IRCC's minimums for them:
In IRCC’s words:
Federal Skilled Worker Program, work: “1 year continuous within the last 10 years (combination of part-time, full-time or more than 1 job in your primary occupation )”
Federal Skilled Worker Program, education: “Secondary education required.”
Federal Skilled Trades Program, work: “2 years within the last 5 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work)”
Federal Skilled Trades Program, job offer: “a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year, or”
Federal Skilled Trades Program, certificate (instead of a job offer): “a certificate of qualification in the above skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority”
Provincial nominee programs: “If you’re eligible for one of these programs, you can also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program.”
IRCC: the Federal Skilled Worker 67-point selection grid
Source: IRCC, page dated June 22, 2026
Yes, if you meet the Canadian Experience Class minimums.
You may meet the minimum requirements of the Canadian Experience Class
On what you answered, you may meet the minimum requirements of the Canadian Experience Class. IRCC's minimums for it:
In IRCC’s words:
Canadian Experience Class, work in Canada: “1 year in Canada in the last 3 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work)”
Provincial nominee programs: “If you’re eligible for one of these programs, you can also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program.”
Source: IRCC, page dated June 22, 2026
Yes, if you meet the Canadian Experience Class and Skilled Trades minimums.
You may meet the minimum requirements of the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program
On what you answered, you may meet the minimum requirements of the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. IRCC's minimums for them:
In IRCC’s words:
Canadian Experience Class, work in Canada: “1 year in Canada in the last 3 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work)”
Federal Skilled Trades Program, work: “2 years within the last 5 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work)”
Federal Skilled Trades Program, job offer: “a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year, or”
Federal Skilled Trades Program, certificate (instead of a job offer): “a certificate of qualification in the above skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority”
Provincial nominee programs: “If you’re eligible for one of these programs, you can also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program.”
Source: IRCC, page dated June 22, 2026
Yes, if you meet the Canadian Experience Class and Skilled Worker minimums.
You may meet the minimum requirements of the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Worker Program
On what you answered, you may meet the minimum requirements of the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Worker Program. IRCC's minimums for them:
In IRCC’s words:
Canadian Experience Class, work in Canada: “1 year in Canada in the last 3 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work)”
Federal Skilled Worker Program, work: “1 year continuous within the last 10 years (combination of part-time, full-time or more than 1 job in your primary occupation )”
Federal Skilled Worker Program, education: “Secondary education required.”
Provincial nominee programs: “If you’re eligible for one of these programs, you can also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program.”
IRCC: the Federal Skilled Worker 67-point selection grid
Source: IRCC, page dated June 22, 2026
Yes, if you meet the minimums of all three programs.
You may meet the minimum requirements of the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program
On what you answered, you may meet the minimum requirements of the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. IRCC's minimums for them:
In IRCC’s words:
Canadian Experience Class, work in Canada: “1 year in Canada in the last 3 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work)”
Federal Skilled Worker Program, work: “1 year continuous within the last 10 years (combination of part-time, full-time or more than 1 job in your primary occupation )”
Federal Skilled Worker Program, education: “Secondary education required.”
Federal Skilled Trades Program, work: “2 years within the last 5 years (either combination of full-time or part-time work)”
Federal Skilled Trades Program, job offer: “a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least 1 year, or”
Federal Skilled Trades Program, certificate (instead of a job offer): “a certificate of qualification in the above skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority”
Provincial nominee programs: “If you’re eligible for one of these programs, you can also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program.”
IRCC: the Federal Skilled Worker 67-point selection grid
Source: IRCC, page dated June 22, 2026
What would change the answer
- Your language test results (CLB) in all 4 abilities.
- Another year of skilled work, in Canada or abroad.
- A job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification in a skilled trade.
What you might not have asked yet
- Once you apply for PR, can your spouse or partner work in Canada?
- Studied in Canada? A post-graduation work permit is how many graduates build their Canadian experience
Sources
- IRCC › immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply · page dated June 22, 2026
- IRCC › immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/canadian-experience-class · page dated September 24, 2026
Other answers
- As a caregiver, can I change jobs, move, or apply for PR?
- As an asylum claimant, can I get a work or study permit?
- Can a positive LMIA be changed?
- Can I apply for a study permit from inside Canada (or for my child)?
- Can I apply for a work permit from inside Canada?
- Can I apply for a work permit when I arrive at the border?
- Can I change employers on my work permit?
- Can I change the sex or gender identifier on my IRCC documents?
- Can I come to Canada as a business visitor, without a work permit?
- Can I come to Canada with a criminal record?
- Can I get a bridging open work permit?
- Can I get a post-graduation work permit, and can I work while I wait?
- Can I get an immigration loan, and how do I repay it?
- Can I get two-week work permit processing?
- Can I immigrate as a self-employed person or start-up founder?
- Can I include or sponsor my child, and up to what age?
- Can I keep my permanent resident status, and travel without a PR card?
- Can I keep working while my work permit extension is processed?
- Can I leave Canada and come back on my permit or status?
- Can I sponsor a refugee?
- Can I sponsor my parents or grandparents?
- Can I stay in Canada as a visitor, and for longer than I was given?
- Can I take a short course in Canada without a study permit?
- Can I take free government-funded language classes?
- Can I take part in International Experience Canada (again)?
- Can I work while I study in Canada?
- Can my family come with me while I work or study in Canada?
- Can my spouse or partner work in Canada?
- Could a health condition make me inadmissible to Canada (excessive demand)?
- Do I need a language test, and which one counts?
- Do I need a representative, and who may help me?
- Do I need a visa or an eTA to come to Canada?
- Do I need an immigration medical exam?
- Do I need police certificates?
- Do I need to give biometrics (fingerprints and photo), or give them again?
- Does my credential assessment (ECA) let me work in my profession?
- Does the employer have to invite Job Match candidates?
- Does the low-wage cap apply to this employer?
- Does this LMIA job ad meet ESDC's advertising rules?
- My application was refused: can I still do something about it?
- My employer is treating me unfairly: can I get help and keep my status?
- Will I lose my other citizenship if I become Canadian?
Written by AHI Life from IRCC’s own pages; the quotes are IRCC’s words, re-read on their pages every day. General information, not legal advice, and not yet reviewed by a licensed consultant (RCIC). Only a licensed representative may charge you for immigration advice.