A Guide on Express Entry by IME Clinic
Updated on May 4th, 2023
The Express Entry program allows skilled workers to get permanent residence, and part of the application process requires having an Immigration Medical Exam. Furthermore, this program is different from regular Spouse or Family sponsorship because of its faster processing time of six months or less. Moreover, the Express Entry program consists of several different sub-programs, depending on your work experience and your plans for work in Canada.
The different programs are the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Firstly, Canada’s Express Entry program is a competitive immigration system. It works by ranking eligible candidates and then inviting the best ranked applicants to apply for permanent resident status. In conclusion, ranking is based on, amongst other things, age, education, language proficiency, job offers and work experience.
Are you eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program?
Firstly, the Federal Skilled Worker program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who wish to permanently immigrate to Canada. To be eligible, you must demonstrate:
- Skilled work experience in the same type of job you want to use in your application, with at least 1 year of continuous work (1560 hours total)
- It is acceptable to include part-time work experience and student work experience towards the requirements
- Language proficiency by taking approved language tests in English or/and French
- Completed educated credentials, either from a Canadian institution or via foreign education
- Proof of funds
- Admissibility to Canada
- Proof of an Immigration Medical Exam,
You can learn more about the Federal Skilled Worker Program here.
Are you eligible for the Federal Skilled Trades Program?
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled workers who wish to become permanent residents of Canada, based on qualification in a skilled trade. To be eligible, you must:
- Demonstrate language proficiency
- Have at least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years
- Meet the job requirements for the trade you are applying for
- Have either a valid full-time job offers, or a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade
- Show proof of funds
- Be admissible to Canada
- Have an Immigration Medical Exam
Furthermore, the skilled trade must fall into one of these groups as outlined by the National Occupational Classification (NOC):
- Industrial, electrical and construction trades
- Maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture or related
- Processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators
- Chefs and cooks
- Butchers and bakers
Finally, there is no education requirement for this program.
Are you eligible for the Canadian Experience Class?
Lastly, the Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers with Canadian work experience that want to become permanent residents. To qualify, you must:
- Demonstrate language proficiency
- Have at least 1 year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada, within the last 3 years. Skilled work experience includes:
- Managerial work
- Professional work
- Technical work and skilled trades
- Be admissible to Canada
- Have an Immigration Medical Exam
Additionally, there is no education requirement for this program.
Finally, you are not eligible for the Canadian Experience Class if:
- You are a refugee claimant
- You’re working illegally
- You did not have temporary resident status when you had your work experience
For additional information on the Canadian express entry system and to access a guide on how to maximise your chances of being selected, please click here.
Do you need an Immigration Medical Exam for Express Entry?
Firstly, all permanent resident applicants require an Immigration Medical Exam. This includes Express Entry applicants. They have to do it with a Registered Panel Physician.
It is recommended that you complete your Immigration Medical Exam as soon as you get the invitation to apply. This is because of the fast-processing time of the Express Entry Program. Furthermore, your exam results must be valid at the time you submit your permanent residence application and when you arrive in Canada. The Immigration Medical Exam is valid for 1 (one) year.
Importantly, the type of Immigration Medical Exam you will take will be an Upfront Medical Exam. This means that you must upload a copy of the Information Sheet you receive from the panel physician to your online application.
Remember, if you are considered medically inadmissible, your Express Entry application will not be approved. Click here to learn more about common medical issues that could affect your Canadian immigration application.
Thank you for reading with us and learning more about IME for Express Entry. Find more informative blogs on our resources page, and don’t forget to share with your friends and family. Additionally, to stay updated with immigration news, check our website for weekly/bi-weekly updates. Alternatively, connect with us via our Facebook or Instagram page to get notified of our recent posts.
Furthermore, if you require IME, please book online at our location nearest to you.
Moreover, we at IME Clinic accept patients from all over Canada and we have multiple locations in Lower Mainland, BC (Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, Coquitlam, Langley and more). Whether you come from Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, or even Toronto, Montreal or Calgary, we are here to help you!
We wish you luck with your family reunification!