Express Entry Canada
The Express Entry system is Canada’s primary immigration selection system for skilled workers who wish to become permanent residents. It is used to manage applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The TEER system (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) is a new classification system introduced by the Canadian government in November 2022. It replaced the National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Levels and organizes occupations into categories based on education, training, work experience, and job responsibilities. The TEER system is designed to help better match candidates with suitable job opportunities and clarify how immigration programs assess work experience and qualifications.
How Express Entry Works with the TEER System:
1. Determine Eligibility
To apply for Express Entry, candidates must first determine if they meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three programs mentioned above. The main eligibility factors include:
– Work experience (under the TEER system)
– Language ability (English or French)
– Education
– Age
– Adaptability (spouse/partner factors, Canadian relatives, etc.)
2. Use the TEER System for Work Experience
The TEER system classifies occupations into five categories:
– TEER 0: Management jobs
– TEER 1: Occupations that usually require a university degree
– TEER 2: Occupations that generally require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of less than two years, or more than six months of on-the-job training
– TEER 3: Occupations that require a college diploma or apprenticeship training of less than two years, or more than six months of on-the-job training
– TEER 4: Occupations that require a high school diploma or several months of on-the-job training
– TEER 5: Occupations that require short-term work experience or on-the-job training
3. Create an Express Entry Profile
If eligible, candidates create an online profile in the Express Entry pool. They are asked to provide information about their:
– Skills and work experience (based on the TEER system)
– Education
– Language abilities (English or French)
– Other factors that may improve their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score
4. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Candidates are ranked in the Express Entry pool based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points for factors like:
– Age
– Education level
– Work experience (including TEER categories)
– Language proficiency
– Job offer (if applicable)
– Provincial nominations (if applicable)
5. Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The highest-ranking candidates in the pool are invited to apply for permanent residence through periodic draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Invitations to Apply (ITAs) are typically issued to candidates who have a high enough CRS score.
6. Submit Application for Permanent Residence
After receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence, which includes supporting documents like proof of work experience (including TEER classifications), educational credentials, language test results, and medical and police clearances.
7. Final Decision
IRCC processes applications for permanent residence and makes a final decision. If approved, the applicant and their family members (if applicable) will be granted permanent resident status in Canada.
Key Points About the TEER System and Express Entry:
– The TEER system primarily impacts the way work experience is assessed. For example, under the old NOC system, some occupations may have been classified differently based on skill level, but now with the TEER system, there is more emphasis on job responsibilities and specific training requirements.
– Work experience in occupations classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, and 3 is generally eligible for Express Entry programs, but TEER 4 and TEER 5 occupations often do not qualify unless the applicant has a valid job offer or provincial nomination.
– Language requirements are assessed in alignment with NOC/TEER levels: higher levels of work experience and education typically require higher language proficiency.
Example of TEER Application:
Let’s say you are applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program:
– If your occupation is a managerial position (TEER 0), your work experience will be assessed based on this classification.
– If you are a teacher (TEER 1), your qualifications will need to reflect a university degree, and your work experience should be assessed accordingly.
– If you are a construction worker (TEER 2), your work experience would typically require a college diploma or apprenticeship.
Transition to TEER:
The transition to the TEER system is designed to give more flexibility and recognize a broader range of work experience that may have been undervalued under the old NOC classification.
Conclusion:
The TEER system in Canada’s Express Entry process is a shift toward recognizing more nuanced skills, experience, and qualifications. It ensures that the immigration system better reflects the realities of the Canadian labor market, making it easier for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada while enhancing the country’s ability to address specific labor shortages.
