Many Filipinos working abroad dream of one day settling in Canada. But beyond the work visa or caregiver pathway, there's another highly sought-after immigration route: Express Entry. It's Canada's fastest and most competitive system for granting permanent residency to skilled foreign workers.

But can OFWs apply for Express Entry—even if they're working outside Canada? Yes, it’s possible. Here's what you need to know.

 

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online application system used by the Canadian government to manage immigration applications for skilled workers.

It covers three main programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) – for professionals with experience outside Canada
    
2. Federal Skilled Trades (FST) – for skilled tradespeople
    
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – for those with Canadian work experience

💡 Most OFWs will apply through the Federal Skilled Worker stream—even if they’ve never worked in Canada.

 

Basic Eligibility for OFWs

You may be eligible to apply if you meet the following:

Requirement	Minimum Needed
Work Experience	1 year full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work in the last 10 years
Language	English or French (CLB 7 or higher in IELTS/CELPIP)
Education	Post-secondary education (with Educational Credential Assessment)
Proof of Funds	Required unless you already have a valid job offer or are in Canada
Other factors	Age, adaptability, job offer, spouse’s qualifications, etc.

 

What is the CRS Score?

Express Entry is points-based, using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Your profile is given a score out of 1,200 based on:

• Age
   
• Work experience
   
• Education
   
• Language proficiency
   
• Spouse qualifications (if applicable)
   
• Canadian job offer (adds big points)
   
• Provincial nomination (adds 600 points!)

Note: Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency during regular Express Entry draws.

You can check your CRS score using this tool:

 🔗 CRS Calculator

 

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

 

1. Take a language test
   • IELTS General Training or CELPIP (aim for CLB 7 or higher)
      
2. Get your education assessed
   • Apply for an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from WES, ICAS, or CES
   • 🔗 WES Canada
      
3. Create your Express Entry profile
   • Submit your information online at the IRCC portal
   • 🔗 Canada Express Entry Portal
      
4. Enter the pool and wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
    
5. If selected, submit full PR application within 60 days
    
6. Medical exam + police clearance, then wait for PR decision

 

Tips to Improve Your CRS Score

 

• Retake your IELTS if you can aim for CLB 9+
   
• Gain more foreign work experience
   
• Get a valid Canadian job offer
   
• Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
   
• If you're married, consider applying as the principal applicant with the higher score

 

Additional Resources

 

🔗 Canada Express Entry Main Page
🔗 IELTS for Canada Immigration
🔗 Educational Credential Assessment Guide
🔗 Job Bank Canada