Express Entry from Argentina

Overview for Argentinian Applicants

Argentina is a growing source country for Canadian immigration in South America. The Argentinian Canadian community is concentrated in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Economic instability in Argentina has driven increased interest in Canadian immigration, with skilled professionals seeking stability and career growth abroad.

Argentinian applicants bring strong educational backgrounds, particularly from prestigious universities like UBA, ITBA, and UTN. Professionals in technology, engineering, finance, and the creative industries are well-positioned for Express Entry.

Eligibility Requirements

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

• Work experience: One year of continuous full-time skilled work in the past 10 years
• Language ability: Minimum CLB 7 in English or French
• Education: Post-secondary credential with an ECA
• Selection grid: Minimum 67 out of 100

Sector Strengths

• Technology: Software development, fintech (Argentina has a strong tech startup culture)
• Engineering: Agricultural, civil, and industrial engineering
• Finance: Accounting, financial analysis, investment
• Creative industries: Film, design, architecture
• Agriculture: Agronomy, food science, viticulture

Language Tests Available in Argentina

IELTS (General Training)

IELTS is available in:

• Buenos Aires: Multiple centres
• Cordoba, Rosario, Mendoza: Test centres available

English preparation is important, though many Argentinian professionals have studied English extensively.

PTE Core

PTE Core centres operate in Buenos Aires.

French Language Tests (TEF/TCF)

Alliance Francaise has a strong presence in Argentina with centres in Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Rosario, Mendoza, and other cities. As Spanish speakers, Argentinians find French highly accessible. This is one of the strongest CRS strategies for Argentinian applicants.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Argentinian Education System

• Licenciatura (4-6 years): Assessed as equivalent to a Canadian bachelor's degree
• Ingeniero (engineering, 5-6 years): Often assessed at master's level due to duration
• Maestria (master's): Assessed at Canadian master's level
• Doctorado: Assessed at doctoral level

Degrees from universities recognized by CONEAU (Comision Nacional de Evaluacion y Acreditacion Universitaria) are accepted.

ECA Process

• WES: Requires certificados analiticos (transcripts) and titulo (degree) with certified English translation.
• IQAS: Also accepts Argentinian credentials

Argentinian university degrees, especially from public universities like UBA, are well-recognized internationally.

Documents Specific to Argentina

Police Clearance Certificate

Argentinian applicants need a Certificado de Antecedentes Penales:

1. From the Registro Nacional de Reincidencia: Apply online through the RNR website or in person
2. From the Policia Federal: If residing in Buenos Aires
3. Processing: Federal certificate usually available within 1 to 3 business days
4. For Argentinians abroad: Apply through the Argentine consulate

Medical Examination

IRCC panel physicians in Argentina:

• Buenos Aires: Several designated clinics

Additional Documents

• DNI (Documento Nacional de Identidad): National ID
• Partida de nacimiento: Birth certificate
• Acta de matrimonio: If applicable
• Employment reference letters: Translated into English

CRS Score Tips for Argentinian Applicants

1. Learn French: Spanish speakers excel at French. Achieving NCLC 7+ is realistic within a year. This unlocks francophone draws and bilingual bonus.
2. Maximize English scores: Intensive preparation courses available in Buenos Aires.
3. Leverage engineering education: Five to six-year engineering programs may be assessed at master's level.
4. Provincial Nominee Program: Quebec (French speakers), Atlantic provinces, and Prairie provinces.
5. IEC Working Holiday: Gain Canadian work experience through the Canada-Argentina IEC agreement.

Settlement in Canada

Argentinian Communities Across Canada

• Toronto (Ontario): Largest Argentinian community, with tango events and cultural clubs
• Montreal (Quebec): Argentinian community attracted by the Latin and French cultural environment
• Vancouver (BC): Growing community

Cultural Organizations

• Argentine Canadian community associations: In Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver
• Tango clubs and milongas: Cultural gathering points across Canadian cities
• Argentine consulates: In Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa
• Latin American community centres: Settlement services in Spanish

Key Resources

• Express Entry overview — IRCC
• Registro Nacional de Reincidencia
• Canadian Embassy in Argentina
• WES — World Education Services
• IELTS — Book a test