Express Entry from Chile

Overview for Chilean Applicants

Chile is a growing source country for Canadian immigration in South America. The Chilean Canadian community is established in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Chile's strong economic ties with Canada, including a comprehensive free trade agreement, have facilitated professional connections between the two countries.

Chilean applicants bring strong educational backgrounds from highly regarded universities and professional experience in mining, technology, finance, and agriculture. Chile's IEC (International Experience Canada) agreement with Canada also provides a pathway for young professionals to gain Canadian work experience.

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

IEC Working Holiday

Chile has an IEC agreement with Canada, allowing young professionals to gain Canadian work experience, which can later count toward CEC eligibility.

Sector Strengths

• Mining: Copper mining engineering, environmental management
• Technology: Software development, fintech, e-commerce
• Agriculture: Viticulture, agribusiness, food export
• Finance: Banking, investment management
• Renewable energy: Solar, wind, and geothermal engineering

Language Tests Available in Chile

IELTS (General Training)

• Santiago: Multiple centres
• Valparaiso, Concepcion: Periodic sessions

French Language Tests (TEF/TCF)

Alliance Francaise Chile has centres in Santiago, Valparaiso, Concepcion, and other cities. Spanish speakers learn French efficiently.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Chilean Education System

• Licenciatura (4-5 years): Assessed as equivalent to Canadian bachelor's degree
• Titulo Profesional: Professional degree, assessed at bachelor's level
• Magister (master's): Assessed at Canadian master's level
• Doctorado: Assessed at doctoral level

Degrees from universities accredited by CNA-Chile (Comision Nacional de Acreditacion) are recognized.

Documents Specific to Chile

Police Clearance Certificate

• Certificado de Antecedentes: Available online through the Registro Civil website (free of charge)
• Processing: Available instantly online

This is one of the simplest police certificate processes globally.

Medical Examination

IRCC panel physicians in Chile:

• Santiago: Designated clinics available

Additional Documents

• RUT/Cedula de identidad: National ID
• Certificado de nacimiento: Birth certificate from the Registro Civil
• Employment reference letters: Translated into English

CRS Score Tips for Chilean Applicants

1. Learn French: Alliance Francaise Chile is active and accessible. French proficiency opens francophone draws.
2. Maximize English scores: IELTS preparation centres available in Santiago.
3. IEC Working Holiday: Gain Canadian work experience for CEC eligibility.
4. Mining expertise: Valued in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.
5. Provincial Nominee Program: Various provinces offer pathways.

Settlement in Canada

Chilean Communities Across Canada

• Toronto (Ontario): Chilean community with cultural organizations
• Montreal (Quebec): Chilean community attracted by French-language environment
• Vancouver (BC): Chilean community
• Calgary and Edmonton (Alberta): Mining and energy professionals

Cultural Organizations

• Chilean Canadian associations: In Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver
• Latin American community centres: Settlement services in Spanish
• Chilean cultural events: Independence Day celebrations, music events

Key Resources

• Express Entry overview — IRCC
• Registro Civil — Antecedentes
• Canadian Embassy in Chile
• WES — World Education Services
• IELTS — Book a test