Express Entry from Romania

Overview for Romanian Applicants

Romania is a notable European source country for Canadian immigration. The Romanian Canadian community is well-established, with concentrations in Toronto, Montreal, and Western Canada. Romania's strong technical education system, particularly in IT, engineering, and mathematics, produces graduates who are competitive in the Canadian labor market.

Romania has become one of Europe's leading IT outsourcing destinations, and Romanian software developers, engineers, and tech professionals are increasingly using Express Entry to immigrate to Canada. As a Romance language speaker, Romanians also have a significant advantage in learning French, which can boost CRS scores.

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. Romanian speakers have an advantage in learning French.
• Education: Post-secondary credential with an ECA
• Selection grid: Minimum 67 out of 100

Sector Strengths

• IT and software development: Romania's tech sector is among the strongest in Eastern Europe
• Engineering: Automotive, mechanical, electrical
• Mathematics and computer science: Strong academic tradition
• Healthcare: Medicine, dentistry
• Finance: Banking, accounting

Language Tests Available in Romania

IELTS (General Training)

• Bucharest: Multiple centres
• Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, Iasi: Test centres available

English proficiency is strong among Romanian IT professionals and younger graduates.

French Language Tests (TEF/TCF)

Institut Francais centres in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara, and Iasi offer TEF and TCF. Romanian is a Romance language closely related to French, giving Romanians a significant advantage in French learning. Many Romanians already study French in school.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Romanian Education System

Romania follows the Bologna Process:

• Licenta (3-4 years): Assessed as equivalent to Canadian bachelor's degree
• Master (2 years): Assessed at Canadian master's level
• Doctorat: Assessed at doctoral level
• Diploma de inginer (pre-Bologna, 5 years): Assessed at master's level

ECA Process

• WES: Requires transcripts and diploma with certified English translation.
• IQAS: Also accepts Romanian credentials

Documents Specific to Romania

Police Clearance Certificate

Romanian applicants need a Cazier Judiciar (Criminal Record Certificate):

1. Apply online through the Romanian Police website or at the local police station
2. Processing: Usually 3 to 5 business days
3. For Romanians abroad: Apply through the Romanian consulate

Medical Examination

IRCC panel physicians in Romania:

• Bucharest: Panel physicians available

Additional Documents

• Carte de identitate (CI): Romanian national ID
• Certificat de nastere: Birth certificate
• Certificat de casatorie: Marriage certificate if applicable
• Employment reference letters: Translated into English

CRS Score Tips for Romanian Applicants

1. Leverage French advantage: Romanian-French linguistic similarity makes French learning highly efficient. Achieving NCLC 7+ can add 20-30 CRS points through bilingual bonus.
2. Maximize English scores: Push for CLB 9-10.
3. IT sector draws: STEM category-based draws align well with Romanian tech professionals.
4. Provincial Nominee Program: Ontario, BC, and Atlantic provinces welcome Romanian professionals.
5. Master's degree: Common in Romanian education, providing strong CRS foundation.

Settlement in Canada

Romanian Communities Across Canada

• Toronto (Ontario): Largest Romanian community
• Montreal (Quebec): Romanian community with strong francophone ties
• Calgary and Edmonton (Alberta): Growing communities
• Vancouver (BC): Smaller Romanian community

Cultural Organizations

• Romanian Canadian community organizations: In Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary
• Romanian Orthodox churches: Community centres
• Romanian cultural festivals: Music, food, and heritage events
• Professional networks: Particularly in IT and engineering

Key Resources

• Express Entry overview — IRCC
• Canadian Embassy in Romania
• WES — World Education Services
• IELTS — Book a test