Express Entry from Syria

Overview for Syrian Applicants

Syria has become a notable source country for Canadian immigration. The Syrian Canadian community has grown significantly, now numbering over 70,000 people, with many arriving through humanitarian resettlement programs and family sponsorship. An increasing number of Syrian professionals are also using economic immigration pathways like Express Entry.

Many Syrian Express Entry applicants are skilled professionals in engineering, medicine, pharmacy, IT, and education. A significant portion apply from third countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Germany, or other European nations where they have resettled.

Syria's education system, historically strong in medicine, engineering, and sciences, produces well-qualified graduates, though credential verification may require additional steps due to the conflict situation.

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. Some Syrians have French ability from francophone schooling.
• Education: Post-secondary credential with an ECA
• Selection grid: Minimum 67 out of 100

Sector Strengths

• Medicine: Physicians, pharmacists, dentists
• Engineering: Civil, electrical, mechanical, architectural engineering
• Pharmacy: Strong pharmaceutical education tradition
• IT: Software development, network administration
• Education: Teaching, translation

Language Tests Available

Language tests are typically taken in the applicant's current country of residence:

• Turkey (Istanbul, Ankara, Gaziantep): IELTS and PTE Core
• Lebanon (Beirut): IELTS available
• Jordan (Amman): IELTS available
• Germany, Sweden, Netherlands: For Syrians in Europe, IELTS and PTE Core widely available

French Language Tests

Syria historically had French-language schools, and some Syrian applicants have French proficiency. TEF/TCF are available in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and European countries.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Syrian Education System

• Five-year bachelor's degrees in engineering: Assessed at bachelor's level or potentially higher
• Six-year medical degrees: Assessed at bachelor's level for immigration
• Five-year pharmacy degrees: Assessed at bachelor's level
• Four-year bachelor's degrees: Assessed as equivalent to Canadian bachelor's degrees
• Master's and doctoral degrees: Assessed at equivalent Canadian levels

ECA Challenges and Solutions

• Document retrieval: Obtaining transcripts from Syrian universities may be difficult. WES and IQAS have experience with credentials from conflict-affected countries.
• Alternative verification: Some ECA organizations accept alternative forms of verification when institutional records are unavailable.
• Third country education: If you completed additional education in your country of refuge, that credential may be assessed separately.

Documents Specific to Syria

Police Clearance Certificate

Obtaining police certificates from Syria is extremely challenging:

• IRCC flexibility: IRCC may provide alternative arrangements for applicants unable to obtain Syrian police certificates
• Third country certificates: Obtain police certificates from all countries where you have resided since leaving Syria
• Check current IRCC guidance: Policies are regularly updated for applicants from conflict-affected countries

Medical Examination

Complete your medical exam in your current country of residence with an IRCC-designated panel physician.

Additional Documents

• Syrian ID or passport: If available
• Birth certificate: If available, or statutory declaration
• Marriage certificate: If applicable
• Educational documents: Originals with English translations
• Employment reference letters: From employers in Syria or third countries

CRS Score Tips for Syrian Applicants

How to Improve Your CRS Score

1. Invest in English/French preparation: Language scores are critical. Access intensive courses in your country of residence.
2. Leverage French ability: Syrians with French schooling can use the bilingual CRS bonus.
3. Document work experience carefully: Ensure all skilled work experience, whether in Syria or third countries, is properly documented.
4. Provincial Nominee Program: Consider PNP for an additional 600 CRS points.
5. Canadian education: If feasible, studying in Canada provides education and work experience points.

Settlement in Canada

Syrian Communities Across Canada

• Toronto and GTA (Ontario): Large Syrian community in Mississauga, Scarborough, and North York
• Montreal (Quebec): Significant Syrian community, particularly Francophone Syrians
• Calgary and Edmonton (Alberta): Growing communities
• Ottawa (Ontario): Syrian community with settlement support
• Winnipeg (Manitoba): Emerging community
• Kitchener-Waterloo, London, Hamilton (Ontario): Resettlement communities

Cultural Organizations

• Syrian Canadian Foundation: National organization
• Syrian community associations: Active in major cities
• Mosques, Orthodox and Catholic churches: Community centres
• Settlement agencies: With Arabic-language services across Canada
• Syrian professional networks: Medical and engineering associations

Key Resources

• Express Entry overview — IRCC
• WES — World Education Services
• IELTS — Book a test