Are you looking for Canada PR as a Cook?
Getting Canadian permanent residency as a cook in Canada can be pretty competitive. The Express Entry system prioritizes candidates based on education, work experience, and language proficiency, meaning those in higher TEER categories often have an advantage.
However, IRCC introduced a major update to the Express Entry system, allowing certain skilled professionals, including cooks, to obtain Canadian permanent residence at a lower Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score. This type of category-based selection was introduced in June 2023 and subsequently updated on February 27, 2025.
When applying for Express Entry, there are several specific requirements you need to meet. It’s important to understand these criteria in order to determine your eligibility for the program. In this blog, we will walk you through the key factors you should consider, including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more.
Eligibility Criteria for Cooks (NOC 63200)
Here are some specific requirements one should qualify for, have a look:
Job Duties That Qualify
- You have to prepare meals from scratch. This implies you use raw materials to cook rather than just warming frozen or pre-made meals.
- If you oversee other kitchen personnel, assist with meal planning, and control kitchen supplies.
- You could be a hospital, grill, apprentice, institutional, or line cook.
Who is NOT eligible?
- Fast-food workers like those at McDonald’s or Tim Hortons are omitted. Their code differs (NOC 65201).
- Chefs have a separate code (NOC 62200) and separate regulations. This Targeted Express Entry is only for cooks, not chefs.
Express Entry Requirements for Cooks
Cooks can qualify for Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry under three main programs:
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
These are the basic requirements of the program that you need to meet as a cook:
- Work Experience: You need at least 2 years of full-time (or equal part-time) paid work as a cook in the last 5 years.
- Job Offer or Certification: You must have either a valid job offer for at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority.
- Education: No specific education is required, but having a secondary school (high school) education helps. Post-secondary training is not needed, but it can strengthen your application.
- Language: You must pass a language test (English or French) with minimum scores (CLB 4 in all abilities).
- Proof of funds: You must provide proof of funds to show you can support yourself and your family in Canada.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Work Experience: At least 1 year of continuous, paid, full-time (or equal part-time) work as a cook in the last 10 years.
- Education: You must have finished high school (secondary education). You need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education is from outside Canada.
- Language: You must pass an approved language test with higher scores than FSTP (usually CLB 7 in all abilities).
- Points System: You need at least 67 points on the FSW selection grid, which includes age, education, language, and work experience.
- NOC Code: Your experience must match the correct NOC (63200 for cooks) under TEER 2.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Work Experience: At least 1 year of paid, skilled work in Canada as a cook in the last 3 years.
- Education: No education requirement, but having a Canadian education can give you more points.
- Language: You must pass a language test (usually CLB 5 for jobs like a cook).
- Proof of funds: You do not need to provide proof of funds.
Important Notes
- If you are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer, you do not need to provide proof of funds, even if applying under FSWP or FSTP.
- Fast-food cooks and food counter attendants (NOC 65201) do not qualify under the skilled cook category. Your experience must be as a real cook, preparing full meals, not just reheating or serving pre-made food.
- A Job Offer is only required for FSTP, not for FSWP or CEC, but it can provide extra points.
- Language and Education: All programs require a language test. Only FSWP requires proof of education, but education can help your score in any program.
Step-by-Step Application Process: Canada PR for Cooks
If you would like to apply for cooks via the Express Entry, follow these instructions:
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Check Your Job Duties: Ensure you perform actual cooking from start to finish, not just reheating food. Your job must match NOC 63200.
- Gather Work Experience: You need at least 2 years of paid cooking work in the last 5 years. Part-time work counts if it adds up to a full-time equivalent.
- Take a Language Test: You need CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
- Obtain a Job Offer or Trade Certificate: You must have a job offer for at least one year or a Canadian trade certificate, such as a Red Seal.
- Make Your Express Entry Profile: Create your profile online and add your work, language, and job offer or certificate details.
- Wait for a Category-Based Draw for Trade Occupations: Stay in the pool and wait for a draw for cooks or skilled trades.
- Apply if Invited: If you get an Invitation to apply, send your complete Canada PR application, medical check, and police check.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Check Your Job Duties: Ensure you perform full meal cooking, matching the NOC 63200.
- Gather Work Experience: You need at least 1 year of continuous, paid cooking work in the last 10 years. Part-time work counts if it adds up.
- Take a Language Test: You need CLB 7 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If you studied outside of Canada, have your school records evaluated to ensure they meet Canadian standards.
- Make Your Express Entry Profile: Create your profile online and add your work, language, and education details.
- Calculate Your Points: You must score at least 67 points on the FSWP grid (age, education, work, language, etc.).
- Wait for a Category-Based Draw for Trade Occupations: Stay in the pool and wait for a draw.
- Apply if Invited: If you get an Invitation to Apply, send your full application, medical check, and police check.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Check Your Job Duties: Make sure your job matches NOC 63200, doing real cooking.
- Gather Work Experience: You need at least 1 year of paid cooking work in Canada in the last 3 years. Part-time work counts if it adds up.
- Take a Language Test: You need CLB 5 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Make Your Express Entry Profile: Create your profile online and add your Canadian work and language test results.
- Wait for a Category-Based Draw for Trade Occupations: Stay in the pool and wait for a draw.
- Apply if Invited: If you get an Invitation to apply, send your complete application for Canada PR, medical check, and police check.
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Avoid Mistakes While Applying for Canada PR as a Cook
- If you just worked in fast food, do not claim to be a cook. Jobs in fast food do not qualify for the Cook occupation; thus, they do not qualify for Express Entry.
- Your reference letters from previous employment should include your actual cooking and supervisory responsibilities rather than just your work title.
- Remember the Red Seal certificate. Though not required, it may be helpful.
- Review your papers again. Missing or incorrect documentation might delay or halt your application.
Benefits of Red Seal Endorsement
- Without obtaining a new qualification, you may work as a cook anywhere in Canada.
- Employers prefer the Red Seal; hence, you may find better work and earn more money.
- It enables you to advance in your profession, such as to a kitchen manager or supervisor.
Tips to Strengthen Your Canada PR Application
- Obtain excellent reference letters stating that you oversee people and cook from scratch.
- Consider taking additional courses, such as the Red Seal program or food safety training.
- Prove you worked in hotels, hospitals, or catering businesses as well, not simply fast food outlets.
- Aim for better results on your language exam. Knowing French will also benefit your score.
Take the Next Step with Elaar Immigration
Team Elaar will assist you if you want to immigrate to Canada as a Cook. Our professionals can guide you through each stage and possess extensive knowledge about the Express Entry process for cooks. We will verify your profile, help you prepare your documents, and ensure the strength of your application.
