Express Entry from Bangladesh

Overview for Bangladeshi Applicants

Bangladesh is a growing source country for Canadian immigration, with the Bangladeshi Canadian community now exceeding 70,000 people. Bangladeshi applicants to Express Entry are predominantly skilled professionals in IT, engineering, garment industry management, banking, and education.

Canada's strong job market, quality of life, and welcoming immigration policies attract an increasing number of Bangladeshi professionals each year. The community in Canada is well-established with cultural organizations, mosques, and community centres in major cities.

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

• Information technology: Bangladesh's booming IT and outsourcing sector produces strong candidates
• Engineering: Textile engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering
• Banking and finance: Financial analysis, banking operations
• Garment industry management: Supply chain, production management
• Education: University teaching, research

Language Tests Available in Bangladesh

IELTS (General Training)

IELTS is widely available in Bangladesh:

• Dhaka: Multiple centres across the city including in Gulshan, Dhanmondi, and Uttara
• Chittagong: Test centres available
• Sylhet, Rajshahi, Khulna: Periodic test sessions

English is widely used in Bangladeshi higher education and business, giving many applicants a solid foundation.

PTE Core

PTE Core is available in Dhaka.

French Language Tests

Alliance Francaise Dhaka offers TEF and TCF Canada.

Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Bangladeshi Education System

• Four-year bachelor's degrees (B.Sc., B.A., BBA) from UGC-recognized universities: Assessed as equivalent to Canadian bachelor's degrees
• Master's degrees (M.Sc., MBA): Assessed at Canadian master's level
• Three-year pass degrees: May be assessed below Canadian bachelor's level
• Diplomas from polytechnic institutes: Assessed below bachelor's level

ECA Process

• WES: Most popular. Requires transcripts sent directly from your Bangladeshi institution.
• IQAS: Also accepts Bangladeshi credentials

Ensure your institution is recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh.

Tips

• Request original transcripts and provisional certificates early, as processing can be slow
• National University affiliates should contact the National University directly for transcript verification
• Private university transcripts are generally processed faster

Documents Specific to Bangladesh

Police Clearance Certificate

Bangladeshi applicants need a Police Clearance Certificate from the Bangladesh Police:

1. Apply through the Bangladesh Police website or visit the local police station (thana)
2. Submit: National ID, passport, photographs, and application form
3. Fingerprinting: Done at the police station
4. Verification: Local police conduct a verification visit
5. Processing: Typically 2 to 6 weeks, but can be longer

Medical Examination

IRCC panel physicians in Bangladesh:

• Dhaka: Several designated clinics
• Chittagong: Limited availability

Additional Documents

• National ID (NID) card: Primary identity document
• Birth certificate: From the local municipal office or union council
• Marriage certificate (Kabinnama): If applicable, with certified English translation
• Employment reference letters: On company letterhead with specific duties and dates

CRS Score Tips for Bangladeshi Applicants

Typical CRS Profile

• Age: 27-35 years
• Education: Bachelor's or master's degree
• Work experience: 3-6 years in IT, engineering, or banking
• IELTS: 6.5-7.0 overall
• CRS score: 420-460 (single applicant)

How to Improve Your CRS Score

1. Focus on IELTS preparation: Professional coaching centres in Dhaka offer intensive IELTS courses. Target CLB 9+ for maximum language points.

2. Complete a master's degree: If you hold only a bachelor's, a master's adds significant points.

3. Learn French: Alliance Francaise Dhaka offers French courses. French proficiency adds CRS points and opens francophone-specific draws.

4. Provincial Nominee Program: Atlantic provinces, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan welcome Bangladeshi applicants. A nomination adds 600 points.

5. Gain additional work experience: More years of skilled work increase your CRS score.

Settlement in Canada

Bangladeshi Communities Across Canada

• Toronto and GTA (Ontario): The largest Bangladeshi community, concentrated in Scarborough, Mississauga, and Ajax
• Montreal (Quebec): Growing community, particularly in Parc Extension
• Ottawa (Ontario): Bangladeshi community with government and tech employment
• Vancouver (BC): Smaller but growing community
• Winnipeg (Manitoba): Emerging community

Cultural Organizations

• Bangladesh Canada Association: Active in Toronto and other cities
• Mosques and community centres: Major gathering points for the community
• Bangla cultural events: Pohela Boishakh (Bengali New Year) celebrations across Canada
• Settlement agencies: Offering Bengali-language services in Toronto

Key Resources

• Express Entry overview — IRCC
• Police certificates — Bangladesh
• Canadian High Commission in Bangladesh
• WES — World Education Services
• IELTS — Book a test