Express Entry
Express Entry is a system that manages immigration applications for skilled workers in Canada. It is administered by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and allows candidates to apply for permanent residence through three immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. The Express Entry system allows IRCC to quickly process applications and invite the most qualified candidates to apply for permanent residence. To be eligible to apply through Express Entry, candidates must meet the requirements of one of the immigration programs and score a certain number of points based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language ability.
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
If you’re eligible for one of the above programs, you can also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program. If you’re nominated, you’ll get extra points so you can be invited to apply quickly.
What is the Canadian Express Entry System?
Express Entry is a program in Canada that allows skilled workers and their families to become permanent residents. It was launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) in 2015 to expedite the immigration process for skilled workers, who are in high demand in Canada. To apply through Express Entry, candidates must create a profile and meet the requirements of one of three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class. Their profiles are ranked based on various factors and the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws. The processing time for Express Entry is typically around six months.
How Does the Canada Express Entry System work?
To apply for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry system, candidates must create a profile and provide information about themselves, including their age, education, language skills, work experience, and marital status. This information is used to calculate a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which determines the candidate's eligibility for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Age
Education
Language Skills
Work experience
Marital Status
Links to Canada
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) uses the information provided in a candidate's Express Entry profile to calculate a score, which is used to determine the candidate's eligibility for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. The CRS score is out of 1200 and takes into account the candidate's age, education, language skills, work experience, and other factors such as skills transferability, French language skills, and post-secondary education in Canada.
Skills Transferability
French Language Skills
If any of their post-secondary education was in Canada
If they have a Canadian job offer
If they have a Provincial Nomination
Once a candidate's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is determined, they are entered into the Express Entry pool. Regular draws are held every two weeks, during which candidates with a CRS score above a certain threshold are invited to apply for permanent residence through an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The minimum score required for an ITA may vary with each draw, depending on the size and strength of the Express Entry pool at the time of the draw.
How to Apply for Express Entry Canada
There are five steps involved in obtaining permanent residency status.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Verifying your eligibility is a crucial first step in the process of applying for Canada Express Entry. Each program has specific requirements, but there are some general eligibility criteria that apply to all programs within Express Entry. It is important to make sure that you meet these requirements before proceeding with your application.
Step 2: Calculate Your CRS Score
After checking your eligibility, it is advisable to calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This will give you an idea of your chances of being selected in the Express Entry draws. You can use the CRS calculator provided by the Government of Canada on their website to determine your score. If you prefer, you can also get an estimate of your CRS score from a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant by clicking the button provided.
If you want to increase your chances of being selected in the Express Entry draws, you can try to improve your CRS score. There are several ways to do this, both major and minor. Here is a guide on how to maximize your CRS score and increase your chances of obtaining permanent residence in Canada.
Step 3: Gather Your Documents
After verifying your eligibility and optimizing your CRS score, it's time to create your Express Entry profile. To do this, you will need to gather a number of documents that accurately reflect your personal and professional information. It is advisable to have these documents ready before you submit your application, as you will only have 60 days to gather them once you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA). The required documents include:
Passport
National Occupation Classification (NOC)
This is the Canadian classification for your current job, explicitly referring to the type and level of your employment.
Education credential assessment report
This assessment is done on your education to ensure it matches Canadian standards.
Recent language tests;
- Proof of funds showing have sufficient settlement funds
To know how much money you need to get permanent residency, have a look at this step-by-step breakdown.
- Police certificates;
- Results of a medical exam from certified health professionals;
- Job letters from past employers legitimize your work experience.
- Canadian job offer (If you have one)
- Provincial Nomination (If you have one)
Step 4: Create Your Express Entry Profile
To ensure that you are fully prepared to create an Express Entry profile on the Canadian government's website, it is important to gather all necessary documentation and review your CRS score. While the government has made the process as straightforward as possible, you may want to consider consulting a guide for additional information on how to make your profile stand out. This can increase your chances of being accepted into the program and ultimately achieving your goal of moving to Canada.
Step 5: Get an ITA, Pay Your Fees and Apply
To stay updated on your Express Entry application and determine your eligibility for the program, it is essential to monitor each draw and check the minimum requirements. If you meet the criteria, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through your profile. Upon receiving an ITA, you will have a limited time frame of 60 days to complete the required processing fees and provide any necessary supporting documentation. It is important to be aware of the processing fees associated with your application and to have all necessary materials ready in order to efficiently complete the process within the allotted time period.
All Aboard The Canadian Express!
With the necessary information in hand, you are now ready to begin your journey towards obtaining permanent residency in Canada through the Express Entry program. To increase your chances of success, it is important to ensure that your documentation is valid, your CRS score is high, and you have the support of a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC). By clicking the button below, you can access assistance from an RCIC who can validate your documentation, help improve your CRS score, and provide guidance throughout the application process. This can make the process of becoming a permanent resident in Canada as smooth and successful as possible.