Canada Express Entry is the most popular immigration system offering Canadian permanent residence, introduced by the federal government in January 2015 to replace the old “first come, first served” process.
What is Express Entry and how does it work?
Express Entry is not an immigration program in itself, it is an online system created to manage Canada’s immigration intake.
Applicants who meet eligibility criteria submit an online profile known as an Expression of interest (EOI), under one of three federal Canada immigration programs or a participating provincial immigration program, to the Express Entry Pool.
Candidates’ profiles are ranked against each other according to a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranked candidates will be considered for an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Those receiving an ITA must quickly submit a full application and pay the processing fees, within 60 days.
The federal government aims to process complete permanent residence applications in six months.
The Express Entry system is an online application management tool used by the Canadian government to select skilled workers for immigration through three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Eligibility depends on meeting the criteria for one of the three immigration programs managed under Express Entry, including factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled tradespeople with work experience in specific trades.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For people with Canadian work experience.
The CRS is a points-based system used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. It awards points for factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and job offers.
The minimum CRS score varies with each draw and is determined by the Canadian government based on immigration targets.
You can create a profile online through the IRCC website. You’ll need information about your work experience, language test results, educational credentials, and other personal details.
No, a job offer is not required, but it can significantly boost your CRS score by adding up to 200 points.
An ITA is a formal invitation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to submit a complete application for permanent residence. It is issued to candidates with the highest CRS scores during a draw.
Draws are typically held every two weeks, but the frequency and size of the draws can vary.
IRCC aims to process most applications within six months after receiving a complete application.
An ECA is an assessment of your foreign educational credentials to ensure they are equivalent to Canadian standards. It is mandatory for applicants under the FSWP and for those claiming education points.
Accepted tests include:
- English: IELTS General Training and CELPIP General.
- French: TEF Canada and TCF Canada.
Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application for permanent residence.
The amount depends on your family size. For 2024, a single applicant must show CAD 13,757, while a family of four must show CAD 25,564. Proof of funds is not required for applicants under the CEC.
Express Entry is a federal system, while PNPs are provincial. Some provinces have streams aligned with Express Entry, which allow provinces to nominate candidates for permanent residence, adding 600 points to their CRS score.
Yes, you can update your profile with new information, such as improved language test scores, updated work experience, or additional education.
Your profile will remain active in the pool for up to 12 months. If you are not selected within this time, you can create a new profile.
Yes, you can apply from anywhere in the world as long as you meet the program requirements.
After receiving an ITA, you must submit a complete application for permanent residence within 60 days, including supporting documents like police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds.
You can improve your CRS score by:
- Retaking language tests for higher scores.
- Gaining additional work experience.
- Pursuing higher education.
- Securing a valid job offer.
- Obtaining a provincial nomination.
How can we help?
Am I an eligible candidate for Express Entry?
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