Skilled immigrant applicants can use the Express Entry system to become permanent residents of Canada.
The Express Entry system manages skilled immigration applications and accepts the applications of those who are most likely to successfully settle in Canada and contribute to Canada’s economy.
Immigration authorities set out to process 80 percent of applications under the Express Entry system within six months.
There is no deadline by which applicants must complete their profiles.
There is also no cap on the number of Express Entry profiles that will are accepted in to the Express Entry pool. The numbers selected from the pool each year will depend on Canada’s annual immigration levels.
Skilled immigration applicants can use the Express Entry system to apply for permanent residence under three federal immigration programs and parts of the Provincial Nominee Program.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canada Experience Class Program
- Provincial Nominee Program (Certain components)
IRCC also introduced category-based rounds of invitations to complement the other types of EE draws. These rounds cater to those holding work experience/language ability/educational background that falls under one of the following professional categories:
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
Step-by-Step Guide to Immigrating to Canada Through Express Entry
Immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry system involves several key steps. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:
Before starting the process, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements for one of the three programs under Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Use the IRCC’s online eligibility tool to check your eligibility.
Collect the documents you’ll need to create your Express Entry profile:
- Passport or travel document
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for foreign degrees
- Proof of funds (if applicable)
- Job offer letter (if applicable)
- Work experience records
- Register for and take an approved English or French language test.
- Achieve scores that meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels for your chosen program.
- If you studied outside Canada, get your foreign education assessed to confirm it’s equivalent to Canadian standards.
- Use an approved organization like WES, ICAS, or IQAS.
- Go to the IRCC Express Entry portal and create an account.
- Complete your profile with details about your education, work experience, language test scores, and other personal information.
- Submit your profile to enter the Express Entry pool.
While in the pool, work on improving your CRS score:
- Retake language tests for higher scores.
- Gain additional work experience.
- Secure a valid Canadian job offer.
- Get a provincial nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
- The Canadian government conducts regular draws to invite top-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence.
- If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cutoff for a draw, you’ll receive an ITA.
After receiving an ITA, gather the documents needed to support your application:
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical exam results
- Proof of funds
- Marriage or birth certificates (if applicable)
Submit a complete application through your IRCC account within 60 days of receiving your ITA.
Pay the application fees, which include:
- Processing fees: CAD 850 (per adult)
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD 515 (per adult)
- Biometrics fee: CAD 85 per person or CAD 170 per family.
Attend a biometrics appointment and undergo a medical examination with a designated panel physician.
- IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within 6 months.
- You can check your application status online through your IRCC account.
If approved, you’ll receive a COPR document and, if applicable, a permanent resident visa.
Ensure you have all required documents for landing, including:
- COPR
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds
- Any supporting documents listed in your visa approval letter.
- Upon arrival in Canada, present your documents to an immigration officer at the port of entry.
- The officer will verify your documents and grant you permanent residence status.
- Apply for a Social Insurance Number (SIN) to work and access government services.
- Find accommodation, settle into your community, and start your journey as a permanent resident.
