Everything You Need to Know About Canada Express Entry

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online immigration application system used by the Canadian government to manage and process applications for three federal economic immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Additionally, some provinces and territories use the Express Entry system to manage their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP).

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Express Entry, applicants must meet the minimum requirements of one of the three federal immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Work Experience: At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B) within the last ten years.
Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in English or French.
Education: Secondary education credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if obtained outside Canada.
Points System: Score at least 67 points out of 100 based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the last five years.
Job Offer or Certification: A valid job offer for full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB level 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB level 4 in reading and writing.

3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, gained within the last three years, in a NOC 0, A, or B occupation.
Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB level 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, and CLB level 5 for NOC B jobs.

The Express Entry Process

Create an Online Profile

Applicants start by creating an online Express Entry profile where they provide information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other personal details. If eligible, applicants are placed into the Express Entry pool and ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS assigns points to candidates based on various factors:

Core Human Capital Factors: Age, education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience.
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors: Education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience.
Skill Transferability Factors: Combination of education, foreign work experience, and Canadian work experience.
Additional Factors: Provincial nomination, a valid job offer, Canadian education, siblings in Canada, French language proficiency, etc.

Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The Canadian government conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool, inviting the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency. If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency.

Submit Application for Permanent Residence

Candidates must submit detailed documents supporting their application, including police certificates, medical exams, proof of funds, and other relevant documents. The application is processed within six months or less.

Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if applicable). You can then move to Canada and complete the final steps of your immigration process.

Tips for Improving Your CRS Score

Improve Language Scores: Retake language tests to achieve higher scores in English (IELTS) or French (TEF).
Education: Complete additional education or obtain an ECA for existing qualifications.
Work Experience: Gain more skilled work experience or acquire Canadian work experience.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Apply for a provincial nomination to gain additional CRS points.
Job Offer: Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in a skilled occupation.
Spousal Factors: If applicable, include your spouse’s education, language proficiency, and work experience to gain additional points.

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Some provinces and territories in Canada have their own immigration programs that are aligned with Express Entry. These programs, known as Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), allow provinces to nominate candidates who meet specific criteria set by the province. A provincial nomination significantly boosts your CRS score by 600 points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw.

Conclusion

Canada’s Express Entry system offers a streamlined and efficient pathway for skilled immigrants to gain permanent residency. By understanding the eligibility requirements, navigating the CRS, and utilizing strategies to improve your score, you can enhance your chances of receiving an ITA. Additionally, leveraging Provincial Nominee Programs can provide a significant advantage in the application process. Whether you are a skilled worker, a tradesperson, or have Canadian work experience, Express Entry is designed to attract individuals who will contribute to Canada’s economy and society.