Canada: Express Entry to Canada

Overview of Canada Express Entry

Canada Express Entry is an immigration system that is designed to streamline the process of selecting skilled workers to come and work in Canada. It is a point-based system that evaluates candidates based on factors such as their language ability, education, work experience, and age. The program is composed of three express entry programs, which are the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.

Candidates who are eligible for Express Entry can create an Express Entry profile and enter into the Express Entry pool. Once a candidate is in the pool, they can be selected in an express entry draw. The Comprehensive Ranking System is used to rank candidates in the pool and the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency.

To be eligible for Express Entry, candidates must meet certain criteria, including a minimum level of language ability, educational credential assessment, and work experience. They must also provide supporting documents to prove their eligibility.

The Express Entry program is one of Canada’s economic immigration programs, and it is a popular option for individuals who wish to obtain Canadian permanent resident status. Once a candidate has been approved for permanent residency, they can work and live in Canada permanently. They can also apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting the necessary requirements.

The CGM App is designed for expats, sponsoring companies and business immigration advisors. Click here to get started 

Who is eligible for Express Entry?

To be eligible for Canada’s Express Entry program, individuals must meet the criteria for at least one of the three programs under Express Entry:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program: This program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. To be eligible, candidates must have:

• At least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in a skilled occupation in the last ten years
• A minimum level of language proficiency in English or French
• A Canadian secondary or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report proving that their foreign education is equal to a Canadian one.

2. Federal Skilled Trades Program: This program is for skilled tradespeople with experience in specific occupations who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. To be eligible, candidates must have:

• At least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade in the last five years
• A job offer from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory
• A minimum level of language proficiency in English or French.

3. Canadian Experience Class: This program is for individuals who have worked in Canada in a skilled occupation for at least one year and want to become permanent residents. To be eligible, candidates must have:

• At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years
• A minimum level of language proficiency in English or French.

In addition to meeting the criteria for one of these programs, candidates must also meet the following requirements to be eligible for Express Entry:

• Score a minimum of 67 points out of 100 on the Federal Skilled Worker Program point grid
• Meet the minimum language requirements for their chosen program
• Have sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members in Canada
• Pass a medical exam and security clearance
• Create an online Express Entry profile and be accepted into the Express Entry pool.

Benefits of using the Canada Express Entry system

There are several benefits to using the Canada Express Entry system, some of which includes:

1. Faster processing times: The Express Entry system has significantly reduced the processing time for permanent residency applications. Most applications are processed within six months or less.
2. Easy to use: The system is entirely online, making it easy to use and accessible from anywhere in the world.
3. Improved chances of success: The Express Entry system uses a points-based system to rank candidates based on their skills, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other factors. This means that candidates with higher scores have a better chance of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for Canada Express Entry, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Educational requirements: you must have a minimum of a secondary school diploma, certificate or degree from a recognized institution.
2. Language proficiency requirements: you must be proficient in English or French, which are Canada’s two official languages. You must take an approved language test and obtain a minimum score to demonstrate your language proficiency.
3. Work experience requirements: you must have at least one year of skilled work experience in a skilled occupation, which is classified as National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Type 0, A, or B.
4. Other eligibility requirements: you must be admissible to Canada and not have any criminal convictions or medical conditions that would render you inadmissible. You must also meet the minimum eligibility requirements for one of Canada’s economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.

The CGM App is designed for expats, sponsoring companies and business immigration advisors. Click here to get started 

Application Process for Express Entry

The application process for Express Entry includes the following steps:

1. Create an Express Entry profile: Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements for Express Entry can create an online profile through the IRCC website. The profile includes information about their education, work experience, language proficiency, and other details.
2. Obtain language test results: Candidates must provide valid language test results from a designated organization. The results are used to calculate their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
3. Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Candidates must get their foreign educational credentials assessed by a designated organization to show that their education is equivalent to Canadian standards.
4. Enter the Express Entry pool: Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and have completed their Express Entry profile can enter the pool of candidates.
5. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates who have a high enough CRS score will be invited to apply for permanent residency through an ITA. ITAs are issued through regular Express Entry draws that take place approximately every two weeks.
6. Submit a complete application for permanent residency: Candidates who receive an ITA have 90 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency. The application includes supporting documents, such as police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds.
7. Receive confirmation of permanent residency: Once the application is processed, candidates who meet all the requirements will receive confirmation of permanent residency.

The entire application process for Express Entry is done online, and candidates can track the status of their application through their online account. The process is designed to be fast and efficient, with most applications processed within six months.

How much does Express Entry cost?

There are several fees associated with the Express Entry process. The fees are subject to change, so it’s important to check the Government of Canada’s website for the most up-to-date information.

Here are the current fees associated with the Express Entry process:

1. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Depending on the organization you choose to evaluate your education, the cost of an ECA can vary. Fees range from approximately $200 to $400 CAD.
2. Language tests: Candidates must take an approved language test to prove their language proficiency. The cost of the language test varies depending on the organization and location, but it typically ranges from $200 to $300 CAD.
3. Express Entry application fee: Candidates who receive an invitation to apply (ITA) must pay an application fee of $825 CAD.
4. Biometrics fee: Candidates must provide their biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph) as part of the application process. The biometrics fee is $85 CAD per person.
5. Permanent resident fee: If a candidate’s application is approved, they must pay a permanent resident fee of $500 CAD per adult applicant. Children under the age of 22 do not have to pay this fee.

It’s important to note that these fees are in addition to any other costs associated with moving to Canada, such as travel expenses, housing costs, and healthcare expenses.

How are Express Entry points are calculated?

The Express Entry points system is used to rank eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded based on various factors, including a candidate’s age, language proficiency, education, work experience, and other factors that could contribute to their ability to succeed in Canada’s labour market.

Here’s a breakdown of how Express Entry points are calculated:

1. Core human capital factors: Candidates can earn up to 500 points based on their age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. The maximum points breakdown for each factor are as follows:

• Age: Maximum of 110 points
• Education: Maximum of 150 points
• Language proficiency: Maximum of 136 points (English and/or French)
• Work experience: Maximum of 80 points

2. Spouse or common-law partner factors: Candidates can earn up to 40 points if their spouse or common-law partner also meets certain language, education, and work experience requirements.
3. Skill transferability factors: Candidates can earn up to 100 points if they have a combination of education, work experience, and language proficiency that could help them adapt to the Canadian labour market.
4. Additional factors: Candidates can earn up to 600 points for factors such as a job offer in Canada, a provincial nomination, or a Canadian education or work experience.

The total number of points a candidate can earn is 1,200. The highest-scoring candidates in the Express Entry pool are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada.

It’s important to note that meeting the minimum eligibility requirements for one of the Express Entry programs does not guarantee that a candidate will receive an ITA. The competition for ITAs can be high, and the number of ITAs issued is subject to regular changes based on Canada’s immigration goals and priorities.

Provincial Nominee Programs

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are another pathway to Canadian permanent residency. PNPs allow provinces and territories in Canada to nominate eligible candidates who meet their specific labour market needs and economic development goals for permanent residency. Each province and territory in Canada has its own PNP, and each program has its own set of criteria, streams, and categories.

To apply for a PNP, candidates must first complete an Expression of Interest (EOI) or submit an application directly to the province or territory. Once a candidate is nominated by a province or territory, they can then apply for permanent residency through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

PNPs typically target individuals with specific skills, work experience, and language proficiency in-demand in a particular province or territory. Some PNPs also offer specific streams for international students who have completed their education in Canada and have a job offer in the province or territory.

To be eligible for a PNP, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Meet the eligibility criteria for one of the PNP streams
• Meet the minimum requirements for language proficiency
• Have a valid job offer in the province or territory
• Have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family members

Each province and territory has its own requirements for PNPs, and the criteria can vary depending on the stream and category. Some PNPs also have specific requirements for international graduates and entrepreneurs.

Overall, PNPs are an excellent option for those who do not qualify for Express Entry but have skills and experience that are in-demand in a particular province or territory. PNPs can provide a pathway to permanent residency and offer an opportunity to live and work in a specific region of Canada.

How PNP relates to Canada Express Entry

Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) and Canada Express Entry are two different immigration programs in Canada, but they are related to each other.

The Express Entry program is a federal program that manages the applications for three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Candidates who are eligible for one of these programs can create an online profile and enter the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

PNPs, on the other hand, are immigration programs run by individual provinces and territories in Canada. Each province and territory has its own PNP, which allows them to nominate candidates who meet their specific economic and demographic needs for permanent residency. PNPs are designed to attract and retain skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors who have the potential to contribute to the local economy.

The Express Entry program and PNPs are related because candidates who are nominated by a province or territory through a PNP can receive additional points towards their CRS score, which can increase their chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency through the Express Entry program. This is known as the Express Entry-aligned PNP stream.

Candidates who are eligible for a PNP can either apply directly to the PNP or they can create an Express Entry profile and indicate which provinces or territories they are interested in. If a province or territory is interested in their profile, they may issue a nomination, which can result in additional CRS points and an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

Express Entry Draw

Express Entry draws are an important part of the Express Entry program in Canada. These draws are held by the Canadian government on a regular basis to select candidates who have applied for permanent residence through the Express Entry program.

During an Express Entry draw, the Canadian government uses a ranking system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to evaluate candidates based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. The CRS score determines a candidate’s rank in the pool of candidates, and only candidates with the highest scores are selected to apply for permanent residence.

To be eligible for an Express Entry draw, candidates must have completed their Express Entry profile and obtained a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score. They must also have a valid Express Entry profile number and be the principal applicant for their application for permanent residence.

Once a candidate is selected in an Express Entry draw, they have 60 days to apply for a permanent residence visa. During this time, they must submit all required documentation, including their language test results, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), and proof of funds. They must also provide proof of a valid job offer from a Canadian company, or have experience in a highly skilled occupation that is in demand in Canada.

Express Entry draws are held approximately every two weeks, and the CRS cut-off score varies from draw to draw. The cut-off score is determined based on the number of candidates in the pool and the number of permanent residence spots available.

Overall, the Express Entry program is an efficient and effective way for highly skilled workers to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Express Entry draws provide a fair and transparent way for candidates to be selected for permanent residence, and the program has helped thousands of people to successfully apply for permanent residence in Canada.

The CGM App is designed for expats, sponsoring companies and business immigration advisors. Click here to get started 

Tips for a Successful Application

To increase your chances of success in the Canada Express Entry system, consider the following tips:

Factors that increase CRS score

• Improving your language proficiency
• Obtaining additional education or certifications
• Gaining more work experience
• Obtaining a job offer from a Canadian employer
• Applying for a Provincial Nominee Program

Steps to increase the chances of receiving an ITA

• Ensure that your profile is complete and accurate
• Maximize your CRS score
• Be prepared to submit your application quickly if you receive an ITA
• Consult with an immigration lawyer or consultant for guidance

Common mistakes to avoid in the application process

• Providing incomplete or inaccurate information
• Failing to meet eligibility requirements
• Missing deadlines or failing to submit required documentation
• Not responding promptly to requests for additional information

Conclusion

Canada’s Express Entry system is a highly efficient and effective online system for managing economic immigration programs. It allows Express Entry candidates to submit their profiles online, and those who meet the minimum requirements are entered into a pool where they are ranked based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

The Canadian government uses the CRS score to issue Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to the highest-scoring candidates, who can then apply for permanent residency in Canada. To be eligible for Express Entry, candidates must meet several requirements, including completing post-secondary education, providing valid language test results, having a valid job offer, and meeting other human capital factors.

Accompanying family members, including dependent children, can also be included in the Express Entry application. Candidates must also demonstrate that they have sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family members once they arrive in Canada.

The Express Entry system provides a fast and efficient way for candidates to apply for Canadian immigration options. It has streamlined the application process and has made it easier for highly skilled workers to come to Canada. The federal government is continuously working to improve the system and make it more accessible to those who want to come to Canada.

Overall, the Express Entry system is an excellent opportunity for candidates to immigrate to Canada based on their language skills, education, work experience, and other factors. It is a significant achievement for Canada’s immigration system and helps the country to meet its economic and social goals.

Frequently asked questions

[faq-schema id=”168869″]