What is Express Entry in Canada: Full Guide

If you're wondering about Express Entry in Canada and whether you're eligible to apply, you're in the right place.

But what is Express Entry in Canada?

The system of Express Entry in Canada oversees immigration applications for different programs.

To be considered, you must first submit an Express Entry profile to the candidate pool.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) then evaluates and ranks all profiles against each other, assigning each candidate a CRS score out of 1200 points.

Depending on your score, you can be selected for an express entry in Canada.

Below, you'll find all you need to know before applying so you can successfully do it.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an electronic system the Canadian government implements to manage applications from skilled workers seeking permanent residency in Canada.

This system is designed to simplify the immigration process and ensure that candidates who are most likely to succeed in the Canadian labor market are selected.

Express Entry oversees three primary federal immigration programs:

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

To submit their profiles through the Express Entry system, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of these programs.

Once a candidate submits an online profile, the federal government assesses their eligibility based on specific criteria.

Eligible candidates are then entered into the Express Entry pool and ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

The score for CRS is decided based on a candidate’s age, education, work experience, language skills, and other relevant factors.

The Canadian government then selects the highest-scoring candidates from the Express Entry pool and provides them with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

How does Express Entry work?

Express Entry is a straightforward immigration system with two key stages:

Expression of Interest: In the first stage, candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for Express Entry indicate their interest in obtaining Canadian permanent residency by submitting an online profile to the Canadian government.

Invitation Rounds: In the second stage, the government conducts regular rounds of invitations, commonly referred to as "draws," where it invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for immigration to Canada.

At the same time, express Entry features three distinct types of draws:

General rounds of invitation: In these rounds, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) invites candidates with the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores to apply for permanent residency.

Program-specific invitation rounds: These invitations are extended to the highest-scoring candidates who qualify for a specific Express Entry program.

Category-based rounds of invitation: Candidates are invited based on their CRS scores and eligibility for designated categories aimed at achieving specific economic objectives set by the IRCC.

If you are considering applying for permanent residency in Canada through Express Entry, follow these steps:

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility.

Assess whether you qualify for at least one of the Express Entry programs.

Step 2: Complete Required Assessments.

Conduct your language proficiency testing and, if necessary, obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm the equivalency of your education.

Step 3: Submit Your Profile.

Create and submit your Express Entry profile on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

Step 4: Await an Invitation.

Monitor your profile for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency from IRCC, which will be extended to candidates with top CRS scores.

Step 5: Apply for Permanent Residence.

If you receive an ITA, submit your completed Application for Permanent Residence (APR) to IRCC, along with the required fees, medical exam results, and police certificates.

Following this, you will receive an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR) confirming your application has been received.

Step 6: Submit Biometrics.

When requested by IRCC, provide your biometrics as part of the application process.

Step 7: Final Decision.

Wait for IRCC to make a final decision on your application. The agency aims to process applications within six months.

If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if applicable, a permanent resident visa, allowing you to travel to Canada and finalize your landing.

Pros and cons of Express Entry

Like any other immigration path, Express Entry has advantages and disadvantages you need to know before applying.

Let's start with the best of this path:

Express Entry is really fast, with the issuance of permanent resident visas within approximately six months.

The CRS ranking system is based on extensive research that examines several factors contributing to immigrants' success in Canada, such as age, education, work experience, and language skills.

Immigrants selected through Express Entry tend to do well in the job market.

Now let's review the drawbacks:

Unfortunately, Express Entry only invites candidates with the highest CRS scores.

Candidates must constantly seek ways to improve their CRS scores, such as obtaining job offers or provincial nominations, to improve their chances of obtaining an ITA.

Despite these cons, Express Entry is an excellent opportunity for those qualifying.

Who is eligible for Express Entry?

To qualify for Express Entry, candidates must qualify to one of these federal economic immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program serves as Canada’s primary pathway for economic immigration. To be eligible, candidates must fulfill the following minimum criteria:

Canadian Experience Class is designed for international students and foreign workers who have gained Canadian work experience, providing them with a pathway to permanent residence.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed for individuals seeking permanent residency based on their qualifications in a skilled trade.

The ideal candidates for any of these programs are individuals who hold university or college degrees, possess skilled work experience, and have a moderate level of proficiency in either English or French.

How long does the process take?

An Express Entry profile is valid for up to one year. If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), the Canadian government aims to process your permanent residence application within about six months.

The processing timeline begins once the IRCC receives a complete permanent residence application. It ends when a final decision is made regarding the application.

If a candidate doesn't get an ITA within one year after making their Express Entry profile, they can choose to submit their profile again if they still meet the requirements.

What are the requirements for Express Entry Program?

To be eligible for Express Entry as a skilled worker, candidates must meet the following minimum criteria:

At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years.

A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 in either English or French, demonstrated through an approved language test.

Completion of post-secondary education assessed against Canadian standards through an Education Credential Assessment (ECA).

Meeting these requirements does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, as candidates with stronger profiles are prioritized.

How much does Express Entry cost?

The total cost of immigrating to Canada via Express Entry is approximately $2,300 CAD for a single applicant and around $4,500 CAD for a couple.

There are no government fees required to submit your initial Express Entry profile.

Fees are only collected when you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.

However, applying through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) may incur additional provincial immigration fees.

If you are not applying under the Canadian Experience Class program or do not have a valid arranged employment offer, you must show that you have enough money to support yourself in Canada.

Do I need a job offer for Express Entry?

You don't need a job offer for Express Entry. Most candidates chosen for Express Entry don't have a formal Canadian job offer.

But having a valid Canadian job offer can increase your CRS score by up to 200 points.

Conclusions

Express Entry is a federal immigration pathway for skilled foreign workers that offers excellent opportunities to those interested in becoming permanent residents of Canada.

You can expect lightning-fast processing times of six months or less.

One key factor in succeeding in this program is getting your CRS score higher.

You may find it easier to start this journey with the help of professionals who have made the dreams of thousands like you come true.

That's our mission at Parsam Immigration.

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