What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s primary immigration system for skilled workers, designed to efficiently manage applications for permanent residency. It is a points-based system that ranks candidates based on their qualifications and likelihood to contribute to the Canadian economy. The system has replaced the traditional “first come, first served” model with one that prioritizes applicants according to their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Key Points About Express Entry:
- Not an Immigration Program Itself: Express Entry is a system used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for three federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
How Express Entry Works:
Candidates create an online profile with their details such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and more. Based on this, they receive a CRS score (up to 1,200 points). The top-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency through regular Canada Express Entry Draws, which typically happen every two weeks.
How To Apply for Express Entry:
1. Create Your Express Entry Profile:
Begin by setting up your profile on the Canadian government’s Express Entry portal. Include your personal details, work experience, education, and language proficiency.
2. Ensure Your Eligibility:
You must meet specific criteria, such as having skilled work experience, education, and proficiency in either English or French, among others, to be eligible for the system.
3. Choose Your Express Entry Program:
Depending on your skills and qualifications, choose the most suitable program:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
4. Receive Your CRS Score:
Your CRS score is assigned based on your profile information. This score determines your rank in the Express Entry pool.
5. Enter the Canada Express Entry Draw:
Once you have a CRS score, you are placed into the pool and wait for the next draw. The highest-ranked candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
6. Receive Your Invitation to Apply (ITA):
If selected in an Express Entry draw, you will receive an ITA, giving you 60 days to submit your full application for permanent residency.
7. Submit Your Application:
After receiving your ITA, prepare and submit the necessary documents:
- Passport
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Language test results
- Proof of funds
- Police certificates
- Medical exam results
- Job letters to confirm work experience
Benefits of Express Entry:
- Fast Processing: Applications for permanent residency are processed in about 6 months for successful candidates.
- Tailored to Skilled Workers: The system prioritizes skilled workers, ensuring Canada attracts individuals who can contribute economically.
- Improvement Opportunities: Candidates can improve their CRS score over time by gaining more work experience, better language test scores, or provincial nominations.
With Express Entry, Canada ensures that the immigration process is streamlined, fair, and based on merit, benefiting both the applicants and the Canadian economy.
