Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the fastest and most popular immigration pathways for skilled workers. Launched in 2015, the Express Entry system is a points-based immigration system designed to manage applications for permanent residency under three main federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Express Entry system is a key component of Canada’s efforts to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s economy and workforce. If you meet the eligibility criteria and perform well in the system, Express Entry provides a relatively quick and efficient pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
In this article, we’ll explain how Express Entry works, including the key steps and factors involved in the application process.
1. The Express Entry Pool
At the heart of the Express Entry system is the Express Entry pool. This is where all candidates for permanent residency under the three programs are placed. Candidates are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points for factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria.
Steps to Enter the Express Entry Pool
- Create an Express Entry Profile:
You must first create an online profile on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You’ll need to provide information about your work experience, education, language abilities, and other details. - Eligibility Criteria:
You must meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of the three federal programs:- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): For candidates with skilled work experience outside of Canada.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For candidates with experience in skilled trades.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For candidates who have at least one year of work experience in Canada.
- Submit Your Profile:
After filling out your profile, it will be entered into the Express Entry pool. Your profile will be ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency.
2. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. It assigns points based on various factors:
- Core/Human Capital Factors (Maximum of 500 points): These are based on personal factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency (in English or French).
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors (Maximum of 40 points): If you have a spouse or common-law partner, their education, work experience, and language proficiency can contribute to your CRS score.
- Skill Transferability Factors (Maximum of 100 points): These points are awarded based on your combination of education and work experience.
- Additional Points (Maximum of 600 points): You can earn extra points for factors like having a job offer, a nomination from a province (via Provincial Nominee Programs), or strong French language skills.
Your total CRS score is a combination of these factors. The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points.
3. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The next critical step in the Express Entry process is receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. IRCC conducts regular draws from the pool, usually every two weeks, to invite candidates with the highest CRS scores.
How ITAs Are Issued
- Draws: IRCC selects candidates based on their CRS score, with higher-scoring candidates receiving invitations. The number of ITAs issued in each draw can vary, but it’s often linked to the government’s immigration targets.
- Minimum CRS Score: Each draw has a minimum CRS score cutoff. Candidates who score above this threshold receive an ITA.
Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residency, including all required documents and proof of your claims.
4. Application for Permanent Residency
After receiving an ITA, you need to submit a full application for permanent residency. This includes providing:
- Proof of Funds: You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and any accompanying family members once you arrive in Canada. The required amount depends on your family size.
- Supporting Documents: These documents can include educational credentials, language test results, proof of work experience, and police certificates. You’ll need to submit certified copies of these documents as part of your application.
- Medical Exam and Police Clearance: As part of the process, you and your family members must undergo a medical examination and provide police clearance certificates.
Once your application is complete, IRCC will review it and decide whether to approve your permanent residency. Processing times for applications can vary, but typically, Express Entry applications are processed within six months.
5. Post-Application Process
If your application for permanent residency is approved, you will receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) (if applicable). You will then be able to enter Canada and complete your landing process, officially becoming a Canadian permanent resident.
After Arrival
Once you arrive in Canada, you will need to go through the landing process at the border, where an immigration officer will finalize your permanent residency. After that, you can apply for your Permanent Resident (PR) card, which is your official identification in Canada.
6. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry
Some provinces and territories in Canada have specific programs under the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which allow provinces to nominate individuals who wish to settle in a particular area. If you receive a provincial nomination, you will get an additional 600 CRS points, effectively guaranteeing that you will receive an ITA.
Each province has its own criteria for nomination, and being nominated can greatly improve your chances of getting an ITA.
7. Improving Your CRS Score
If you’re in the Express Entry pool but haven’t received an ITA yet, there are several ways to improve your CRS score:
- Retake Your Language Test: Improving your language proficiency in English or French can significantly increase your score.
- Work Experience: Gaining more work experience, especially if it’s in a highly skilled field, can add to your CRS score.
- Provincial Nomination: Applying to provincial nominee programs can give you an additional 600 points if you are nominated.
- Spouse’s Qualifications: If you’re applying with a spouse, improving their language proficiency or education can increase your total CRS score.
Conclusion
The Express Entry system is a streamlined and efficient way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. By creating a strong profile with high CRS points and ensuring that you meet all eligibility criteria, you increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. With careful planning, you can take advantage of this pathway to start a new life in Canada and enjoy the benefits of being a permanent resident in one of the most desirable countries in the world.