Canada is known for its welcoming immigration policies, and one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers looking to settle in the country is Express Entry. This points-based immigration system is designed to fast-track the process for skilled immigrants who meet the country’s labor market needs. But, what exactly is Express Entry, and how can you navigate the process? In this post, we will break down everything you need to know about Express Entry for skilled immigrants.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is a system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence under three federal economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Express Entry system is designed to select and invite skilled workers to apply for permanent residence based on their skills, experience, education, and other factors. It aims to fill gaps in the Canadian labor market by attracting people who can contribute to the country’s economic growth.
How Does Express Entry Work?
The process of applying through Express Entry involves several steps, and it’s crucial to understand each one to ensure your success.
- Eligibility Check Before entering the Express Entry pool, you must ensure you meet the basic eligibility criteria for one of the programs. You must have:
- At least one year of skilled work experience (for FSWP and FSTP)
- A valid job offer or Canadian educational credential (for additional points)
- Adequate language skills in English or French
- Educational credentials that meet Canadian standards (assessed by an authorized agency)
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) After submitting your profile, you will be ranked in the pool based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS is a points-based system that assigns points for factors such as:
- Age
- Education
- Language skills (English and/or French)
- Work experience
- Job offer
- Provincial nomination (extra points if nominated by a province)
- Spouse’s factors (if applicable)
- Invitation to Apply (ITA) Canada conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool. If your CRS score is high enough, you will receive an ITA. This invitation means that you can now apply for permanent residence.Invitations are issued based on the cutoff score for that specific draw. While the cutoff score fluctuates, applicants with the highest scores are always invited first.
- Permanent Residence Application Once you receive your ITA, you must submit your permanent residence application within 60 days. This application includes providing necessary documents such as:
- Police clearance certificates
- Medical exams
- Proof of work experience
- Educational credential assessments (ECA)
- Proof of funds (to show that you can financially support yourself and your family)
Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry Programs
To be eligible for Express Entry, applicants must meet the specific criteria for one of the three immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Work Experience: At least one year of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B).
- Language Proficiency: A minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French.
- Education: A secondary school diploma (for a minimum of 1-year work experience) or post-secondary education.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
- Job Offer: A valid job offer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
- Language Proficiency: CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, and CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
How to Increase Your CRS Score
Having a high CRS score increases your chances of getting an ITA. Here are some strategies to boost your CRS score:
- Improve your language score: Higher language test scores, such as a CLB 9 or higher, can significantly increase your CRS points.
- Get a provincial nomination: If you receive a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination, you can gain 600 additional points, practically guaranteeing an ITA.
- Gain more work experience: More years of work experience in a skilled occupation can increase your points, especially if it’s Canadian experience.
- Complete additional education: Completing higher education, such as a Master’s or PhD, can improve your CRS score.
- Get a valid job offer: A job offer supported by a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can add additional points to your profile.
Express Entry Draws and Timing
Canada regularly conducts Express Entry draws, where candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence. These draws usually occur every two weeks, and the cutoff score varies depending on the pool of candidates and the needs of the labor market. It’s essential to monitor these draws to stay updated on the current cutoff.
Post-ITA Process
After receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 days to submit their permanent residence application. If your application is approved, you will receive confirmation of permanent residence (COPR), and you can officially become a permanent resident of Canada.
Why Choose Express Entry?
Express Entry offers numerous advantages to skilled workers:
- Fast processing times: With most applications processed in about six months, Express Entry is one of the fastest immigration pathways.
- Transparency: The CRS system is transparent, meaning applicants can easily understand how points are awarded.
- Skilled worker focus: Express Entry is specifically designed to attract skilled workers, making it a great option for professionals seeking to live and work in Canada.