Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the most popular and efficient pathways for skilled immigrants to apply for permanent residence. If you’re a skilled worker looking to live and work in Canada, submitting an Express Entry profile is the first step in the process. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to submit your Express Entry profile, from gathering documents to creating an account.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility for Express Entry
Before creating your Express Entry profile, it’s essential to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three immigration programs managed under Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The eligibility requirements for each program vary, but they typically assess factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and job offers. If you meet the requirements, you can proceed with submitting your profile.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
You’ll need several documents to complete your Express Entry profile. These documents will help determine your eligibility and ensure accurate information is submitted. Here’s a list of the most common documents you’ll need:
- Language Test Results: You must take a language test approved by the Canadian government. You can choose from the IELTS, CELPIP (for English), or TEF (for French). The results will be used to assess your language proficiency.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If you completed your education outside Canada, you’ll need an ECA to show that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is equivalent to Canadian standards.
- Work Experience Documents: You’ll need to provide proof of your skilled work experience, such as reference letters from previous employers, pay stubs, and job descriptions.
- Passport: A valid passport is essential for submitting your profile. Make sure it is up-to-date.
Step 3: Create Your Express Entry Profile
Once you have all the necessary documents, it’s time to create your Express Entry profile. Follow these steps:
- Set Up an Account: Go to the official Canada immigration website and create an account using GCKey or a Sign-In Partner. If you don’t already have an account, this will be your first step. This account will allow you to access your profile and manage your immigration application.
- Complete the Profile: After logging in, select the Express Entry option to begin your profile creation. You will be asked to provide detailed information about yourself, including:
- Personal details (name, date of birth, nationality)
- Language proficiency (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF test results)
- Education (details of your academic qualifications and ECA results)
- Work experience (including details of your jobs, duties, and duration)
- Job offer (if applicable)
- Enter Program Details: You will need to answer questions about which immigration program you are applying for (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC). Based on the information you provide, the system will determine whether you are eligible for any of the programs.
- Submit the Profile: After reviewing the information, submit your profile. Make sure all the details are accurate, as any discrepancies or incorrect information may impact your CRS score or delay the process.
Step 4: Receive Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score
Once your profile is submitted, it will be assessed based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS is a points-based system that ranks candidates based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability. Your profile will receive a score, which will determine your rank in the Express Entry pool.
Step 5: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
After submitting your profile and receiving your CRS score, your profile will enter the Express Entry pool. Express Entry draws occur approximately every two weeks, and during these draws, candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
- Draws and Cutoff Scores: The Canadian government conducts regular Express Entry draws. The CRS cutoff score varies depending on the number of candidates in the pool and the needs of the Canadian labor market. If your score is above or equal to the cutoff, you will receive an ITA.
- Monitoring Draws: Keep an eye on the Express Entry draw results to see if your score meets the cutoff. If your score is not high enough, you can continue improving it by enhancing your language skills, gaining more work experience, or applying for provincial nomination.
Step 6: Receive Your Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once you receive your ITA, you will be asked to submit additional documents to complete your application for permanent residence. This includes providing proof of:
- Proof of funds (to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself and your family once in Canada)
- Medical exams (to prove you’re in good health)
- Police certificates (to show that you have no criminal record)
You will need to submit these documents within 60 days of receiving your ITA. Make sure all your documents are accurate and complete to avoid any delays.
Step 7: Submit Your Application for Permanent Residence
After receiving your ITA and providing all the required documents, you’ll need to submit your complete application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once submitted, IRCC will review your application, verify the information, and assess your eligibility.
- Application Processing Time: Typically, the processing time for an Express Entry permanent residence application is around 6 months. However, this can vary depending on the complexity of your application.
Step 8: Wait for Your Decision
After submitting your application, you’ll need to wait for a decision from IRCC. If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if applicable).
If your application is refused, you will receive an explanation. You may be able to reapply or explore other immigration options, depending on the situation.