Express Entry Application

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Canada is one of the most sought-after destinations for skilled workers looking for better career opportunities and a high quality of life. If you are a professional with relevant work experience, strong language skills, and a solid educational background, the Express Entry system could be your pathway to permanent residency (PR) in Canada.

Express Entry is Canada’s primary immigration system for skilled workers and is designed to fast-track applications for those who meet the eligibility criteria. This article provides an in-depth guide on the Express Entry system, including eligibility requirements, the step-by-step application process, and ways to improve your chances of securing an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

What is the Express Entry System?

Express Entry is an online application management system used by the Canadian government to process immigration applications for three major economic immigration programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): For professionals with foreign work experience who want to settle in Canada permanently.
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST): For skilled trades workers such as electricians, welders, and plumbers.
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For candidates with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.

Additionally, many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) use the Express Entry system to select candidates for provincial nomination, which can significantly boost the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

How Does Express Entry Work?

  1. Submit an online Express Entry profile with details about work experience, education, language skills, and other factors.
  2. The profile is ranked in the Express Entry pool based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
  3. The highest-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
  4. After receiving an ITA, applicants have 60 days to submit a complete PR application with supporting documents.
  5. If the application is approved, the candidate receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can move to Canada.

Processing Time: Express Entry applications are processed in six months or less in most cases.

Who is Eligible for Express Entry?

To qualify for Express Entry, applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the three economic immigration programs.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

  • Work Experience: At least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in the last ten years.
  • Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in all sections of IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF.
  • Education: Must have a post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate. Foreign education must be assessed via an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
  • Proof of Funds: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient settlement funds, unless they have a valid job offer in Canada.
  • Minimum Score: At least 67 points out of 100 in the FSW selection factors (age, education, work experience, etc.).

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)

  • Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years.
  • Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
  • Job Offer or Certification: A valid job offer in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial/territorial authority.
  • Proof of Funds: Required unless the applicant has a job offer.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • Work Experience: At least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
  • Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 (for NOC TEER 0 and 1 jobs) and CLB 5 (for TEER 2 and 3 jobs).
  • No Proof of Funds Required: Unlike FSW and FST, applicants under CEC do not need to show proof of funds.

Express Entry Requirements & Documents

Before submitting an Express Entry profile, applicants must gather the following:

  • Language Test Results: IELTS (General), CELPIP (General), TEF Canada, or TCF Canada.
  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Required if education was completed outside Canada.
  • Valid Passport or Travel Document.
  • Job Offer (if applicable): A job offer from a Canadian employer can boost the CRS score.
  • Proof of Funds: Unless applying under CEC or with a job offer.
  • Other Identity Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.

How to Apply for Express Entry

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying, use the IRCC’s points-based tool to determine if the 67-point minimum for FSW or other programs is met.

Step 2: Take a Language Test & Get an ECA

  • Book an approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF) and achieve the required scores.
  • Get an ECA report to verify educational credentials if studies were completed outside Canada.

Step 3: Create an Express Entry Profile

  • Submit a profile through the IRCC Express Entry portal.
  • The profile is ranked based on the CRS score.

Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

  • If the CRS score is high enough, an ITA for permanent residency is issued.

Step 5: Submit the PR Application

  • Submit all required documents within 60 days.
  • Pay the application fee ($1,365 CAD for a single applicant).

Step 6: Medical Exam & Background Check

  • Undergo a medical examination.
  • Submit police clearance certificates.

Step 7: Receive Confirmation of PR

  • If approved, the applicant receives a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
  • The applicant can then move to Canada and start their new life.

How Are Express Entry Points Calculated?

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns points based on:

  • Age: Maximum points for applicants aged 18-35.
  • Education: More points for higher education levels.
  • Language Proficiency: Higher scores in IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF improve CRS ranking.
  • Work Experience: More years of skilled work experience result in higher CRS points.
  • Spouse Factors: Additional points if a spouse meets eligibility criteria.
  • Canadian Connections: A job offer, Canadian education, or relatives in Canada boost the CRS score.

Why Choose Express Entry?

  • Fast Processing: PR applications are processed in six months or less.
  • No Job Offer Required: Though having one boosts CRS points.
  • Path to Citizenship: After three years as a PR, applicants can apply for Canadian citizenship.
  • Family Sponsorship: Spouses and dependent children can immigrate together.

Final Thoughts

Express Entry is Canada’s fastest and most efficient pathway for skilled workers to achieve permanent residency. If the eligibility criteria are met and the CRS score is competitive, this could be the best opportunity to move to Canada.

Start the journey today by submitting an Express Entry profile.