Express Entry Canada: A Comprehensive Guide

If you seek permanent residency in Canada, Express Entry is probably your best option.

The Canadian Express Entry system is one of the most popular immigration programs for talented foreign workers due to its short processing timelines ( the emphasis is on keeping families together) and the wonderful prospects it may provide candidates.

What is the Canadian Express Entry system?

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a division of the Canadian government in charge of all Canadian immigration, launched the Express Entry system in 2015 to allow skilled foreign workers and their families to become permanent residents in Canada as soon as possible.

Because Express Entry processing times can be as short as six months, the Canadian economy is in severe need of talented people in a variety of jobs and businesses across the country.

According to its website, the Government of Canada is on track to reach its annual aim of granting permanent status to over 465,000 immigrants by the end of 2024.

A major percentage of these were presented using the Express Entry mechanism.

How Does Canada’s Express Entry System Work?

To obtain permanent residency through Express Entry Canada, candidates must first create an Express Entry profile.

To create this profile, people must submit the following specific information about themselves:

• Age
• Education
• Language Skills
• Work experience
• Marital Status

These details are used in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to get a CRS score. This score is out of 1200 and is determined based on the following elements, as well as:

• Skills Transferability
• French Language Skills
• If any of their postsecondary education was in Canada.
• If they have a Canadian job offer
• If they have a Provincial Nomination

What are the Express Entry Programs?

The Express Entry system is comprised of three programs. The programs are as follows:

1. Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)

The FSWP is designed primarily for skilled professionals who hold a degree or equivalent from a recognized tertiary educational institution.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) supports skilled tradespeople with a recognized diploma or accredited job-specific training.

2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The CEC is designed exclusively for skilled professionals who have lived and worked in Canada for at least 12 months on a study permit, work permit, or Working Holiday Visa.

How to Apply for Express Entry Canada

Your route to permanent residency can be divided into five parts.

Step 1: Meet the Express Entry Canada requirements.

The first critical stage in your Canada Express Entry application procedure is to meet the Express Entry Canada standards. These requirements are:

• Work Experience
• Language Ability
• Tertiary Education
• Criminal Record
• Medical Certification
• Travel Documents

Step 2: Calculate Your CRS Score

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, calculating your CRS score is a great idea before submitting your application.

Knowing your CRS score will give you a good idea of how well you’ll fare in the upcoming Express Entry lotteries. The best method to do this is to use our CRS calculator.

However, a CRS calculator only provides an educated approximation of your CRS score. If you want the most precise estimation of your CRS score and advice on how to raise it to the required level, consulting with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is still your best option.

An RCIC can assist you in developing an Express Entry profile utilizing an online platform that assesses your skills and qualifications, thereby determining your eligibility for the program.

They can also help you understand the eligibility requirements for the Express Entry programs.

If you want to secure the best possible score before applying, here’s a guide to boosting your CRS score, as well as all the major and minor strategies to increase your chances of moving to Canada.

Step 3: Gather your documents.

After you’ve confirmed your eligibility and optimized your CRS score, it’s time to create your Express Entry profile.

To accurately reflect your information, you will need to collect a considerable number of documents.

As a result, it is also beneficial to have your paperwork ready before applying. Once you receive your ITA, you will have only 60 days to source all of them.

The documents required are the following:

• Passport
• National Occupation Classification (NOC): This is the Canadian categorization for your present job, which specifically refers to the nature and level of your employment.
• Education credential assessment report: This assessment is done to confirm that your education meets Canadian requirements.

Requirements include recent language exams and proof of sufficient finances for settlement.

• Police certifications.
• Results of a medical exam from qualified health specialists.
• Job letters from previous employers verify your job experience.
• Canadian employment offer (if you have one).
• Provincial Nomination (If You Have One)

Note that applicants must provide accurate information. Failure to do so will lead to the application being delayed and rejected.

Step 4: Create Your Express Entry Profile.

Once you have all of your papers and are satisfied with your CRS score, go to the Canadian government’s website and create an Express Entry profile.

Step 5: Get an ITA, pay the fees, and apply.

Once your Express Entry profile is complete, you must monitor each draw to determine whether you meet the minimal requirements and will be eligible for your ITA. If you receive an ITA, you will be notified through your profile.

Once you’ve received your ITA, you have 60 days to pay your processing fees and provide supporting paperwork.

FAQs

What Language Tests Are Accepted for Express Entry?

In English, IELTS General Training and CELPIP General are approved, whereas in French, Test d’évaluation du français (TEF) and Test de connaissance du français (TCF) are recognized.

What are my chances of success with Express Entry?

Calculate your CRS score using our CRS calculator and compare it to recent cut-off scores to get an estimate of your possibilities. Because of Canada’s multiple immigration streams, consulting with immigration specialists can be useful.

Conclusion

Immigrating to Canada is complicated. Numerous steps must be taken to effectively register for Canadian immigration and obtain permission.

Furthermore, the operation can take months or even years. However, if you are aware of the available alternatives, you can improve your chances of success and avoid “pitfalls,”  disappointments, and delays.