Express Entry

Express Entry serves as Canada’s federal immigration program, annually inviting around 110,000 skilled workers and professionals in various trades from across the globe. This initiative grants immigrants permanent residence in Canada, fostering their economic and social advancement.

Administered by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Express Entry operates through an online platform where candidates submit their profiles. Utilizing the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), profiles are assessed and ranked, leading to invitations for eligible candidates. The process unfolds in the following steps:

  1. Determine eligibility for federal economic immigration programs:
    • Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC)
    • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
    • Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSC)
  2. Candidates must qualify for at least one of these programs to enter the Express Entry pool.
  3. Complete a standardized language test to demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, covering reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills.
  4. Create and submit an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website, expressing interest in immigration. The profile undergoes evaluation by IRCC, receiving a CRS score out of 1,200 points. Candidates can enhance their ranking by seeking assistance from professionals to improve their CRS score, thereby increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
  5. IRCC conducts Express Entry draws approximately every two weeks, inviting candidates with high CRS ranks to apply for Canadian residency. Profiles that do not receive invitations expire after 12 months, prompting candidates to submit new profiles if necessary.
  6. Candidates receiving an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence in Canada must submit their complete profiles and fees within 60 days. This involves providing detailed personal information, relevant documents, along with undergoing a medical examination and obtaining a police certificate. Following this, IRCC issues an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).
  7. Upon submission, IRCC processes the application within six months, rendering a final decision on the AOR. Upon approval, candidates receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa, allowing them to travel to Canada.

Steps to Create and Submit Your Express Entry Profile

Step 1: Demonstrate your language proficiency in either English or French with an approved government test.

Step 2: If educated outside Canada, ensure your credentials are evaluated for equivalence, particularly for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

Step 3: Verify that your work experience aligns with the NOC categories:

  • TEER 0 (Management occupations)
  • TEER 1 (Occupations typically requiring a university degree)
  • TEER 2 (Occupations usually necessitating a college diploma, apprenticeship of two or more years, or supervisory roles)
  • TEER 3 (Occupations typically demanding a college diploma, apprenticeship of less than two years, or over six months of on-the-job training)

Step 4: Utilize the online tool on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada website to confirm your eligibility. Have your language test results and NOC details readily available.

Step 5: Begin constructing your Express Entry profile with essential information:

  • Personal details such as identity, age, and contact information
  • Educational and employment history
  • Language proficiency levels
  • Factors demonstrating adaptability for life in Canada
  • Details regarding your family composition, including spouse or partner

Ensure you have these documents at hand:

  • Passport or travel document
  • NOC occupation code
  • Language test results
  • Educational assessment (if necessary)
  • Job offer from a Canadian employer (if applicable)
  • Proof of provincial nomination (if relevant)
  • Personal reference code obtained from the eligibility tool

Step 6: Once your profile is complete, submit it. Upon submission, you’ll receive an Express Entry profile number and a job seeker validation code for future use, particularly if registering for the Job Bank. Remember, entering the pool doesn’t guarantee an invitation; your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is crucial.

Step 7: Although no longer mandatory, consider registering for the Job Bank if you need assistance with your job search.

Step 8: Regularly update your profile to reflect changes such as work experience, updated language test results, or further education.

Keep in mind that your Express Entry profile remains valid for one year. It may become invalid if you no longer meet the criteria or receive an invitation. However, declining an invitation revalidates your profile.


If Your Express Entry Application Gets the Green Light

Upon approval of your Express Entry application, candidates receive confirmation through their account, complete with a COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) and, if necessary, a permanent resident visa.

For those within Canada: Candidates already residing in Canada will be contacted by authorities to proceed with the next steps. This typically involves an interview with an officer to verify documents and address any inquiries.

For those outside Canada: Applicants living outside Canada can access pre-arrival services or explore resources on settling in Canada. Upon arrival, they must use ArriveCan to enter the country, carrying a valid passport, COPR, and visa along with proof of funds to support themselves and their family.

CBSA Process: Upon arrival, individuals meet with a CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) officer who ensures the validity of documents and verifies information to confirm the approved candidate’s entry into the country.

It’s crucial to note that Canadian immigration authorities rigorously enforce eligibility criteria and will not admit candidates with false information.

Once approved by CBSA, candidates are granted entry into Canada as permanent residents. They will be asked to provide a Canadian mailing address for the permanent resident card to be sent. If there’s a change of address within 180 days of arrival, it must be promptly updated.

Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) oversee the Express Entry System, offering various federal immigration pathways to skilled workers seeking to immigrate to Canada. These programs aim to address population needs, cultivate a skilled labor force, and bolster the nation’s economy.

Key Points:

Express Entry Applicants are Scored Based on:

  1. Core Factors:
    • Age
    • Education
    • Language proficiency (in English or French)
    • Work experience
  2. Additional Factors:
    • Job offers
    • Provincial nominations
    • Adaptability factors

The Above Factors Consider the Following to Determine the CRS Score:

  • Each program within Express Entry has its own eligibility criteria.
  • Applicants meeting the criteria of any of the three express entry programs can apply for immigration.
  • Using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), applicants are assigned scores, determining their ranking.
  • Top-ranked candidates are invited for permanent residency (Invitation To Apply (ITA)).

IRCC’s Express Entry Draws:

  • Draws occur approximately every two weeks.
  • Highest-scoring candidates receive invitations to apply for Canadian Residency.

Application Process:

  • Candidates receiving the Invitation to Apply must submit their complete profile and pay fees within 60 days.
  • IRCC processes applications within 6 months.

A higher Comprehensive Ranking System score increases the likelihood of obtaining Canadian permanent residency. The maximum achievable score is 1,200, with 600 core points and 600 additional points.