Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for managing applications for permanent residence for skilled workers. Launched in January 2015, Express Entry has streamlined the application process for immigrants who have the skills and experience needed in the Canadian labor market. If you are considering moving to Canada for work, this guide will provide you with detailed steps and important facts to help you navigate the Express Entry system.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online system that the Canadian government uses to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It involves a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which ranks candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills.

Express Entry covers three main immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled workers qualified in a skilled trade.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For skilled workers with Canadian work experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Through Express Entry

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying, you need to determine if you are eligible for one of the three programs under Express Entry. Each program has its own set of requirements.

• Federal Skilled Worker Program: You need at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience in the last 10 years in a skilled occupation, a minimum language proficiency, and a Canadian educational credential or a foreign credential and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Federal Skilled Trades Program: You need at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years, meet the job requirements for that trade as per the National Occupational Classification (NOC), and have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification.
• Canadian Experience Class: You need at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years, and meet the language requirements.

Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready

To create an Express Entry profile, you will need several documents:

1. Passport: Ensure it is valid.
2. Language Test Results: You need to take an approved language test in English or French and obtain the required scores.
3. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If you have foreign education, you need an ECA to show that your education is equivalent to a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate.
4. Proof of Funds: You need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you arrive in Canada, unless you are currently able to legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer.
5. Job Offer (if applicable): If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, you need to provide the offer letter.

Step 3: Create Your Express Entry Profile

Once you have all your documents ready, you can create your Express Entry profile online:

1. Create an account: Go to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website and create a secure account.
2. Fill in your information: Enter details about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other personal information.
3. Submit your profile: If you meet the criteria of one of the programs, you will be accepted into the pool of candidates.

Step 4: Improve Your CRS Score

Once you are in the Express Entry pool, you will be given a CRS score based on the information in your profile. Here are some ways to improve your score:

• Improve your language test results: Retake the test if you believe you can get higher scores.
• Gain more work experience: The more skilled work experience you have, the better your score.
• Get a higher education credential: Completing additional degrees, diplomas, or certificates can increase your score.
• Get a provincial nomination: If a province or territory nominates you, you get an additional 600 points.
• Secure a job offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can also boost your score.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool, inviting the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. If you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence.

Step 6: Submit Your Application for Permanent Residence

After receiving an ITA, you need to complete your application for permanent residence:

1. Fill out the application forms: Provide detailed information about yourself and your family members.
2. Upload supporting documents: Submit all required documents, including police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds.
3. Pay the application fees: The processing fee for the principal applicant is CAD 1,325, which includes the right of permanent residence fee. Additional fees apply for family members.
4. Submit your application: Ensure that your application is complete and submit it within the 60-day period.

Step 7: Wait for a Decision

After you submit your application, IRCC will review it and make a decision. Processing times vary, but most applications are processed within six months. You can check the status of your application online.

Step 8: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

If your application is approved, you will receive a COPR and a permanent resident visa (if you are from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada). You will need to present these documents when you arrive in Canada.

Step 9: Arrive in Canada

Once you have your COPR, you can make your travel arrangements. Upon arrival in Canada, you will be processed by an immigration officer who will confirm your permanent resident status.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How long does it take to process an Express Entry application? A1: The processing time for most Express Entry applications is six months from the date you submit your complete application.

Q2: What is the minimum CRS score required to receive an ITA? A2: The minimum CRS score varies with each draw. You can check the latest draw results on the IRCC website to see the current cut-off score.

Q3: Can I apply for Express Entry if I do not have a job offer? A3: Yes, you can apply for Express Entry without a job offer. However, having a valid job offer can significantly increase your CRS score.

Q4: How can I find a job in Canada? A4: You can use online job portals, networking, and recruitment agencies to find a job in Canada. Websites like Job Bank, Indeed, and LinkedIn are good places to start.

Q5: What happens if my profile expires in the Express Entry pool? A5: Your Express Entry profile is valid for one year. If you do not receive an ITA within that time, you can create a new profile and re-enter the pool.

Q6: Can I update my Express Entry profile after submitting it? A6: Yes, you can update your profile with new information, such as improved language test scores or additional work experience, at any time before you receive an ITA.

Q7: Do I need to hire an immigration consultant or lawyer? A7: It is not mandatory to hire an immigration consultant or lawyer, but you may choose to do so if you need assistance with your application. Ensure they are authorized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC).

Q8: What is the difference between Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)? A8: Express Entry is a federal system, while the PNP is a provincial/territorial program. Some PNPs are aligned with Express Entry, allowing provinces to nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool.

Q9: What should I do if my application is refused? A9: If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons. You can address the issues and reapply if eligible.

Q10: Can I include my family members in my Express Entry application? A10: Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application for permanent residence.