Express Entry is a system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence, from skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada. It is an online and fast track system where applicants may get their immigration application approved as early as 6 months.
It is a competitive and points-based system that assesses candidates based on various factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
The Express Entry system is designed to select candidates who have the highest chances of succeeding in the Canadian labor market and contributing to the country’s economy. It consists of three main economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Some of the Provincial Nomination Programs are also based on the Express Entry System.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience in a high-demand occupation. Candidates are assessed based on factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, age, and adaptability. Applicants must have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time skilled work experience. A job offer is not required for FSWP, but having one can increase the CRS score.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): This program is for skilled tradespeople who have at least two years of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a specific trade. Candidates must have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade issued by a Canadian province or territory. Also there is a minimum language requirement for this program.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program is for individuals who have gained skilled work experience in Canada and wish to become permanent residents. Candidates must have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last five years and meet other eligibility requirements.
Candidates for either of the above three programs will go through the Express Entry process.
To apply through Express Entry, candidates need to create an online profile and provide information about their skills, education, work experience, language ability, and other relevant details. Based on the information provided, candidates are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which determines their ranking in the Express Entry pool.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used by the Canadian government to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. It assigns a score to each candidate based on various factors, such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Regular Express Entry Draws are conducted by the Canadian government to invite candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. If selected, candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and have a limited time to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
To submit the application after receiving an ITA, candidates need to gather all the required documents, such as proof of education, work experience, language proficiency, and other supporting documents. They also need to undergo medical examinations and obtain police clearances.
After this the application will be reviewed by immigration officers who will assess the candidate’s eligibility and admissibility. This process includes verifying the authenticity of the documents, conducting background checks, and assessing the candidate’s ability to support themselves in Canada.
If the application is approved, the candidate will receive confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and can proceed with the final steps, such as submitting the passport to obtain the permanent resident visa and making arrangements to move to Canada.
Once in Canada, the candidate will officially become a permanent resident and enjoy the rights and benefits associated with that status.
It’s important to note that Express Entry is a highly competitive system, and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee an invitation to apply. However, having a high CRS score and a strong profile can significantly increase the chances of receiving an invitation.
Express Entry is different from other Canadian immigration programs in several ways:
- Application Process : Express Entry operates through an online system where candidates create a profile and enter a pool of applicants. The system uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Regular draws are conducted to invite candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. Other immigration programs may have different application processes and criteria.
- Selection Criteria : Express Entry focuses on selecting skilled workers who have the highest chances of succeeding in the Canadian labor market. The selection criteria include factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, age, and adaptability. Other immigration programs may have different criteria, such as family sponsorship or specific job offers.
- Processing Times : Express Entry has faster processing times compared to some other immigration programs. Once an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is received, candidates typically have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. The government aims to process applications within six months. Other immigration programs may have longer processing times.
- Flexibility : Express Entry provides flexibility for candidates to update their profiles and improve their CRS scores. Candidates can update their profiles with new information, such as improved language test results or additional work experience, which can increase their chances of receiving an invitation. Other immigration programs may have more rigid criteria and limited opportunities for profile updates.
- Focus on Skilled Workers : Express Entry primarily targets skilled workers who have the potential to contribute to the Canadian economy. It emphasizes factors such as education, work experience, and language proficiency. Other immigration programs may have different focuses, such as family reunification or refugee resettlement.
It’s important to note that Express Entry is not the only pathway for immigration to Canada. There are other programs available, such as the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which allow Canadian provinces and territories to nominate candidates based on their specific labor market needs. Each program has its own eligibility criteria and requirements, and it’s essential to understand the specific details of each program before applying.
Basic eligibility requirements for Express Entry Programs.
| Requirement | FSWP | FSTP | CEC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skilled Work Experience | At least 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled occupation listed under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the past 10 years | At least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade listed under key groups of TEER 2 or 3 in the past 5 years | At least 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the past 3 years in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
| Language Ability | Minimum CLB 7 in English or French for all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) | Minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing in English or French | Minimum CLB 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs or CLB 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs in English or French |
| Education | Secondary education at a minimum, but points are awarded for post-secondary education | No education requirement, but points are awarded if you meet the criteria | No education requirement, but points are awarded if you meet the criteria |
| Job Offer | Not required, but can earn additional points | Required for certain trades, or certificate of qualification for that trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority | Not required |
| Proof of Funds | Required unless currently working in Canada or have a valid job offer | Required unless currently working in Canada or have a valid job offer | Not required |
| Admissibility | Must be admissible to Canada | Must be admissible to Canada | Must be admissible to Canada |