How the Express Entry System Works

1. Create an Express Entry Profile:
   Eligible candidates begin by creating an online profile through the Express Entry system. This profile includes personal information, educational background, work experience, language skills, and other relevant details.
2. Eligibility Check:
   You must meet the minimum eligibility criteria for one of the three Express Entry programs (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC). You will be assessed based on these criteria when creating your profile.
3. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS):
   Once your profile is submitted, it is given a CRS score. This score is based on factors such as:
   • Age
   • Education
   • Work experience
   • Language skills (English and/or French)
   • Adaptability (spouse’s skills, previous work or study in Canada and abroad, etc.)
   • Job offer (if you have one)

The higher the CRS score, the better your chances of being invited to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

1. Draws from the Pool:
   Express Entry candidates are ranked in the system according to their CRS scores. The Canadian government regularly holds draws to invite the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency. These draws typically take place every two weeks, but the frequency may vary.
2. Invitation to Apply (ITA):
   Candidates with the highest CRS scores in the draw receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application with supporting documents (e.g., police certificates, medical exams, proof of funds, etc.).
3. Application Processing:
   After submitting your application, the Canadian government will process it. The processing time for Express Entry applications is generally around 6 months or less from the date of receiving the ITA.
4. Permanent Residency:
   If your application is approved, you will receive permanent resident status in Canada. As a permanent resident, you can live, work, and study anywhere in Canada.

Key Programs Under Express Entry

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
   This program is for individuals with skilled work experience who want to become permanent residents of Canada. To be eligible for the FSWP, you must meet certain work experience, education, and language requirements.
   • Work Experience: At least 1 year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B).
   • Language: You need to take a language test (IELTS for English or TEF for French) and score a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7.
   • Education: A secondary school education is required, but a higher education (college, university, or diploma) is strongly recommended for higher CRS scores.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
   This program is designed for individuals with experience in skilled trades who want to become permanent residents of Canada. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
   • Work Experience: At least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the past 5 years.
   • Job Offer or Certificate: You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, or a Certificate of Qualification from a Canadian province or territory.
   • Language: The minimum language requirements are lower than those for the FSWP, with a CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
   The CEC is for individuals who have gained work experience in Canada and want to transition to permanent residency. You must meet the following criteria:
   • Work Experience: At least 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in the last 3 years.
   • Language: A minimum language proficiency of CLB 7 is required for NOC 0 or A jobs, and CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.

Additional Factors Affecting Your CRS Score

1. Spouse or Common-law Partner:
   If you have a spouse or common-law partner, their age, education, language skills, and work experience can contribute to your CRS score.
2. Job Offer:
   A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly improve your CRS score, especially if the job is in a high-demand occupation.
3. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
   Some provinces have PNPs that allow them to nominate candidates for permanent residency. If you are nominated by a province, you will receive an additional 600 points in the CRS system, which virtually guarantees an ITA in the next draw.
4. Education:
   Higher levels of education, such as a Canadian post-secondary degree or an International Credential Assessment (if your education was obtained outside Canada), can add more points to your CRS score.

Express Entry Processing Time

• Processing Time: The average processing time for an Express Entry application is approximately 6 months from the date the application is submitted. However, it may take longer depending on individual circumstances and the complexity of your application.

How to Increase Your CRS Score

• Improve Language Skills: Take additional language tests to improve your IELTS or TEF scores.
• Get a Job Offer: Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
• Pursue Further Education: Completing additional post-secondary education, especially in Canada, can help increase your points.
• Apply for Provincial Nominee Programs: Consider applying for a PNP, which can give you 600 additional CRS points.

Conclusion

Express Entry is an efficient and fast system designed to manage skilled worker immigration to Canada. By creating a profile and entering the pool, you can be selected for an ITA if you meet the criteria and have a competitive CRS score. It’s a great option for skilled workers, tradespeople, and those with Canadian work experience who want to make Canada their permanent home.

To get started, you should:

1. Check your eligibility for one of the Express Entry programs.
2. Complete the online profile to enter the Express Entry pool.
3. Improve your CRS score if needed by improving your language skills or securing a job offer.

Express Entry offers a pathway to permanent residency in Canada for skilled individuals, making it an attractive option for those looking to start a new life in Canada.

You are strongly advised to book a Consultation with Licensed Canadian Immigration Consultant / RCIC-IRB, and receive professional advice for your Canadian dream .