Express Entry System
Welcome to our Canadian immigration consultancy website, where we provide you with comprehensive information about the Express Entry System, a prominent pathway to Canadian permanent residence for skilled workers. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to guiding you through this process and maximizing your chances of success.
What is Express Entry System?
Express Entry is an advanced online system developed by the Canadian government to manage applications from skilled workers aspiring to become permanent residents of Canada. Applicants who are willing to move to Canada can submit their profiles to the IRCC and then their profile is further assessed based on the comprehensive ranking system.
Approximately every two weeks, IRCC holds Express Entry draws and invites candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. Three types of draws are usually conducted under the Express Entry System: general, program-specific, and category-based. Read on to learn more about each type.
The Express Entry system runs three federal economic programs to support candidates with different skills and experience to settle in Canada:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): Stream for skilled workers who hold foreign work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades (FSW): For skilled workers who hold expertise in a skilled trade.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Suitable for skilled workers who hold Canadian work experience.
Related Links:
Express Entry Process
Documents for Express Entry
Submit an Express Entry profile: Online form
Apply for permanent residence: Express Entry
If your Express Entry application is approved
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for Express Entry
Express Entry Invitation to Apply explained
How does Express Entry work?
The Express Entry process is straightforward and consists of two major stages. In the first stage, eligible candidates express their interest in obtaining Canadian permanent resident status. The second stage involves inviting the highest-scoring candidates to immigrate to Canada.
Express Entry Draw Types:
General Rounds of Invitation
The IRCC invites candidates with the highest-ranking CRS scores to apply for permanent residence, regardless of their specific program eligibility.
Program-Specific Rounds of Invitation
Invites candidates with the highest-ranking CRS scores who are eligible for a specific Express Entry program.
Category-Based Rounds of Invitation
The IRCC invites candidates with the highest-ranking CRS scores who are eligible for specific categories designated by IRCC to meet specific economic goals.
To submit your Express Entry profile and obtain a permanent residence visa, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check your eligibility for Express Entry.
Step 2: Complete language testing and obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Step 3: Submit your profile on the IRCC website.
Step 4: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence from IRCC.
Step 5: Submit your completed Application for Permanent Residence (APR) along with the necessary fees, medical exam, and police certificates within the given deadline.
Step 6: Provide your biometrics when requested by IRCC.
Step 7: Await IRCC’s final decision on your APR. The aim is to process applications within six months or less. Upon approval, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if required, a permanent resident visa, allowing you to travel to Canada and complete your landing.
What are Targeted Express Entry Draws?
In category-based Express Entry draws, the IRCC invites candidates who are eligible for specific categories established by Canada’s immigration minister to achieve specific economic objectives. These targeted draws complement other forms of Express Entry draws. However, it’s important to note that even if a candidate falls under a targeted category, they still need to meet IRCC’s minimum CRS score to have a chance of receiving an ITA for that particular draw.
How Long Does the Express Entry Process Take?
An Express Entry profile remains valid for up to one year. Candidates who receive an ITA can expect the Canadian government to process their permanent residence applications within six months.
Pros and Cons of Express Entry System
Express Entry offers numerous advantages over the previous application system. It was introduced in 2015 to streamline the processing of skilled worker applications and provide a faster experience for immigration candidates. Under the old system, applicants often faced long wait times for a permanent resident visa.
Express Entry’s strengths include its speed and alignment with successful immigrant characteristics. It allows the Canadian government to issue visas within six months, compared to the previous system’s average of six years. Based on extensive government research, the CRS system ensures that immigrants who possess qualities such as youth, education, work experience, and language proficiency excel in the Canadian job market.
The uncertainty of receiving an ITA is the only limitation of the Canada express entry system, as applicants with high CRS scores have an opportunity to obtain permanent resident status. However, the regular occurrence of draws every two weeks provides candidates with multiple chances to receive an invitation. Additionally, there are ways to improve CRS scores, such as securing a Canadian job offer, obtaining a provincial nomination, pursuing studies in Canada, gaining more eligible work experience, and enhancing language test scores. Canada also offers over 100 different skilled worker immigration pathways alongside Express Entry.
How Much Does Canada Express Entry System Cost?
Submitting an Express Entry profile is free of charge. However, there are certain costs associated with the process. Before submitting your profile, you may need to bear expenses for English or French language exams, Educational Credential Assessments, document translation, and possibly hiring an immigration professional.
After receiving an ITA, additional costs include Canadian government fees for processing permanent residence applications, medical exams, police background checks, and biometrics fees. The current government fees for Express Entry permanent residence applications can be found on the official IRCC website.
Do I Need to Hire an RCIC for Express Entry?
While hiring a Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) is not mandatory, it is highly recommended. An experienced RCIC can significantly help increase your chances of success in the Express Entry system. They provide guidance on maximizing CRS points, assist in the entire process from profile submission to preparing your permanent residence application, and ensure the accuracy and integrity of your Canadian immigration application.
Eligibility for Express Entry System
Take various steps to become eligible. Begin the process by recognizing the reasons for your ineligibility. Working towards those factors may help you with a successful Express Entry profile.
Another major pathway to eligibility is pursuing an education in Canada. By studying in Canada and gaining eligible Canadian work experience, you can become eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, and subsequently, for Express Entry. This approach offers the added advantage of earning more CRS points due to your Canadian education and work experience.
Apart from Express Entry, Canada offers over 100 different immigration streams for skilled workers. These include the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Quebec’s immigration system, other federal immigration programs, study pathways, and work permits leading to immigration status.
What is the Difference Between Express Entry and the PNP?
Express Entry is a federal system that manages several economic immigration programs. It allows provinces and territories to nominate candidates who meet their specific economic needs. Whilst the provinces and territories take care of the nomination process, and the federal government decides whether an applicant can obtain permanent residence or not. A provincial nomination is highly beneficial within the Express Entry system, as it adds 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, significantly improving their chances of receiving an ITA.
For more information and extensive guidance on the Canadian immigration process, we welcome you to connect with our professional Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCIC).