Express Entry
How Express Entry Works
Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residency (PR) under three key federal economic immigration programs. It is designed to attract skilled workers to Canada, helping to fill labor shortages and drive economic growth. Express Entry selects candidates based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which takes into account factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
The system ranks eligible candidates from the various streams in a pool, and periodic draws are conducted to invite the highest-ranking candidates to apply for PR.
Express Entry Streams
Express Entry includes three primary immigration streams, each targeting different types of skilled workers:
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is aimed at skilled professionals with foreign work experience who meet specific criteria in education, language proficiency, and work experience.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Work Experience: At least one year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation(classified under National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER categories 0, 1, 2, or 3) in the past 10 years.
- Education: Must have completed at least a high school diploma equivalent to Canadian education standards.
- Language Proficiency: Must achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in English or French (tested through IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
- Proof of Funds: Must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada.
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: Based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is for skilled workers in trade occupations who have the necessary qualifications and experience in trades to apply for PR.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade (NOC TEER categories 2 or 3) within the last five years.
- Job Offer or Certification: Must have a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in your skilled trade issued by a Canadian authority.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB score of 5 for speaking and listening, and 4 for reading and writing in English or French.
- Education: No formal education requirement, but higher education can boost your CRS score.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is designed for individuals who have already gained skilled work experience in Canada and want to transition to PR.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation within the last three years.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB score of 7 for NOC TEER 0 or 1 jobs and CLB 5 for NOC TEER 2 or 3 jobs in English or French.
- Education: No formal education requirement, but education can improve your CRS score.
- Work Permit: Experience must be gained while on valid work authorization.
The CRS is a points-based system that ranks candidates in the Express Entry pool. Factors that impact your CRS score include:
- Age: Younger candidates receive more points.
- Education: Higher levels of education receive more points.
- Work Experience: Both Canadian and foreign work experience contribute to your score.
- Language Proficiency: Higher CLB scores in English or French increase your CRS points.
- Job Offer or Provincial Nomination: A valid job offer can earn up to 50 CRS points, while a provincial nomination adds 600 points, guaranteeing an invitation to apply for PR.
In-Demand Occupations in Canada
Though Express Entry is not occupation-specific, certain occupations are consistently in demand across all streams, including:
- Healthcare: Nurses, doctors, pharmacists, medical lab technicians.
- Technology: Software engineers/ programmers, data scientists, IT project managers, web developers.
- Engineering: Civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers.
- Skilled Trades: Electricians, welders, construction workers, plumbers, carpenters, heavy duty mechanics.
- Finance: Accountants, financial managers, auditors
- Marketing: Sales and Marketing Managers and professionals.
Express Entry Process Overview
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Applicants create an online profile and provide details about their skills, work experience, education, language ability, and other factors.
- Enter the Express Entry Pool: If eligible, candidates are placed in the pool of applicants, where they are ranked using the CRS.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): In periodic draws, the highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for PR.
- Submit PR Application: After receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for PR, including all required documents.
- Processing Time: Applications are processed within 6 months for most cases.
- Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR): If approved, candidates receive COPR and can then move to Canada as permanent residents.
Conclusion
Express Entry is a highly competitive and efficient system for skilled workers looking to immigrate to Canada. By ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria for your specific stream and maximizing your CRS score, you can increase your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
