Express Entry

Discover The Canadian
Express Entry System

Whether you’re a professional looking to advance your career or someone seeking a fresh start, the Express Entry System is your gateway to a new life in one of the world’s most welcoming countries. 

Navigating the intricate landscape of Express Entry Canada can be daunting, with its maze of criteria, detailed processes, and conflicting advice scattered across numerous forums. However, the journey to securing permanent residency in Canada is not only achievable but also deeply rewarding.

We’re here to cut through the complexity and deliver clear, authoritative insights that simplify your path to Canadian residency. By breaking down the essential elements and providing practical, actionable advice, our goal is to empower you with a comprehensive understanding of the Express Entry system. This approach ensures your immigration process is not only manageable but also smooth and successful, bringing you closer to your dream of a new life in Canada.

What is Express Entry?

The Express Entry system is Canada’s premier pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. Designed to streamline the immigration process, this points-based system is faster and more efficient than traditional methods, allowing qualified candidates to begin their new lives in Canada sooner.

Express Entry isn’t an immigration program itself but a powerful management tool used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to process applications for three major federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Through this system, candidates with the skills and experience needed to contribute to Canada’s economy can apply for permanent residency.

To get started, candidates must create an online Express Entry profile, providing key details such as age, marital status, work experience, education level, language proficiency, and any connections to Canada. These factors are then assessed using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns a score out of 1,200 points. Candidates are placed into an Express Entry pool, where their scores determine their ranking.

Approximately every two weeks, Canada conducts an Express Entry draw, where candidates with the highest CRS scores are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. The number of ITAs issued can vary, but Canada’s ambitious immigration goals have led to increasingly larger draws. However, receiving an ITA is just the first step—candidates must then submit a formal application within the specified timeframe to secure their residency.

What sets Express Entry apart is its speed. Unlike older processes that could drag on for years, Express Entry applications are typically processed within six months. This efficiency is a game-changer for skilled professionals worldwide, providing a quicker route to starting a new life in Canada.

Whether you’re a skilled worker, tradesperson, or have Canadian experience, the Express Entry system is your gateway to permanent residency in one of the world’s most dynamic countries. With the right strategy and preparation, your dream of living and working in Canada can become a reality faster than ever before.

Your Guide to Canadian Permanent Residency

The Express Entry system is a streamlined, points-based approach for skilled workers aiming to secure permanent residency in Canada. While the process might seem complex, breaking it down into clear, manageable steps can make your path to Canada smoother and more straightforward. Here’s how to navigate the journey successfully

Step 1: Create Your Express Entry Profile

Your journey begins by creating your Express Entry profile on the official Canadian government website. This online form requires detailed information about your skills, work experience, language proficiency, education, and more. The data you provide will determine your eligibility for permanent residency.

Pro Tip: Accuracy is crucial. Ensure that every detail in your profile is truthful and matches the documents you’ll submit later. Inconsistencies can lead to delays or disqualification.

Step 2: Ensure Your Eligibility

Eligibility for the Express Entry system is based on specific criteria, which include:

  • Work Experience: At least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in a role classified under Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER levels 0, 1, 2, or 3.
  • Language Ability: A minimum score on a recognized language test, such as IELTS, depending on the immigration program.
  • Education: Validation of your educational credentials through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if you studied outside Canada.
  • Settlement Funds: Proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in Canada, unless you have a valid job offer or can legally work in Canada.

Pro Tip: Other factors, like your age, job offers in Canada, or previous Canadian experience, can further influence your eligibility and CRS score.

Step 3: Choose Your Express Entry Program

Selecting the right Express Entry program is essential. Your choice will depend on your qualifications, skills, and work experience:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Individuals with overseas skilled job experience can apply for permanent residency under the Express Entry Skilled Worker category.

Lowest Conditions:

    • Minimum of one-year continuous full-time work experience (or the equivalent in continuous part-time) in a skilled occupation classified as skill category 0, A, or B in Canada’s National Occupational Classification as of 2016
    • Language ability – with test results from an IRCC-approved language testing agency, meet or surpass the language threshold of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7.
    • Education – must submit a Canadian or international educational credential, as well as an Educational Certification Assessment report from a certified agency, proving that your diploma, degree, or certificate is equal to a finished Canadian credential.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

To qualify for the Federal Skilled Trade category, individuals must meet certain conditions. Lowest Conditions:

    • CLB Level 5 in Speaking and Listening and CLB Level 4 in Reading and Writing in an approved test in English or French
    • Minimum of 2 years of full-time work experience or part-time work experience in a technology industry within the 5 years prior to application
    • Meet the work prerequisite for that skilled trade as set out in the NOC, except where it requires a certified qualification
    • Have at least one year of active full-time employment or a qualification in the skilled trade from a Canadian provincial, federal or territorial authority

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

This program allows skilled workers with Canadian job experience to relocate to Canada, OR, Are you a recent international graduate student or a foreign worker in Canada?
Then you may qualify for the Canadian Experience Class Program to receive your Canadian PR.⁠ Lowest Conditions:

  • Minimum of 12 months of full-time (or part-time equivalent) skilled work experience in Canada in the past three years. Work experience must be obtained with a valid work permit and a 0, A or B NOC code
  • Intend to live outside Québec
  • You meet the required language levels needed for your job for each language ability (speaking, reading, writing, and listening).

 Pro Tip: Understanding which program best aligns with your background will maximize your chances of success.

Step 4: Receive Your CRS Score

After selecting your program and completing your profile, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score is critical as it determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool.

How to Improve Your CRS Score:

  • Language Skills: Enhance your proficiency in English or French.
  • Education: Pursue additional qualifications or complete higher education.
  • Work Experience: Gain more relevant experience in your field.
  • Provincial Nomination: Secure a nomination from a Canadian province to significantly boost your score.

Pro Tip: Use a CRS calculator to estimate your score, but consult with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) for precise advice on improving it.

Step 5: Enter the Express Entry Draw

Once you’ve received your CRS score, you’ll be automatically entered into the Express Entry draw, which typically occurs every two weeks. The highest-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Pro Tip: Regularly monitor your CRS score and draw results to stay informed about your standing in the pool.

Step 6: Receive Your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your CRS score is high enough, you’ll receive an ITA in the next draw. This invitation is your opportunity to formally apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Pro Tip: You typically have 60 days to submit your application after receiving an ITA, so be prepared to act quickly.

Step 7: Pay Your Fees and Submit Your Documentation

After receiving your ITA, it’s time to gather and submit your documentation. This includes:

  • Passport
  • ECA report
  • Language test results
  • Proof of funds
  • Police certificates
  • Medical exam results
  • Job offer letters (if applicable)
  • Provincial Nomination (if applicable)

Pro Tip: Double-check that all documents are complete and accurate to avoid delays or rejections. Once submitted, pay your processing fees to finalize your application.

Final Thoughts: For a More Efficient Entry

The Express Entry system offers a fast and efficient route to Canadian permanent residency for skilled workers worldwide. By following these steps, you can navigate the process with confidence and clarity, bringing you one step closer to your Canadian dream.

Pro Tip: For personalized advice and support, consider working with an RCIC to optimize your Express Entry profile and maximize your chances of success.

When is The Next Express Entry Draw?

The Express Entry Draw typically happens every two weeks, but the exact timing can sometimes vary. To stay up-to-date, regularly check the IRCC website or subscribe to their alerts for the latest draw information.

What is a Good CRS Score?

CRS scores range from 0 to 1,200, but what’s considered a “good” score can vary with each draw. The minimum CRS score needed to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) changes based on the number of candidates in the pool and Canada’s current immigration goals. To maximize your chances, aim for the highest score possible and keep an eye on recent draw results to gauge competitiveness.

Start your journey to Canada early!

Canada is waiting for your talents, and we’re here to help you get started. Gracevine Immigration is your trusted partner in securing your future in Canada.