How to Immigrate to Canada Through Express Entry: A Step-By-Step Guide

Canada’s Express Entry system is a revolutionary online platform designed to effectively manage immigration applications from skilled workers seeking to make Canada their new home. This streamlined process aims to attract the best and brightest talents from around the world, contributing to Canada’s economic growth and diversity.

In this article, we will delve into the details of how the Express Entry system works and the different immigration programs it encompasses.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online system that the Canadian government uses to manage immigration applications from skilled workers. It is a points-based system that ranks candidates based on their age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. The highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.

Understanding the Express Entry Programs

Express Entry is the gateway to three primary immigration programs:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

This program is tailored for skilled workers who have already gained valuable work experience within Canada. Eligible candidates must possess Canadian work experience acquired within the three years preceding their application.

2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Geared towards skilled workers with work experience gained outside Canada, the FSWP sets criteria for education and various other factors. This program seeks individuals who can readily integrate into the Canadian labour market.

3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

For skilled workers proficient in specific trades, this program requires either a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification. Skilled trades play a crucial role in Canada’s economy, and this program facilitates the entry of skilled tradespeople.

Additionally, Express Entry applicants can also apply through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). If nominated by a Canadian province or territory, candidates earn additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), increasing their chances of being swiftly invited to apply.

Must Read: Canada PR: IRCC Updates Proof of Funds Requirement for Express Entry

How does Express Entry work?

Step 1: Eligibility Assessment

The first step involves determining your eligibility. This can be done through two methods:

• Questionnaire: Answer a few questions to ascertain whether you meet the minimum requirements for any of the Express Entry programs.
• Detailed Requirements: Delve into the specific criteria for each program to assess your eligibility.

Step 2: Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score Calculation

Candidates eligible for any of the Express Entry programs are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score upon submitting their profile. The CRS is a points-based system that evaluates and ranks candidates based on various factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

To receive an invitation to apply, candidates need to have a CRS score exceeding the minimum threshold set for a particular round of invitations. Aspirants can use the CRS tool to estimate their scores and understand their standing in the pool.

Step 3: Document Preparation

Once eligibility is established, candidates must gather essential documents to validate their Express Entry application. These documents might include language proficiency test results, educational transcripts, and other relevant certifications. Some documents may take time to acquire, so early preparation is crucial.

Step 4: Profile Submission

Candidates create an Express Entry profile, providing comprehensive information about themselves, their qualifications, and work experience. Upon meeting the eligibility requirements, candidates are accepted into the candidate pool and assigned a CRS score.

Step 5: Invitation and Application

The highest-scoring candidates within the Express Entry pool are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residency. Successful candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and have 60 days to submit their complete application, including supporting documents.

Step 6: Application Processing

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aim to process most complete applications, complete with all necessary documents, in six months or less. During this time, thorough background checks, medical examinations, and other assessments are conducted to ensure candidates meet the requirements.

How to get an invitation to apply for Permanent Residence?

The Canadian government invites candidates to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry on a regular basis. The invitations are sent to the candidates with the highest CRS scores.

If you’re invited to apply, you’ll have 60 days to submit your application. Your application will be processed by the Canadian government, and you’ll be notified of the outcome within 6 months.

If you’re approved for permanent residence, you’ll be able to live, work, and study in Canada permanently. You’ll also be able to bring your spouse and dependent children to Canada.

How to improve your chances of getting an invitation to apply?

There are a few things you can do to improve your chances of getting an invitation to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry:

• Get a high CRS score. The higher your CRS score, the more likely you are to be invited to apply.
• Get a job offer from a Canadian employer. A job offer from a Canadian employer will give you an additional 50 CRS points.
• Be nominated by a province or territory. If you’re nominated by a province or territory, you’ll get an additional 600 CRS points.

Conclusion

Express Entry is a popular way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. It is a fair and transparent system that gives everyone a chance to live and work in Canada. If you’re interested in immigrating to Canada through Express Entry, I encourage you to learn more about the program and start planning your application.

I hope this article has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.