What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online application management system established by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications received through its three sub-programs (CEC, FSTP and FSW). Express Entry Canada nominates eligible skilled immigrants to become permanent residents of Canada if the program requirements are all met. 

To meet the express entry eligibility, you must qualify for one of these programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Trades Program

Apart from these programs, some Provincial Nominee Programs additionally have an Express Entry element clubbed with them. To learn more about these, you could go to the respective Provincial Immigration Websites and study the linked express entry programs.

Express Entry eligibility criteria

The eligibility for express entry is calculated through the Comprehensive Ranking System. The CRS calculator/tool (CRS Tool) helps you calculate your Express Entry points. Express Entry Canada generally releases its draw/cutoff/minimum selection score every two weeks. If your score matches/surpasses the current draws, Express Entry Canada invites you to apply to become a Permanent Resident of Canada. 

*Tie Breaker Rule applies in minimum selection score scenario (Tie Breaker Rule).

 

Given below are the factors which determine your score:

• Age
• Education
• Work Experience
• Siblings in Canada
• Job Offer
• Provincial Nomination
• Language Test Score

Use our CRS Calculator to calculate your exact score:

The 10 Steps to apply for Permanent Residency through the Express Entry Program

Step 1

Find your NOC code

Different job skill levels fall under different programs. You can check your occupation’s skill level by going to the official NOC website and searching for your job position.

Step 2

Assess your eligibility for one of the three programs under Express Entry

Depending on your occupation and its skill level, you can choose from one of the three programs that you may be eligible for according to their specific requirements.

You can read more about the three programs to know which one you would qualify for:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Step 3

Get your ECA completed for your foreign education

Getting your Education Credential Assessment report for your foreign education through a designated organization is an important step. You cannot claim points for non-assessed education.

Step 4

Get your language test completed

You must take one of the approved language tests, i.e. IELTS, CELPIP-G, TEF Canada or TCF Canada and meet the minimum express entry eligibility according to your job skill level.

Step 5

Calculate your CRS score

After receiving your language test and ECA results, you can calculate the exact CRS score using the CIC CRS tool – CRS Calculator. 

Step 6

Get into the Express Entry pool

If your score matches/surpasses the score of the last few Express Entry Canada draws, you can go ahead and create your Express Entry profile.

Step 7

Wait to receive an ITA

As soon as your score clears the latest draw, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Express Entry Canada.

Step 8

Prepare and Submit all the documents

Now, you will be required to prepare and submit all the needed information/documents such as Passport, Education, Police Clearance Certificates, Upfront Medical, Work Experience Letters etc.

Step 9

Wait for the passport request and then submit your passport

Once your documents are checked and verified by the IRCC, you will receive various updates along with a passport collection request at the end.

Step 10

Prepare for your landing in Canada

Pack your bags and Fly-Out!

Latest Updates on Canada Immigration Express EntryStep 1

The latest update released on 31 May 2023 states that IRCC will invite Canada Express Entry candidates in the below-mentioned six fields this year:

1. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) professions
2. French language proficiency or work experience
3. Transport
4. Healthcare
5. Agriculture and Agri-Food
6. Trades (carpenters, plumbers, and contractors)

Benefits of the Canada Express Entry Program

The significant advantage of the Canada EE program is its transparency. Applicants can know how many CRS points they need to become eligible for the ITA (Invitation to Apply) for permanent residence.

Candidates need to learn about the minimum score they need to qualify for the ITA so that in case they are lagging, they can work on improving the CRS score or look for other CRS options. 

Here’s what to do to improve the score

• Work on language test results
• Gain additional work experience
• Study in Canada
• Apply for a provincial nomination program.

Young candidates possessing higher levels of education and proficiency in English or French languages have more potential to achieve higher CRS scores and get a chance in the Express Entry system.

Candidates who have a provincial nomination get an additional 600 points. Further, candidates with a job offer in Canada or siblings living there are eligible for extra points.