The Express Entry process is one of the fastest and most popular pathways for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. Managed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), it is a points-based system that evaluates candidates on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the process.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, ensure you meet the minimum requirements for one of the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled professionals with at least one year of work experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 job.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For tradespeople with job offers or certifications.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For applicants with at least one year of Canadian work experience.
Step 2: Take a Language Test
Applicants must prove their proficiency in English or French through approved tests such as:
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
- CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program)
- TEF Canada (Test d’évaluation de français)
A minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 is required for most Express Entry programs. Higher scores significantly boost your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points.
Step 3: Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If your education was completed outside Canada, an ECA is necessary to prove that your credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards. Authorized organizations like WES (World Education Services) can perform this assessment.
Step 4: Create Your Express Entry Profile
To Create Express Entry profile, visit the IRCC website and provide details such as:
- Personal information (age, marital status, etc.).
- Language test results.
- Educational qualifications.
- Work experience.
- Proof of funds (unless you have a job offer in Canada).
Once submitted, your profile will be ranked using the CRS, and you’ll enter the Express Entry pool.
Step 5: Improve Your CRS Score
A competitive CRS score increases your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Here’s how to improve CRS score it:
- Retake language tests for better scores.
- Gain additional work experience.
- Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Apply for a Provincial Nomination, which adds 600 CRS points.
Step 6: Wait for ITA (Invitation to Apply)
Regular Express Entry draws are conducted every two weeks. If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cut-off, you’ll receive an ITA. This invitation allows you to submit a formal application for permanent residency.
Step 7: Submit Your PR Application
Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete PR application. Include:
- Language test results.
- ECA report.
- Work experience letters.
- Proof of funds.
- Medical and police clearance certificates.
Processing times for Express Entry applications typically range from 6 to 8 months.
Step 8: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
If approved, you’ll receive a COPR, which allows you to travel to Canada as a permanent resident.
Benefits of the Express Entry System
- Speed: Applications are processed within 6 months for most candidates.
- Transparency: CRS scores provide clear rankings.
- Flexibility: You can apply for multiple programs and improve your profile at any time.
The Express Entry system is a streamlined pathway for skilled professionals to secure permanent residency in Canada.
