Express Entry

The Canadian Express Entry system, introduced in 2015 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), is a point-based immigration initiative designed for skilled immigrants aiming to settle in Canada. This program evaluates candidates based on six key factors, including proficiency in English and French, educational background, work experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability.

Individuals who meet or surpass the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points during an Express Entry draw are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA). These draws typically occur bi-weekly. Most often, Permanent Residency (PR) applications submitted through this pathway are processed within six to twelve months.

The Express Entry System is a method through which the Canadian government manages applications for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. It consists of two main parts:

How does the Express Entry System work?

Express Entry Profile and Eligibility Points: To qualify, candidates must meet the minimum requirements of the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), which includes scoring at least 67 points out of 100 on the eligibility point grid. Once the eligibility criteria are met, candidates can create an Express Entry profile.

Express Entry Pool and CRS Score: Candidates who meet the FSWP requirements and create an Express Entry profile enter a pool where they compete with other candidates based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS score is calculated based on factors like language proficiency, education, work experience, age, arranged employment, and adaptability. The maximum CRS score a candidate can achieve is 1,200. The Canadian government conducts regular draws from this pool, and candidates with CRS scores above the cut-off for that draw are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

What is the difference between an Express Entry eligibility point and a CRS score?

The main difference between Express Entry eligibility points and CRS score lies in their purposes. Eligibility points are required to enter the Express Entry pool, whereas the CRS score is used to rank candidates within the pool. While eligibility points determine if a candidate can enter the pool, the CRS score determines the candidate’s ranking and the likelihood of receiving an ITA.

Express Entry manages three main programs with different minimum eligibility requirements: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), Canada Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST). Each program has its own language proficiency requirements, such as the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels for English and French proficiency, which applicants must meet to qualify for that specific program.

Step 1: Language Proficiency Test

• For Federal Skilled Worker (FSW): Attain a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark 7 (CLB 7) in English or French in each category. CLB 5 is required in each category for claiming points in another language.
• For Canada Experience Class (CEC): Achieve CLB 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 jobs, or CLB 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 jobs in each category.
• For Federal Skilled Trades (FST): Obtain CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.

 

Step 2: Educational Requirements

• FSW: Possess at least a high-school degree. Higher education credentials yield more points. Canadian degrees or Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from approved Canadian institutions are required.
• CEC and FST: No specific education requirement, but lacking educational qualifications affects competitiveness.

 

Step 3: Work Experience

• FSW: Demonstrate 1 year of continuous full-time employment (1,560 hours) in Canada or abroad, either full-time for 12 months or an equivalent in part-time work.
• CEC: Prove 1 year of continuous full-time employment (1,560 hours) in Canada.
• FST: Show 2 years of full-time employment (1,560 hours) in Canada or abroad within the past 5 years, along with a valid job offer for 1 year or a Provincial Certificate of Qualification.

 

Step 4: Register with IRCC by Submitting Profile

• Additional factors like age, job offer, admissibility, and proof of funds determine final eligibility and points. For instance, skilled work experience in Canada or a full-time employment offer under the Temporary Foreign Worker program may add extra points (50 or 200).

 

Step 5: Improve Points

• Our firm offers strategic analysis to devise a successful Express Entry strategy. We calculate points and devise a plan to meet or exceed the required minimum points.

 

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply for PR (ITA)

Upon receiving an ITA, you must submit your completed electronic application for permanent residency (e-APR) to the Immigration and Refugee Council and pay your fees within 60 days. This step includes attaching your medical examination and police certificate. After receiving your payment, IRCC will provide you with an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).

Step 7: Biometrics

IRCC will request that you submit your biometric information, including fingerprints and a photo.

Step 8: Final Decision

IRCC will make the final decision regarding your application. If you come from a visa-required country and reside abroad, you will receive a request for a permanent resident visa. If you reside in both Canada and outside Canada, Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR) will be issued to you. You will become a permanent resident upon landing if you are living abroad, or you can confirm your residency through a PR Portal if you live in Canada. Afterward, you will have the opportunity to apply for PR cards.

Cost of Express Entry

Breakdown of Fees

The cost of applying for immigration to Canada through Express Entry typically amounts to approximately CAD 2,300 for a single applicant and CAD 4,500 for a couple. This includes government fees and additional expenses.

• Components of Cost Breakdown:
  • Language Test: Average cost of $300
  • Educational Credential Assessments (ECAs): Average price of $200
  • Biometrics: $85 per individual
  • Government Fees: $1,365 for adults and $230 for children
  • Medical Examination: Average of $150-$280 for adults, $250 for children
  • Police Clearance Certificates: Average of $10-$100 per country

No government fees are required for the initial submission of the Express Entry profile. Fees are only paid upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Additionally, applicants may need to pay a provincial immigration fee if applying through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Additional Points through Provincial Nominee Program

Candidates eligible for Express Entry programs can receive an invitation to apply for a nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). Indicating a desire to settle in a specific province may result in an additional 600 CRS points if nominated by the provincial government.

Processing Time of Express Entry

IRCC has caught up with pre-pandemic processing times, with the process taking approximately six to twelve months from the submission of the Express Entry profile to the issuance of a permanent residency visa. However, timelines can vary, and profiles remain active in the pool for 12 months if not invited.

Recent Changes to Express Entry

On November 16, 2022, Express Entry transitioned to the 2021 version of the National Occupational Classification (NOC). This update includes changes to the skill type and skill level structure and updates eligibility criteria for all programs using the NOC.

Job Search Strategies in the Express Entry Pool

While in the Express Entry pool, applicants can:

• Create a Canada Job Bank profile and apply for available jobs.
• Promote themselves to Canadian employers using private job boards.
• Apply for jobs and potential work permits without impacting eligibility for permanent residency.