Looking to build a new life in Canada? The Express Entry Program is one of the fastest and most popular pathways to Permanent Residency (PR) for skilled workers. At Passway Immigration, we specialize in helping clients successfully apply through this highly competitive, points-based system.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is a Canada immigration system that manages applications for permanent residence through three key economic immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Express Entry is designed to expedite the immigration process for skilled workers by selecting candidates based on a points-based system. The system ranks candidates according to their qualifications, work experience, and other factors, and invites them to apply for permanent residence.
How Does Express Entry Work?
Express Entry works through a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The process follows these steps:
- Create a Profile:Applicants who want to immigrate to Canada under Express Entry must first create an online profile. Based on the information provided, they are given a CRS score.
- Enter the Pool:Eligible candidates are entered into the Express Entry pool, where they will be ranked based on their CRS score relative to other candidates.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): Canada conducts regular Express Entry draws (usually every two weeks) in which applicants with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.
- Submit Application: If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Permanent Residence: If your application is successful, you will be granted permanent residence in Canada.
Eligibility Requirements for Canada Express Entry
To be eligible for Express Entry, applicants must meet the basic requirements of one of the three programs under the Express Entry system:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Work Experience: At least one year of continuous full-time work experience in a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B).
- Language Proficiency: A minimum CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) score of 7 in English or French for each language skill (speaking, reading, writing, and listening).
- Education:A Canadian high school diploma or higher, or an equivalent foreign credential (you’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)).
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade (NOC Skill Level B).
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing
- Job Offer: A valid job offer in Canada or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory.
Express Entry Draws and Its Types
Express Entry draws are periodic selections where candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence based on their CRS score. There are two types of draws:
- Regular Draws: These are the standard draws where candidates are selected based on the CRS cut-off score, which is typically announced at the time of the draw.
- Program-Specific Draws: Sometimes, draws may be focused on a specific program. For instance, Canadian Experience Class or Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) candidates may have separate draws. These candidates may have a lower CRS score requirement as a result of the program-specific focus.
Canada Express Entry Processing Time
Once you submit your application for permanent residence, the processing time for Express Entry applications is typically 6 months or less. However, the processing time can vary based on the complexity of the application and the time it takes to verify documents.