This article provides all you need to know about the Canadian Express Entry system, including the requirements and step-by-step instructions on how to apply. Canada is renowned for its high standard of living, robust economy, and multicultural society, making it a prime destination for immigrants worldwide.
The Canadian Express Entry system is one of Canada’s most popular pathways for skilled workers seeking permanent residency (PR). Its online system manages applications for three federal immigration programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
What Is Canadian Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online system the Canadian government uses to manage and process applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It is designed to streamline the immigration process, making it faster and more efficient.
Applicants are ranked against each other based on their skills, work experience, language ability, and other factors, using a points-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Express Entry Requirements
To apply for Express Entry, candidates must first meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three federal immigration programs:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Work Experience: At least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience in a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification [NOC] Skill Level 0, A, or B) within the last 10 years.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French.
- Education: A Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree, or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for foreign credentials.
- Proof of Funds: Sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members upon arrival in Canada.
- Selection Factors: Score at least 67 points out of 100 based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work) in a skilled trade within the last five years.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
- Job Offer/Certification: A full-time job offer of at least one year or a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
- Proof of Funds: Sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members upon arrival in Canada, unless they are already working in Canada under a valid job offer.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, gained within the last three years before applying.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, and CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
- Education: No minimum education requirement, but candidates can earn points for their education.
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The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The CRS is a points-based system used to assess and score Express Entry candidates. The CRS awards points for factors such as:
- Core Human Capital Factors: Age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors: If applicable, their education, language skills, and work experience in Canada.
- Skill Transferability: The combination of education, foreign work experience, and a certificate of qualification.
- Additional Points: For factors like having a valid job offer, a provincial nomination, Canadian education, or French language proficiency.
Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular Express Entry draws.
How to Apply for Express Entry
- Before starting your Express Entry application, determine your eligibility for one of the three programs: FSWP, FSTP, or CEC. You can use the online eligibility tool on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Then prepare the following documents:
- Language Test Results: Approved tests include IELTS (English) and TEF (French).
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): For foreign education.
- Passport or Travel Document.
- Proof of Work Experience: Reference letters from employers.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements or other financial documents.
- Police Certificates: From every country where you have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.
- Medical Examination: Conducted by an IRCC-approved panel physician.
- Job Offer or Provincial Nomination (if applicable).
- Create an online profile on the IRCC website. You will need to provide details about your age, work experience, education, language skills, and other factors. Based on this information, you will be assigned a CRS score.
- Once your profile is complete, you will enter the Express Entry pool, where you will be ranked against other candidates based on your CRS score.
- If you are among the top-ranking candidates in the pool, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. IRCC conducts regular draws, usually every two weeks.
- After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residence. This includes uploading all required documents and paying the application fees.
- After submitting your application, IRCC will review it and may request additional information or documents. If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if you are from a visa-required country).
The Canadian Express Entry system is an efficient and transparent way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. By following the steps outlined in this Canadian Express Entry application, you will ultimately be achieving your goal of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.
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