Express Entry Guide for Immigration (PR) to Canada
Express Entry is a points-based system introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for permanent residence under three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The system is designed to select skilled workers who are most likely to succeed in Canada and contribute to the economy.
Benefits of Express Entry
- Efficiency: Faster processing times compared to other immigration streams.
- Flexibility: Candidates can improve their scores and re-enter the pool if not selected.
- Opportunity: High-ranking candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Chapter 1: Understanding Express Entry
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online system used to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It involves two main steps:
- Submitting a profile: Candidates create an online profile where they provide information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other details.
- Entering the pool: Eligible candidates are placed in a pool and ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
——Submitting an Express Entry Profile
Creating an Online Profile:
IRCC Account Creation:
- Step 1: Go to the IRCC (www.cic.gc.ca) website and create a secure IRCC account. You will need to use either a GCKey (a unique credential for communicating securely with online Government of Canada programs and services) or a sign-in partner (your bank credentials).
- Step 2: Follow the instructions to register for an IRCC account and keep your login details secure.
Profile Setup:
- Personal Information: Provide basic personal information such as name, date of birth, nationality, marital status, and contact details.
- Work Experience: Detail your work experience over the past 10 years, focusing on skilled work experience under NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B. Include job titles, duties, employment dates, and employer information.
- Education: List your educational qualifications. If you have foreign credentials, you will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization to verify that your education is equivalent to Canadian standards.
- Language Proficiency: Enter your language test results. Accepted tests include IELTS or CELPIP for English and TEF or TCF for French. Ensure your test results are still valid (results are valid for two years). To get assistance in these language tests and GUARANTEED RESULTS, use the website www.hzadeducation.com.
- Family Information: Include details about your family members who will be accompanying you to Canada, such as their names, dates of birth, and relationship to you.
- Proof of Funds: Provide information about your financial status to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada.
Submit Profile:
- Once all information is entered, review your profile to ensure all details are accurate and complete.
- Submit your profile. Upon submission, you will receive a confirmation number and your profile will be entered into the Express Entry pool if you meet the eligibility criteria.
———– Entering the Pool
Eligibility and Pool Entry:
Eligibility Check:
- After submitting your profile, the system automatically checks if you meet the minimum criteria for one of the three Express Entry programs (FSWP, FSTP, CEC). If eligible, your profile is accepted into the pool.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score:
- CRS Overview: The CRS is a points-based system that ranks candidates based on core human capital factors, skill transferability factors, and additional factors. The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points.
- Core Human Capital Factors: Points are awarded for age, education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience. For example, candidates aged 20-29 receive the maximum points for age, while higher levels of education and superior language proficiency also yield more points.
- Skill Transferability Factors: Points are given for a combination of education and language skills, education and Canadian work experience, and foreign work experience and language skills.
- Additional Points: Candidates can receive additional points for factors such as a provincial nomination (600 points), a valid job offer (50-200 points depending on the job), Canadian education (up to 30 points), French language skills (up to 50 points), and having a sibling in Canada (15 points).
Ranking in the Pool:
- Once in the pool, candidates are ranked against each other based on their CRS scores. Higher scores increase the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
- Regular draws are conducted by IRCC to invite top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. These draws typically occur every two weeks, though the frequency and size can vary. The CRS cut-off score for each draw is determined by the number of candidates IRCC aims to invite and the distribution of scores in the pool (Canada.ca) (Moving2Canada).
Improving CRS Score:
- While in the pool, candidates can take steps to improve their CRS scores. This can include retaking language tests for higher scores, obtaining additional work experience, pursuing further education, securing a job offer in Canada, or receiving a provincial nomination (Canadavisa.com).
Programs under Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (linked with Express Entry)
— Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Work Experience: At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in the last 10 years in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) Skill Level 0, A, or B.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French for all four language abilities (speaking, listening, reading, writing). Proof of language proficiency must be provided through recognized tests such as IELTS or CELPIP for English and TEF or TCF for French.
- Education: Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential assessed by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization.
- Points System: Must score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSWP grid based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, arranged employment, and adaptability.
- Proof of Funds: Sufficient settlement funds to support themselves and their family members upon arrival in Canada, unless they are currently authorized to work in Canada or have a valid job offer.
Application Process:
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit an online profile and meet the eligibility requirements to enter the Express Entry pool.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): High-ranking candidates in the pool are issued ITAs during regular draws.
- Submit a Complete Application: After receiving an ITA, submit a complete application with all necessary documents within 60 days.
- Processing and Decision: Applications are processed within approximately six months, and successful applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
— Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the last five years.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing. Proof of language proficiency must be provided through recognized tests.
- Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification: A valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
- Skilled Trades Categories: Work experience must be in one of the following NOC Major Groups: Industrial, Electrical and Construction Trades (Major Group 72), Maintenance and Equipment Operation Trades (Major Group 73), Supervisors and Technical Jobs in Natural Resources, Agriculture and Related Production (Major Group 82), Processing, Manufacturing and Utilities Supervisors and Central Control Operators (Major Group 92), Chefs and Cooks (Minor Group 632), or Butchers and Bakers (Minor Group 633).
Application Process:
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit an online profile and meet the eligibility requirements to enter the Express Entry pool.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): High-ranking candidates in the pool are issued ITAs during regular draws.
- Submit a Complete Application: After receiving an ITA, submit a complete application with all necessary documents within 60 days.
- Processing and Decision: Applications are processed within approximately six months, and successful applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
— Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years. The work experience must be in NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B and must be obtained with proper authorization.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs and CLB 5 for NOC B jobs. Proof of language proficiency must be provided through recognized tests.
- Education: No specific education requirements, but having education can increase CRS score.
Application Process:
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit an online profile and meet the eligibility requirements to enter the Express Entry pool.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): High-ranking candidates in the pool are issued ITAs during regular draws.
- Submit a Complete Application: After receiving an ITA, submit a complete application with all necessary documents within 60 days.
- Processing and Decision: Applications are processed within approximately six months, and successful applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
— Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (Linked with Express Entry)
Eligibility Criteria:
- Nomination by a Province or Territory: Each province and territory has its own criteria for nomination. Nomination is typically based on factors such as work experience, education, language proficiency, and the ability to contribute to the province’s or territory’s economy.
- Express Entry Linked Streams: Many provinces and territories have Express Entry linked streams that allow candidates to be nominated for permanent residence if they meet specific criteria.
Application Process:
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit an online profile and indicate interest in moving to a particular province or territory.
- Receive a Provincial Nomination: Apply to the province or territory’s PNP and, if nominated, receive an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): High-ranking candidates in the pool, including those with a provincial nomination, are issued ITAs during regular draws.
- Submit a Complete Application: After receiving an ITA, submit a complete application with all necessary documents within 60 days.
- Processing and Decision: Applications are processed within approximately six months, and successful applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Chapter 2: Eligibility Criteria
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Work Experience: At least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent paid work experience in the last 10 years in a skilled occupation.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French.
- Education: Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential.
- Points System: Must score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSWP grid.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing.
- Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification: Valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs; CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
- Education: No specific education requirements, but having education can increase CRS score.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Nomination by a Province or Territory: Each province and territory has its own criteria. Nomination adds 600 points to the CRS score, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
Chapter 3: Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Explanation of CRS
The CRS is a points-based system used to assess and score candidates in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded based on:
- Core/Human Capital Factors: Age, education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience.
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors: Education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience of the spouse or partner.
- Skill Transferability Factors: Education and foreign work experience combined with language proficiency.
- Additional Factors: Provincial nomination, valid job offer, Canadian education, siblings in Canada, and French language skills.
Current CRS Score Trends
As of the latest draws in 2024, the CRS cut-off scores have varied depending on the type of draw:
- General Draws: Scores have ranged from 410 to 529.
- Category-Based Draws: Scores have been specific to categories like French-speaking candidates and skilled trades, with recent cut-offs around 336 to 410.
Chapter 4: Creating Your Express Entry Profile
Necessary Documents and Information
- Language Test Results: IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): For foreign education credentials.
- Passport or Travel Document
- Proof of Funds: Demonstrating sufficient funds to settle in Canada.
How to Create an Online Profile
- Create an IRCC account: Register and log in to your account on the IRCC website.
- Complete the Eligibility Test: Answer questions to determine eligibility.
- Submit Your Profile: Provide details about your skills, education, work experience, and other factors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Inaccurate information
- Missing documents
- Not updating profile changes (e.g., new job, marriage)
Chapter 5: Improving Your CRS Score
Strategies to Increase CRS Score
- Improve Language Scores: Retake language tests for higher scores. This is the easiest step! Contact us at [email protected] for more help with your language tests.
- Educational Credentials: Obtain higher education or additional degrees.
- Work Experience: Gain more skilled work experience.
- Provincial Nomination: Apply to PNPs for additional 600 points.
- Job Offer: Secure a valid job offer in Canada.
Chapter 6: Invitation to Apply (ITA)
What to Do When You Receive an ITA
- Document Collection: Gather required documents (police certificates, medical exams, proof of funds, etc.).
- Complete Application: Fill out the online forms and upload documents.
- Submit Application: Pay fees and submit your application through your IRCC account.
Necessary Documents and Information
- Medical Exam Results: Must be from a panel physician approved by IRCC.
- Police Certificates: From countries where you have lived for more than six months.
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements, investment portfolios, etc.
- Employment Records: Reference letters, contracts, pay stubs.
Chapter 7: Processing Times and What to Expect
Current Processing Times
Processing times can vary, but as of 2024, the average processing time for Express Entry applications is approximately 6 months from the date of submission.
Steps After Submitting the Application
- AOR (Acknowledgment of Receipt): Confirmation that your application has been received.
- Medical and Background Check: IRCC will review your medical results and conduct background checks.
- Final Decision: IRCC will notify you of the final decision. If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
How to Track Your Application
- Use the IRCC online account to check the status of your application and any updates.
Chapter 8: After Receiving Your PR
Landing in Canada
- Border Interview: Present COPR and passport to the immigration officer.
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR): Signed by you and the officer.
Initial Steps After Landing
- Social Insurance Number (SIN): Apply for a SIN at a Service Canada office.
- Health Card: Apply for provincial health insurance.
- Banking: Open a Canadian bank account.
Chapter 9: Resources and Support
Official Resources
- IRCC Website: Official information and updates on immigration policies (www.cic.gc.ca).
- Provincial Immigration Websites: Specific details for each province’s immigration programs.
Community Support Groups and Forums
- Local Community Organizations: Contact the relevant immigrant support centers and settlement agencies (depending on your province).
Professional Immigration Consultants and Lawyers
- Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs): Professionals who can assist with your application process.
- Immigration Lawyers: Legal advice and support for complex cases. Contact us at [email protected] so we can help you find the most qualified lawyers and consultants at the best rates!
CRS Score Breakdown Table
This visual will illustrate how the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) allocates points based on various factors.
CRS Score Breakdown Table
| Factors | Maximum Points |
| Core/Human Capital Factors | |
| – Age | 110 (single), 100 (married) |
| – Education | 150 |
| – Language Skills | 136 (single), 128 (married) |
| – Canadian Work Experience | 80 |
| Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors | |
| – Education | 10 |
| – Language Skills | 20 |
| – Canadian Work Experience | 10 |
| Skill Transferability Factors | |
| – Education and Language Skills | 50 |
| – Education and Canadian Work Experience | 50 |
| – Foreign Work Experience and Language Skills | 50 |
| – Foreign Work Experience and Canadian Work Experience | 50 |
| – Certificate of Qualification | 50 |
| Additional Points | |
| – Provincial Nomination | 600 |
| – Valid Job Offer | 200 |
| – Canadian Education | 30 |
| – French Language Skills | 50 |
| – Sibling in Canada | 15 |
Eligibility Criteria Comparison Chart
| Criteria | FSWP | FSTP | CEC |
| Work Experience | 1 year (continuous) | 2 years | 1 year (in Canada) |
| Language Proficiency | CLB 7 | CLB 5 (speaking/listening), CLB 4 (reading/writing) | CLB 7 (NOC 0/A), CLB 5 (NOC B) |
| Education | High school diploma or equivalent | Not required, but adds points | Not required, but adds points |
| Job Offer | Not required | Required (unless certified) | Not required |
| Proof of Funds | Required | Required | Not required if working in Canada |