Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s main immigration system for skilled workers who want to obtain permanent residency. It is a points-based system that selects candidates based on their skills, work experience, language proficiency, education, and other factors. Express Entry is the fastest pathway to Canadian permanent residency, with most applications processed within 6 months.

Key Features of Canada Express Entry

  • Permanent Residency: Successful applicants receive permanent resident status in Canada, allowing them to live, work, and study anywhere in the country.
  • Fast Processing: Express Entry applications are processed within 6 months or less for most applicants.
  • Points-Based System: Candidates are ranked based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which takes into account age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors.
  • Pathway to Citizenship: After holding permanent residency for a specific time, candidates may be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Programs Under the Express Entry System

Express Entry manages applications for three main federal immigration programs:

  1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who meet specific education, work experience, and language proficiency criteria.

  • Work Experience: At least 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years.
  • Education: A foreign education credential that is equivalent to a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate (requires an Educational Credential Assessment).
  • Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) of 7 in English or French.

  1. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is designed for skilled tradespeople in specific occupations who have job offers in Canada or are certified in a skilled trade.

  • Work Experience: At least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
  • Job Offer: A valid job offer of full-time employment for at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade issued by a Canadian authority.
  • Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum CLB of 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.

  1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for candidates who have gained skilled work experience in Canada and want to apply for permanent residency.

  • Work Experience: At least 1 year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years.
  • Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum CLB of 7 for jobs in NOC 0 or A, and CLB 5 for jobs in NOC B.

Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry

To be eligible for Express Entry, you must meet the basic requirements of one of the three programs mentioned above (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC). Additionally, the following factors are important:

  1. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score

Your eligibility and ranking in Express Entry are based on the CRS score, which evaluates factors like:

  • Age: Candidates between 18 and 29 receive the highest points.
  • Education: Higher education levels result in more points.
  • Work Experience: More skilled work experience increases your CRS score.
  • Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English or French is crucial. The higher your scores in tests like IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core or TEF, the more points you earn.
  • Canadian Work Experience: Previous work experience in Canada boosts your CRS score significantly.

  1. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

If you completed your education outside Canada, you must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to show that your foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian credential.

  1. Proof of Funds

You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada. This requirement is waived if you have a valid job offer in Canada or are applying under the Canadian Experience Class.

  1. Language Test Results

You must take an approved language test (such as IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, or TEF) to prove your proficiency in English or French. Your scores directly impact your CRS score.

Steps to Apply for Express Entry

The Express Entry process is divided into several steps:

  1. Check Your Eligibility

Ensure that you meet the requirements of one of the three Express Entry programs (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC).

  1. Create an Express Entry Profile

Create an Express Entry profile online through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This profile includes your personal details, work experience, education, language test scores, and other information.

  1. Get Your CRS Score

Once your profile is submitted, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool. Candidates with the highest scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency.

  1. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your CRS score is high enough, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Draws are held regularly, and the CRS cutoff score varies for each draw.

  1. Submit Your Application for Permanent Residency

Once you receive an ITA, you must submit your complete application for permanent residency, including all supporting documents (e.g., ECA, language test results, proof of funds, medical exams, and police clearance certificates).

  1. Await Decision

IRCC processes most Express Entry applications within 6 months. If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can travel to Canada to officially become a permanent resident.

Required Documents for Express Entry

To apply for Express Entry, you will need the following documents:

  1. Passport or Travel Document:
    • A valid passport for you and any accompanying family members.
  2. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA):
    • If you studied outside Canada, you need an ECA to prove that your education is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
  3. Language Test Results:
    • Results from an approved language test, such as IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, or TEF.
  4. Work Experience Letters:
    • Reference letters from your previous employers that outline your job duties, position, and duration of employment.
  5. Proof of Funds:
    • Bank statements or other financial documents proving you have enough money to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada (if required).
  6. Police Clearance Certificates:
    • You must provide police certificates from every country you have lived in for at least 6 months since the age of 18.
  7. Medical Exam Results:
    • You must undergo a medical examination with an IRCC-approved panel physician.

Express Entry Processing Times

Express Entry is one of the fastest immigration pathways in Canada. After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), most applications for permanent residency are processed within 6 months or less. However, processing times may vary depending on the completeness of your application and the complexity of your case.

Express Entry Costs

The fees associated with Express Entry include:

  • Express Entry Application Fee: CAD 950 for the main applicant.
  • Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD 575.
  • Language Test Fees: Varies by provider (IELTS, CELPIP, PTE Core, or TEF).
  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): CAD 200 to 500, depending on the assessing organization.
  • Medical Exam Fees: Varies by country and provider.
  • Police Clearance Certificate Fees: Varies by country.

How We Can Help

At A Square Migration Services, we provide expert guidance and support for your Express Entry application. Our services include:

  • Eligibility Assessment: We assess your qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency to ensure you meet the requirements for Express Entry.
  • CRS Score Improvement: We help you identify ways to improve your CRS score, such as additional education, work experience, or language training.
  • Document Preparation: We assist in gathering and preparing all necessary documents for your Express Entry profile and permanent residency application.
  • Application Submission: We help you submit a complete and accurate Express Entry profile to maximize your chances of receiving an ITA.
  • Ongoing Support: We provide continuous updates and guidance throughout the entire process, ensuring that your application is successful.

Start Your Journey to Canada with Express Entry

The Express Entry system is one of the fastest and most efficient pathways to Canadian permanent residency for skilled workers. At A Square Migration Services, we are here to guide you through every step of the process, helping you achieve your dream of living and working in Canada.

Contact us today to begin your Express Entry application and start your journey to permanent residency in Canada!