Express Entry
What is Express Entry System?
The Express Entry system is a fast and efficient way to achieve permanent residency in Canada. Designed to attract skilled workers from around the world, it manages applications for three federal immigration programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program
- The Canadian Experience Class.
Check the Eligibility Criteria for these programs
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is designed for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. The eligibility criteria include:
- Work Experience: At least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time paid work experience in the last 10 years in a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0, A, or B).
- Language Proficiency: Minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in English or French for all four language abilities (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). You must provide valid language test results.
- Education: A Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential. Foreign credentials must be assessed by an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organization.
- Proof of Funds: Sufficient settlement funds to support yourself and your family unless you are currently able to legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Points System: A minimum of 67 points out of 100 on the FSWP points grid, which assesses factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability.
- Admissibility: Must be admissible to Canada, meaning you are not a security risk, do not have a criminal record, and are in good health.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. The eligibility criteria include:
- 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 five years before applying.
- 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 that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing. You must provide valid language test results.
- Skilled Trade Occupations: Work experience must be in one of the skilled trades categorized under the following NOC groups:
- Major Group 72: Industrial, electrical, and construction trades
- Major Group 73: Maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Major Group 82: Supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture, and related production
- Major Group 92: Processing, manufacturing, and utilities supervisors and central control operators
- Minor Group 632: Chefs and cooks
- Minor Group 633: Butchers and baker
- Admissibility: Must be admissible to Canada.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents. The eligibility criteria include:
- Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, in the last three years before you apply. This must be full-time or an equal amount in part-time, in a NOC skill type 0, A, or B occupation.
- Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, or CLB 5 for NOC B jobs. You must provide valid language test results.
- Education: There is no education requirement for the CEC. However, if you want to improve your rank in the Express Entry pool, you can get points for your education by submitting a Canadian credential or a valid ECA for your foreign credential.
- Admissibility: Must be admissible to Canada.
- Intent to Live Outside Quebec: Must plan to live outside the province of Quebec, as the province selects its own skilled workers.
Permanent Residency through Express Entry: Your Path to Canada
The Express Entry system is a fast and efficient way to achieve permanent residency in Canada. Designed to attract skilled workers from around the world, it manages applications for three federal immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Here’s how it works.
1. Eligibility: To be eligible, you need to meet the requirements of one of the three programs. Criteria include factors like work experience, education, language proficiency (English or French), and other skills.
2. Create an Online Profile: Eligible candidates create an online profile and enter the Express Entry pool. Your profile is ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language skills.
3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates with the highest CRS scores are periodically invited to apply for permanent residency. Invitations are issued through regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
4. Submit Your Application: Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency, including all necessary documents such as police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds.
5. Processing Time: The processing time for Express Entry applications is generally six months or less from the date of submission.
6. Receive Confirmation: If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if applicable).
7. Landing in Canada: With your COPR and visa, you can land in Canada and officially become a permanent resident.
How Can I Increase My CRS Score?
You can increase your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Canadian immigration by focusing on several key strategies:
- Improve Language Proficiency: Aim for higher scores in language tests like IELTS or CELPIP. Even a small improvement can significantly boost your CRS points.
- Gain Additional Work Experience: Accumulate more skilled work experience in Canada or abroad, especially in NOC 0, A, or B occupations.
- Get Additional Education: Obtain Canadian degrees, diplomas, or certificates, especially in fields that align with in-demand occupations in Canada.
- Obtain a Job Offer: Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer that is supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
- Provincial Nomination: Secure a nomination from a Canadian province or territory through their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which can add substantial CRS points.
- Enhance Spouse or Common-Law Partner’s Credentials: Improve their language skills, education, or work experience to maximize additional CRS points for adaptability.
- Improve Transferable Skills: Highlight skills that are transferable across different occupations or industries.
- Score High on Additional Factors: Maximize points for factors like having a sibling in Canada, French language proficiency, or completing a Canadian education.
- Keep Your Profile Updated: Regularly update your Express Entry profile with any new qualifications, work experience, or language test results.
- Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting with an immigration consultant or lawyer specializing in Canadian immigration to ensure your application strategy is optimized.
By strategically focusing on these areas, you can effectively increase your CRS score and improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada through the Express Entry system.
Benefits of Express Entry
- Fast Processing: One of the quickest ways to obtain permanent residency in Canada.
- Transparency: Clear criteria and points-based system make the process straightforward.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Takes into account a variety of factors to assess your potential for success in Canada.
Express Entry is a streamlined and transparent pathway to Canadian permanent residency, providing skilled workers with a faster route to settle and thrive in Canada. Ready to start your journey? Contact us for expert guidance and support through every step of the Express Entry process.