Canada’s Express Entry system is a points-based immigration system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence through various economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
To be eligible for Canada’s Express Entry system, you typically need to meet the following requirements:
1. Meet the Eligibility Criteria of One of the Three Programs: You must be eligible for at least one of the three federal economic immigration programs mentioned above.
2. Create an Express Entry Profile: You need to create an online profile through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
3. Meet the Minimum Requirements for Express Entry: You must meet the minimum requirements for language proficiency, education, and work experience.
- Language Proficiency: You must take an approved language test (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP for English, or TEF, TCF for French) and score at least a minimum level in all four language abilities: speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
- Education: You must have your foreign education credentials assessed by an approved organization to show that your education is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
- Work Experience: You must have at least one year of full-time work experience (or an equal amount in part-time) in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B) within the last ten years.
4. Obtain a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: You will be assigned a CRS score based on factors such as your age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other factors.
5. Enter the Express Entry Pool: Once you have created your profile and received your CRS score, you will enter the Express Entry pool, where you will be ranked against other candidates based on your CRS score.
6. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates with the highest CRS scores in the pool are invited to apply for permanent residence during regular draws conducted by the Canadian government.
7. Submit an Application for Permanent Residence: If you receive an ITA, you must submit a complete application for permanent residence within the given timeframe (usually 60 days).
It’s essential to regularly update your Express Entry profile with any changes to your circumstances, as this can affect your CRS score and your chances of receiving an ITA. Additionally, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee that you will be invited to apply for permanent residence. Your CRS score relative to other candidates in the pool will determine your chances of receiving an ITA.
Once you have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, the next step is to submit a complete application along with all required documents within the given timeframe, usually 60 days. This application includes detailed information about your personal background, education, work experience, language proficiency, and any accompanying family members. It’s crucial to ensure all information provided is accurate and supported by appropriate documentation to avoid delays or potential refusal of your application.
After submitting your application, it will undergo thorough review by immigration authorities to verify the information provided and ensure you meet all eligibility requirements. This process may include additional requests for documentation or interviews to further assess your suitability for permanent residence in Canada.
Once your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document, which signifies your official status as a permanent resident of Canada. You must then make arrangements to physically land in Canada within a specified timeframe to activate your permanent resident status. Upon arrival, you will be issued a Permanent Resident Card, which serves as official proof of your status in Canada.
As a permanent resident of Canada, you have the right to live, work, or study anywhere in the country. You also have access to social benefits such as healthcare coverage and can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting certain residency requirements.
It’s important to note that while Canada’s Express Entry system provides a streamlined pathway for skilled immigrants to obtain permanent residence, the process can be competitive, and meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee success. It’s advisable to seek guidance from immigration professionals or consultants to navigate the application process effectively and maximize your chances of success. Additionally, staying informed about updates to immigration policies and program requirements can help you make informed decisions throughout your immigration journey to Canada.
Processing times
Canadian immigration process most Express Entry applications within 6 months or less of getting your complete application.
Causes of processing delays
Your application will be delayed if
- we need to verify information
- there are criminal or security problems
- we need to do more background checks
- your family situation isn’t clear, for example,
- a divorce or an adoption that isn’t yet complete
- child custody issues that haven’t been resolved
- you need to submit more documents or have an interview with us
Read more here: Processing times
Fees for Express Entry
Once you fill out all sections of the online form and upload your documents, the system will show you a list of fees you need to pay. This list includes the following:
- processing fee for you and your family members
- right of permanent residence fee
- biometrics fee
Pay your fees through your online account. You’ll need a debit or credit card to do this.
At a minimum, you must pay your processing fees when you submit your application. Avoid delays by paying all of your fees now (including your right of permanent residence fee).
For details on how much you can expect to pay, check the fees list.
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