Express Entry

The Canadian Express Entry system is a streamlined and points-based immigration system designed to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. Launched in January 2015, it is one of the most popular pathways for immigrants seeking to move to Canada, particularly those with strong work experience, education, language skills, and other attributes that can contribute to the Canadian economy.

Key Components of the Express Entry System

Programs Managed Under Express Entry:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For qualified tradespeople.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with recent Canadian work experience.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): The CRS is a points-based system that ranks candidates in the Express Entry pool based on factors such as:

Age
Education
Work experience (both in Canada and abroad)
Language proficiency in English and/or French
Canadian job offer (optional)
Provincial nomination (optional but highly beneficial)
Spouse or common-law partner factors (if applicable)
Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws from the Express Entry pool.

Creating an Express Entry Profile:

Candidates must create an online profile, where they provide details about their skills, education, work experience, language ability, and other personal information.

Profiles are scored based on the CRS, and those with competitive scores may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Invitation to Apply (ITA):

Periodically, the Canadian government holds Express Entry draws, inviting the highest-ranking candidates from the pool to apply for permanent residence.

Once an ITA is received, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

Processing Time:

Express Entry is known for its relatively quick processing times. Most complete applications are processed within six months or less after submission.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry:

Provinces and territories in Canada can also nominate candidates through the Express Entry system under their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP). A provincial nomination significantly boosts a candidate's CRS score, effectively guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw.

Benefits of the Express Entry System:

Efficient Processing: It’s one of the fastest ways to gain permanent residence in Canada.

Transparency: The points-based system ensures that candidates are ranked objectively.

Flexibility: Candidates can improve their CRS score by gaining additional qualifications or a provincial nomination, even while they are in the pool.

The Express Entry system is designed to attract highly skilled immigrants who can contribute to Canada’s economy, making it an essential pathway for many who wish to make Canada their new home.