Have you ever heard of Express Entry? It’s Canada’s most popular immigration system that helps skilled workers move to Canada faster. If you have good education, work experience, and language skills, Express Entry could be your pathway to permanent residency. Want to know if you qualify? Read this article to learn more.
What is the concept of express entry?
Express Entry is an online immigration application framework run by the Government of Canada for managing applications of skilled workers who want to immigration to Canada on a permanent basis.
Express Entry is the main way skilled workers can get permanent residency in Canada. Through Express Entry, applicants create an online profile, provide details about their skills, work experience, education, and language ability and are ranked according to a points system.
Who is Eligible to Apply for Express Entry?
In order to be eligible for Express Entry, you must be able to qualify under one of Canada’s three federal immigration programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program
- The Canadian Experience Class
Each of these programs has certain eligibility criteria that consider your work experience, education, and language capability.
You can check if you are eligible using the free online assessment tool.
How Express Entry Works?
The process is in two phases:
- Entering the pool of candidates and,
- Applying for permanent residence when you receive an invitation
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
To be qualified, you must meet the requirements of at least one of three programs that mentioned before.
Step 2: Prepare Your Documents
Give a recognized language test (English or French). If you’ve studied abroad, you’ll likely need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Step 3: Create Your Profile
Submit your online profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), including details about your skills, work history, education, and language ability. You’ll then enter the Express Entry pool.
Step 4: Get Ranked by CRS
Applicants get points through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for age, education, work experience, and language skills.
Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The Canadian government invites the highest-scoring candidates in regular rounds. Once you arrive in Canada, you’re a permanent resident.
Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residence
If invited, you’ll have 60 days to submit a complete Application for Permanent Residence (APR) with supporting documents, medical exam, and police certificates.
Step 7: Biometrics and Processing
You’ll provide biometrics, and IRCC will review your application. Most take six months.
Step 8: Approval and Landing
You’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if required, a visa to travel to Canada. After moving to Canada, you become a permanent resident.
Benefits of the Express Entry
Are you a skilled professional in your line of work and looking to improve your quality of life by moving to Canada? If so, the Express Entry visa could be just what you’re looking for.
Since the system was launched in 2015, Express Entry has been the most popular immigration route for skilled workers, but why? We will add below the most important benefits of the system so you can decide if it’s perfect for you or not.
- Faster Processing Times: Most applications are processed in six months or less, compared to traditional immigration paths that may take years.
- Higher Chance of Selection: Skilled workers with in-demand qualifications are awarded more points, making it increasingly possible for them to be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
- Freedom to Live in Any Province: In contrast to some provincial immigration streams, Express Entry allows you to live and work anywhere in Canada once you have achieved permanent residency.
- Pathway to Canadian Citizenship: Permanent residence obtained through Express Entry is also a pathway to Canadian citizenship.
- Healthcare and Education Access: As a permanent resident, you and your family receive access to Canada’s world-class healthcare system and public education funded by the government.
- Ability to Sponsor Family Members: Once you become a permanent resident, you can sponsor your spouse, partner, or dependent children to move to Canada and be with you, so that you can be reunited and make plans for the future together.
From shorter processing times and higher chances of selection to access to healthcare, education, and family sponsorship, it’s no wonder this system has become the first choice for skilled workers around the world.
10 Useful Tips to Boost Your CRS Score
If you are looking to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score greatly decides whether or not you are eligible for receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Fortunately, there are several avenues for increasing your score and improving your chances of success. Here are ten that will work:
Increase Your Language Skills
Language proficiency tests such as IELTS or CELPIP can also make a huge impact on your CRS score. Aim for a CLB 9 or higher to earn maximum points. A little boost in reading, writing, speaking, or listening can take you a long way.
Obtain a Higher Degree of Education
Pursuing a Master’s or PhD can enhance your education points. Alternatively, if studying in Canada is not feasible, obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for any post-grad degrees that you have earned outside Canada.
Gain More Skilled Work Experience
Work experience, especially in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories, is counted towards CRS points. The more years you remain in a skilled job, the stronger your profile gets.
Get a Provincial Nomination (PNP)
Receiving a provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, which almost guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Research provinces that align with your skills and pursue their streams of nomination.
Secure a Genuine Job Offer
While harder to obtain, a legitimate Canadian job offer with an LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment) can be worth up to 200 CRS points depending on the job.
Improve Your Spouse’s Profile
When applying with a spouse or partner, their education, work experience, and language ability can contribute to your CRS score. Encourage them to take language tests or have their qualifications assessed.
Gain Additional Points for Siblings in Canada
You can earn 15 extra CRS points if you or your spouse has a sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
Study in Canada
Receiving a diploma, degree, or certificate from Canada not only boosts your education score but also makes you eligible for additional CRS points under the “Canadian education” criterion.
Apply Early and Keep Updating Your Profile
Your age contributes to your CRS score. The younger you are, the higher the points. Hence, it is always beneficial to enter the Express Entry pool when you become eligible as early as possible.
Also, update your profile whenever you gain new qualifications, work experience, or test scores.
Retake Language Tests if Necessary
Most applicants do not get the maximum score on their first try. Retaking the test after preparation can give you a very high CRS increase and may be the margin to getting your ITA.
Need Help with Your Express Entry?
Do you plan on immigrating to Canada through Express Entry but are confused regarding the process? Visa toronto can make your experience smoother and faster. Our professionals provide straightforward guidance, and prepare all the documents needed for a successful application.
Take control of your Canadian immigration process today. Choose Visatoronto and let us guide you through an express entry application successfully. Begin now and make your dream come true – to work and live in Canada.
