What is Express Entry: The Ultimate Guide to Canada’s PR System
Published by: Can X Global Solutions Inc.
Canada continues to be one of the top destinations for individuals seeking permanent residency (PR), and the Express Entry system remains a key pathway to achieving that goal. Launched in 2015, Express Entry is an online immigration management system designed to streamline the process for skilled workers, professionals, and entrepreneurs to gain PR in Canada. If you’re looking to understand how Express Entry works and how it can help you become a Canadian permanent resident, this ultimate guide is for you.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is a fast-track immigration system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residency. It is specifically aimed at skilled workers who wish to live and work in Canada. Express Entry is used to manage three key immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For workers with eligible foreign or Canadian work experience
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For workers who are qualified in a skilled trade
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For workers with eligible Canadian work experience
These programs cater to individuals with varying levels of experience and skills, from those with Canadian work experience to skilled tradespeople and highly educated professionals.
The Express Entry process is simple but involves several steps. Here’s an overview of how the system works:
Before applying through Express Entry, you need to determine if you qualify under one of the three federal programs. Key factors include work experience, education, language proficiency (English or French), and age.
To see if you meet the basic requirements for Express Entry, you can complete a questionnaire. You have two options:
Option 1: Come to Canada Tool: Answer a few simple questions using the Come to Canada tool. At the end, you’ll receive a personal reference code, which you can use to transfer your details to your Express Entry profile.
Option 2: IRCC Secure Account: Sign in to your IRCC account and choose “Apply to come to Canada.” Select “Express Entry” and answer the questions.
- Create an Online Express Entry Profile: Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility for one of the Express Entry programs, the next step is to create your online profile. This profile will require you to provide essential personal information, including your age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. You’ll need to take a recognized language test, such as IELTS General, CELPIP, or PTE to demonstrate your language skills. Your work experience, including the duration and details of your roles, will also be key to your profile. If you’ve completed a master’s or PhD from a Canadian institution, you won’t need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for any overseas education, as your Canadian qualifications are already recognized by immigration authorities. For those who completed their education outside of Canada, an ECA is required to assess whether your foreign credentials meet Canadian standards.
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): After submitting your profile, you will be ranked based on a points system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS takes into account factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. The higher your CRS score, the more likely you are to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). You can also calculate your CRS score using the CRS Calculator, a government tool that helps estimate your score based on your profile details.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): Periodically, the Canadian government conducts draw from the Express Entry pool. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residency. If your score is competitive enough, you will receive an ITA.
- Submit Your Application: Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your full application for permanent residency. This includes providing supporting documents such as medical exams, police certificates, proof of funds, and biometrics.
- Processing and Decision: After submission, your application will be processed by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). If you are already in Canada, the PR process, including the issuance of the COPR, will be done virtually. IRCC will send you an email asking you to confirm your presence in Canada. Once you reply, IRCC will create a separate portal for you, different from the one used to submit your application. In this new portal, you will upload your current photo and provide your address. After submitting your information, IRCC will finalize your application, and you will be able to download your eCOPR from this portal. If you are outside of Canada, you will be required to submit your passport or a copy of your passport to IRCC. Once your application is approved, IRCC will issue you a COPR. You can then travel to Canada, and upon arrival at the port of entry, you will complete the final steps to obtain your permanent resident status.
Express Entry has undergone continuous improvements since its inception, making it one of the fastest and most transparent immigration systems in the world. Some important features of Express Entry include:
IRCC has increasingly held frequent draws from the Express Entry pool, leading to faster processing times for PR applications. Depending on the demand, draws can happen every two weeks, providing applicants with multiple opportunities to be selected.
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories in Canada to nominate individuals for PR. If you receive a nomination from a province, you can earn 600 additional CRS points, essentially guaranteeing an ITA. Many provinces actively select candidates from the Express Entry pool who meet their specific labor market needs.
Canada places a strong emphasis on Canadian work experience. If you have worked in Canada on a valid work permit, you can gain additional CRS points for your Canadian work experience, increasing your chances of being selected in a draw.
The CRS system is adjusted regularly to meet Canada’s immigration priorities. For example, candidates with strong language skills, higher education credentials, and more work experience are awarded more points. This ensures that Canada attracts the right talent to fill labor shortages and address the country’s economic needs.
Express Entry remains the most efficient and transparent way for skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, reunite with family, or enjoy the vibrant Canadian culture, Express Entry offers a streamlined pathway to achieving your goals. By understanding the process, staying informed about changes to the system, and optimizing your CRS score, you can enhance your chances of successfully securing Canadian permanent residency. With its fast-processing times and clear criteria, Express Entry continues to be a top choice for immigrants looking to make Canada their home.
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At Can X, we have been guiding clients through the Express Entry process since its inception, helping individuals achieve their dream of becoming permanent residents of Canada. With years of experience and a proven track record, we take pride in our 100% success rate for clients who meet the requirements. Our team’s commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and personalized approach ensures that your immigration journey is handled with the utmost care, resulting in timely and successful outcomes. Let us be your trusted partner in navigating Express Entry and securing the future you deserve.
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