The Express Entry system is one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. It is a points-based system designed to manage applications for permanent residency under Canada’s three main federal economic immigration programs. These include the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
In this guide, we will walk you through the Canadian Express Entry Visa process, covering the eligibility requirements, how the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) works, the application steps, and tips for improving your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Overview of the Express Entry System
Express Entry is an online system that allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residency in Canada based on their skills, education, work experience, and other factors. Applicants create an Express Entry profile and are ranked against others in the pool based on their CRS score. Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency.
The main economic programs under Express Entry are:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Step-by-Step Process for Canadian Express Entry Visa
1. Check Eligibility
Before applying, you must determine whether you are eligible for one of the three programs managed by Express Entry. General eligibility criteria include:
- Work Experience: You must have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification or NOC 0, A, or B).
- Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking an approved language test, such as IELTS or CELPIP. The minimum score requirement varies based on the program but generally requires a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7.
- Education: You must have a Canadian educational credential or a foreign degree that has been assessed by an approved Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) body to determine its equivalence to Canadian standards.
- Proof of Funds: For most programs, you must show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family after moving to Canada, unless you have a valid job offer or are already working in Canada.
2. Create an Express Entry Profile
Once you determine your eligibility, the next step is to create an online Express Entry profile through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. In your profile, you will provide information about your:
- Skills and work experience
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
- Education credentials (with an ECA if applicable)
- Age, marital status, and family details
- Any valid job offers or Canadian work experience
Based on the information provided, you will be given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool compared to other candidates.
3. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The CRS is a points-based system used to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
CRS Factors:
- Core/Human Capital Factors (age, education, work experience, language skills)
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors (if applicable)
- Skills Transferability Factors (education and work experience combined with strong language proficiency)
- Additional Points for factors such as:
- A provincial nomination (600 points)
- A valid job offer (50-200 points depending on the position)
- Canadian education credentials
- Strong French language skills
- Having a sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
A CRS score typically ranges between 300 to 600 points, but applicants with higher scores (over 450-500) are more likely to receive an ITA.
4. Submit Your Profile to the Express Entry Pool
Once your Express Entry profile is complete, you will be entered into the Express Entry pool. Your profile will remain in the pool for 12 months, and during this time, you may receive an ITA if your CRS score meets or exceeds the cut-off in any of the Express Entry draws.
Express Entry draws are held regularly, usually every two weeks, and the IRCC issues ITAs to the highest-ranked candidates in the pool.
5. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score is high enough, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. You typically have 60 days from the date of the ITA to submit your complete application for permanent residency, including all supporting documents.
6. Submit the Permanent Residency Application
After receiving an ITA, you will need to submit a complete application through the Express Entry portal, including:
- Proof of work experience (employment letters, pay stubs)
- Proof of language proficiency (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF results)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) results (if applicable)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, financial documentation)
- Police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for more than 6 months since the age of 18
- Medical examination results
7. Wait for Application Processing
Once your application is submitted, it will be processed by IRCC. Processing times for Express Entry applications typically range from 6 to 12 months, although some applications are processed faster under certain circumstances.
During this time, you may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview with a Canadian immigration officer.
8. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document and a Permanent Resident Visa (if applicable). The COPR allows you to travel to Canada and officially become a permanent resident.
9. Move to Canada and Complete the Landing Process
Once you arrive in Canada, you will need to present your COPR and other documents at the port of entry to complete the landing process. After this, you will receive your Permanent Resident (PR) Card, which serves as proof of your status.
Tips for Maximizing Your CRS Score
- Improve Language Test Results: Retaking the language test and achieving higher scores can significantly boost your CRS score.
- Gain Additional Work Experience: More years of skilled work experience, particularly in Canada, can increase your score.
- Pursue Higher Education: Completing a degree or diploma can add points under the education category.
- Get a Provincial Nomination: Applying for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can give you an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
- Secure a Valid Job Offer: If you receive a job offer from a Canadian employer, you may be eligible for 50 to 200 additional CRS points.
Conclusion
The Canadian Express Entry Visa process is a streamlined and efficient way for skilled workers to apply for permanent residency. By understanding the steps involved, checking your eligibility, and maximizing your CRS score, you can significantly improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply and successfully immigrating to Canada. With the right preparation, you can navigate the process smoothly and begin your new life in one of the world’s most welcoming countries.