Canada Express Entry: The Ultimate Guide

Canada offers several immigration pathways for immigrants willing to migrate and settle in the country with a permanent residence status.  According to the recent immigration levels plan 2024-2026, Canada is planning to invite 1.5 million PRs by 2026.  Immigrants looking for an easy immigration pathway can apply for the Canadian Express Entry system.  The Express Entry program is the fastest and most efficient pathway for obtaining a Canada PR.

The Express Entry program is an online immigration pathway used by Canada to manage immigration applications from skilled immigrants.  The program was first launched in 2015, and since then, it has become the most popular immigration pathway among skilled workers willing to migrate and settle in Canada.  The Express Entry manages three immigration programs which include:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This program is designed to invite skilled workers who have professional work experience in job roles listed under the Skilled Occupation List.  The work experience to be considered can be acquired even from outside Canada.  The program has no limit on the number of successful applicants and is one of the most straight-forward immigration pathways for skilled immigrants having the required skills and experience in their field.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program  (FSTP): This program is designed to invite tradesperson with relevant skills in sectors like construction, agriculture, HVAC, bakery, manufacturing, plumbing, electrical, management, and maintenance services.  Candidates must have skilled work experience as per the NOC requirements specified by IRCC.  The FSTP is one of the simplest pathways for skilled tradespeople to migrate and settle in Canada. 
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program is exclusively designed to invite immigrants who have skilled work experience within Canada.  Candidates having a minimum Canadian work experience of 12 months in the last three years can apply for the Canadian Experience Class.  The CEC offers an exclusive pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residence in Canada.

Note: Candidates eligible for any one of the above-mentioned programs can also apply through the Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program.  Nominated candidates can get additional points under the Express Entry system.

 

Benefits of Canada Express Entry

The benefits of applying through the Express Entry program are listed below:

• Fast-track pathway to get Canada PR
• Maximum chances of being selected
• Flexibility to choose any Canadian province
• Get Canada PR within 6 to 8 months
• Potential to obtain Canadian citizenship
• Access to Canadian education and healthcare system
• Ability to sponsor family members after obtaining Canada PR
• Less chances of discrimination
• Select from a variety of programs according to your preference
• Migrate to Canada even without a job offer
• Stay in Canada for up to 5 years

 

Canada Express Entry Eligibility and Requirements 

The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada is the department of the Canadian government that manages and lays down immigration policies for Canada immigration.  The department has specified certain eligibility requirements for immigrants to apply for the Express Entry program.  The eligibility and requirements for the Express Entry program are discussed below:

 

Understanding Express Entry Eligibility 

The Express Entry program makes use of a points-based system to assess and determine the eligibility of candidates.  The minimum score to be eligible for the Express Entry program is 67 points.  Candidates with high eligibility points have greater chances of being selected for the program.

 

Criteria for Eligibility

You would be eligible for the Express Entry program if you:

• Have at least one year of paid, full-time, skilled work experience in the last 10 years
• Are proficient in English or French language with a minimum proficiency level of CLB 7
• Hold educational degrees equivalent to the Canadian standards of post-secondary education
• Have Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports if you have completed your education from outside Canada 
• Have sufficient financial resources to support your stay in Canada
• Have zero criminal records against your name

 

Importance of meeting eligibility requirements

It is essential to meet the eligibility requirements specified for the Express Entry program as it determines your chances of being selected.  Canada offers easy immigration policies for immigrants, but the Canadian authorities are very strict with the policies in place.  Candidates must strictly adhere to the eligibility criteria to ensure the highest chances of being selected.

 

Comprehensive Ranking System

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a merit-based points system used by Canada to assess the eligibility of the applicants.  Candidates are evaluated on the basis of six main factors, which include:

• Age
• Education
• Work Experience
• Language Skills
• Arranged Employment in Canada (LMIA approved)
• Adaptability

Express Entry applicants are allotted scores on the basis of the factors mentioned.  You must score at least 67 points under the CRS Score calculator to be eligible to apply for the Express Entry program.

 

How the CRS works

Candidates willing to apply for the Express Entry program must check their eligibility via the Canada CRS score calculator.  The CRS score calculator evaluates the candidates based on the factors mentioned above.  Canada uses the CRS Score Calculator to ensure that candidates are not discriminated against on the basis of gender, nationality, or other discriminatory factors.  Candidates fulfilling the eligibility criteria can obtain maximum scores for each factor in the CRS score calculator.

The table below provides details about the maximum CRS points that can be acquired under these factors:

Factors	Maximum CRS points
Age	12 points
Education	25 points
Work Experience	15 points
Language Skills (English or French)	28 points
LMIA approved Arranged Employment	10 points
Adaptability	10 points

Regular draws are held by IRCC to invite candidates to apply for Canada PR.  If you have a score higher than the minimum CRS points required, then you can create an Express Entry profile to enter the Express Entry pool of candidates.  IRCC evaluates and selects candidates having the highest CRS scores and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to selected candidates.

 

Tips to improve your CRS score 

The Express Entry program is completely dependent on the comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for the selection of candidates.  The highest-ranking candidates have the highest chances of getting selected for the program.  Therefore, it is extremely important for candidates to improve their CRS to increase their chances of receiving an ITA.

Here are some tips to improve your CRS score:

• Boost your Language Proficiency Scores:  You can score a maximum of 28 points under the CRS Score calculator if you have a language proficiency score more than or equivalent to CLB 9.  Retaking your language proficiency test can therefore be beneficial to improve your CRS score for Canada immigration.
• Get a provincial nomination: You will get extra points added to your Express Entry profile if you receive a provincial nomination from any of the provinces in Canada, thereby improving your CRS score.
• Gather Canadian Work Experience: Professional work experience gathered under a Canadian employer can be crucial while calculating your CRS score.  Therefore, gathering Canadian work experience can increase your CRS score. 
• Increase your educational qualification: Candidates with a high level of education get higher scores under the CRS score calculator.  You can get up to 25 points if you hold a PhD or post-doctoral degree in your related field.  Therefore, getting another educational degree will not only boost your CRS score but will also improve your resume.
• Learn a second language: The two main languages used in Canada are English and French.  To improve your CRS score, you can consider learning any of the languages in which you are not proficient already.

 

Canada Express Entry Application Process

Candidates willing to apply for Express Entry must check their eligibility according to the stream chosen.  The application process for Canada Express Entry starts with creating an Express Entry profile through the official website of IRCC.

 

Creating your Express Entry Profile

Applicants must create an Express Entry profile to enter the Express Entry pool of candidates.  This profile acts as an Expression of Interest (EOI) and eligible applicants are assessed on the basis of the information provided on this profile.

It is extremely important to create a good Express Entry profile as candidates are judged and evaluated against their profiles.  The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) takes the Express Entry profile into consideration while ranking other candidates in the pool.  Higher-ranking applicants are more likely to receive an ITA.

 

Step-by-step profile creation

The following are the steps to create an Express Entry profile:

Step 1: Fill out the online application form from the IRCC website

Step 2: Arrange all the documents required

Step 3:  Complete the fee payment

Step 4: Submit your complete application along with the documents

Step 5: Wait for ITA to be issued

Step 6: Fly to Canada

 

Common mistakes to avoid

The Express Entry program invites candidates with a good CRS score.  Avoiding mistakes while creating your profile will increase your chances of receiving an ITA.  Here are some tips to keep in mind while creating your Express Entry profile:

• Check your eligibility before creating your profile
• Gather your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports even before applying
• Update your profile to the latest details
• Avoid making manual errors such as typing mistakes

 

What to expect after submission

Once you have submitted your Express Entry profile, your application will be assessed and compared to other profiles based on the CRS score you have been awarded.  You must wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to be issued by the IRCC.  Here are certain things to do while waiting for your ITA to be issued:

• Gather and arrange your documents for Canada PR
• Keep checking the official website for further updates
• Look for an employment offer in Canada
• Update your profile to the latest details
• Try to improve your CRS score 

 

Strategies to improve your CRS score

Once you have entered the Express Entry pool, you can boost your CRS score to increase your chances of receiving an ITA.  Here are some strategies to improve your CRS score:

• Look for employment options in Canada using the Canadian job bank or for private sector jobs and apply for relevant job roles. 
• Contact provinces for a PNP nomination from Canadian provinces and territories.
• Upgrade your educational qualification or enroll yourself for another degree or diploma.
• Get more skilled work experience within or outside Canada.
• Improve your language proficiency score by reappearing for IELTS, CELPIP, or PTE tests.

 

Language proficiency and its impact

The two most commonly used languages in Canada are English and French.  Immigrants willing to migrate and settle in Canada must meet the specific language requirements for either of the two languages.  Proficiency in one of the two languages is a requirement for applying for several immigration programs, including the Express Entry program.

The following are the language tests accepted in Canada:

Language	Type of test	Minimum proficiency level
English	IELTS	CLB7
CELPIP
PTE Core
French	TEF Canada	NCLC 7
TCF Canada

The following are the benefits of language proficiency while migrating to Canada:

• High CRS score
• Increased chances of getting a job in Canada
• Chance to mingle with the community
• High chances of getting Canadian citizenship
• Get accepted by Canadian schools and Universities

 

Express Entry Draws

The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holds regular draws to invite skilled immigrants to Canada.  Express Entry draws are usually held on Wednesdays of every alternate week.  Depending on the labor market requirement, IRCC can conduct a general, category-based, or program-specific draw to invite candidates for Canada PR.

 

Understanding the draw system

Canada holds Express Entry draws for the three immigration programs under the Express Entry system.  The draws are also known as Rounds of Invitations, during which IRCC extends Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates.  In these draws, the Express Entry profiles are ranked against each other on the basis of their CRS score.

Every draw has a specific cut-off score, which depends on the following factors:

• Number of applicants in the pool
• Canada’s recent immigration targets
• Category or program selected for the draw

Candidates with the potential to contribute to the Canadian economy and can meet the specific labor market requirements are issued an Invitation to Apply for Canada PR.  Applicants must keep an eye on the updates and recent announcements made by IRCC to stay updated about their application.

 

Frequency and Draw Types

IRCC typically conducts draws at regular intervals, approximately once in two weeks.  An Express Entry draw is held to meet the current labour market requirements and fill job vacancies across in-demand sectors in Canada.

The three types of Express Entry Draws are:

• General draw: These draws issue ITAs for candidates who are eligible for any of the immigration programs under the Express Entry system.
• Program-specific draw: These draws issues ITAs for candidates who applied under specific immigration programs such as CEC, FSTP, FSWP or PNP.
• Category-based draw: These draws issues ITAs for candidates with the potential of contributing to specific labour market demand in certain occupations or industrial categories.

Note: According to a recent announcement, IRCC has notified that it will be conducting more category-based Express Entry draws to fill up labour shortages in Canada.

 

What happens after I receive an ITA

After you have been issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will be given a 60-day period to gather all your documents and apply for Canada PR via an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).  This application should be submitted through the official IRCC website along with your supporting documents.

Canadian Immigration Officers might require certain additional documents while your application is under review.  Therefore, it is advised to check your mails for further updates.

 

Permanent Residency Application

Candidates who have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC are eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada.  Canada PR applications via Express Entry are typically processed within 6 months while applications via PNP may take around 12 months to receive Canada PR.  The ITA must be accepted within 60 days of receiving it so as to apply for Canada PR.

 

From ITA to PR

Receiving an ITA to applying for Canada PR involves a three-step process.  The time allotted to candidates after receiving an ITA is 60 days.  Therefore, candidates are advised to prepare all documents and reports well in advance to avoid delays and errors while applying for PR.

 

Completing the Application

The steps to apply for Canada PR after receiving an ITA are listed below:

Step 1: Accept the ITA within the given time-period

Step 2: Fill out the online application for Canada PR

Step 3: Apply for Canada PR along with the documents required

 

Required documents and Fees

The following are the documents required for Canada PR:

• Completed visa application form
• A valid passport
• Personal documents and identity proof such as:
  • Birth certificate
  • Voter ID card or other proof of nationality
  • Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
• Language proficiency test results
• Police Clearance reports
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
• Academic qualification details such as
  • Educational transcripts of secondary and post-secondary education
• Proof of professional experience such as:
  • Job offer letters
  • Copies of employment contacts
  • Payslips
  • T4 Tax information slips (for Canadian work experience)
  • Notice of Assessment and Option C printouts from CRA (for Canadian work experience)
  • Copy of Canadian work Permit or employment authorization (for Canadian work experience)
• Proof of settlement funds, depending on the number of family members you have

No. of family members	Required Amount
1	CAD 14,690
2	CAD 18,288
3	CAD 22,483
4	CAD 27,297
5	CAD 30,690
6	CAD 34,917
7	CAD 38,875
>7	CAD 3958 (for each additional member)

 

The table below has the breakdown of the costs involved for Express Entry applicants:

Type of fee	Amount in CAD
Processing Fee	$850
Right of Permanent Residence Fee	$515
Biometric Fee	$85

Note: If you are applying with your family, you would be required to pay an additional fee of CAD 230 (per person) along with the biometric fee of CAD 170.

 

Provincial Nominee Program

The federation of Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories.  Among them, only ten provinces have their own provincial nominee program to nominate candidates for Canada PR.  The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows immigrants to migrate and settle in that particular province or territory with a permanent resident status. 

The following are the PNP pathways in Canada:

• British Columbia PNP
• Saskatchewan PNP
• Nova Scotia PNP
• Manitoba PNP
• Alberta PNP
• Ontario PNP
• Yukon PNP
• Quebec PNP
• Nunavut PNP
• New Brunswick PNP
• Prince Edward Island PNP
• Newfoundland and Labrador PNP

 

PNP vs. Express Entry

Both immigration pathways have their own advantages and disadvantages for immigrants willing to migrate to Canada.  The table below lists the differences between PNP and the Express Entry program:

Factors	Express Entry Program	Provincial Nominee Program
Requirement	Have at least one year of paid, full-time, skilled work experience in the last 10 years Are proficient in English or French language with a minimum proficiency level of CLB 7 Hold educational degrees equivalent to the Canadian standards of post-secondary education Have Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports if you have completed your education from outside Canada  Have sufficient financial resources to support your stay in Canada Have zero criminal records against your name	Have an employment letter which can be produced along with your EOI Have a valid Canada Work Permit Have a minimum full-time skilled work experience of 1 year in job roles listed under the NOC Skill Type 0, A or B Are proficient in English or French with a minimum proficiency level equal to or more than CLB 7 Have valid Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) reports demonstrating education equivalent to Canadian education standards Meet the eligibility criteria specified for the province you are applying for
Score requirement	At least 67 points	Depends on the province you are applying for
Processing time	6 months	12-19 months
Processing fees	Approximately CAD 1365	Approximately CAD 1500
Selection Criteria	CRS score	CRS score and labour market needs
Frequency of draws	Once every two weeks	Depends on the province you are applying for
Mobility	Can settle anywhere in Canada	Have to settle in the province you have applied for

 

How does a provincial nomination affect your profile?

If you have received a provincial nomination from any of the Canadian provinces or territories, then you would be eligible to claim an additional 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).  This will virtually guarantee your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC.  After receiving an ITA, you must apply for Canada PR and intend to settle in the Canadian province you have chosen for PNP. 

 

How can Y-Axis help you?

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• Arranging the immigration document checklist
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• Obtaining Canadian Permanent Residence