Express Entry FAQs

The Express Entry system is a key immigration pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residency in Canada. This FAQ covers the most common questions about the process, from CRS scores to ITAs and document requirements.

1. What is an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

An ITA is a formal invitation issued by the Canadian government to candidates in the Express Entry pool. It allows them to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Here’s how it works:

1. Express Entry Pool: Candidates who meet the eligibility requirements for one of the three economic immigration programs—Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class—create an online profile. Each profile is given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.

2. CRS Draws: The Canadian government conducts regular Express Entry draws, where they set a minimum CRS score threshold. Candidates with CRS scores equal to or above this threshold receive an ITA.

3. Application for PR: Once a candidate receives an ITA, they have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency, including supporting documents like proof of work experience, education, and language tests.

2. What is the minimum CRS score required?

There is no fixed minimum CRS score for Express Entry. You can visit the recent draws here. The required score varies depending on the type of draw (general vs. targeted, like CEC), the number of invitations issued, and the competitiveness of the pool. Recently, CEC has had a cut off above 500, whereas other programs (French, Trade occupations) have been below 500.

3. How frequently are draws conducted?

There is no set schedule for draws, but historically, Express Entry draws have been held every two weeks.

Reference: Express Entry Rounds of Invitations

4. How long do I need to wait until I receive an ITA?

There is no set waiting period for receiving an ITA. It depends on your CRS score and how it compares to the cut-off scores of the draws conducted after you enter the pool. If your CRS score is higher than or equal to the cut-off in any draw, you may receive an ITA during that draw.

Your profile will remain in the pool for 12 months, so it could be anywhere from a few weeks (if your score is high) to the duration your profile is in the pool.

5. What happens if my Express Entry profile expires?

If your Express Entry profile expires (after 12 months in the pool), you will need to create a new profile to remain eligible for future draws. The expiration doesn’t impact your eligibility for future invitations, but you must resubmit your profile with updated information if necessary.

Reference: Expired Express Entry Profile

6. Do I need work experience to create an Express Entry (EE) profile?

Yes, you must have at least one year of skilled work experience to create an Express Entry profile.

7. Can I update my profile before receiving an ITA?

You can update your Express Entry profile at any time before you receive an ITA.

Reference: Updating Your Express Entry Profile

8. What happens if my circumstances change after receiving an ITA?

Once you receive an ITA, you can no longer edit your Express Entry profile. If your circumstances change and you no longer meet the criteria (or are not ready to apply) it is advisable to decline the ITA. You can then make changes to your profile and wait for a future invitation.

Reference: Express Entry: Invitation to Apply

9. Can I decline an ITA? Will I still remain in the pool?

Yes, if your circumstances change or you are not ready to submit your application, you can decline the ITA. Your profile will still remain in the pool, and you may receive future ITAs as long as you continue to meet the criteria.

Reference: Express Entry: Invitation to Apply

9. What happens if I don’t respond to an ITA? Will I still be in the pool?

No, if you do not respond to an ITA you will no longer be in the pool and need to submit a new profile and reapply.

Reference: Express Entry: Invitation to Apply

10. What if I don’t have all my documents within the 60-day period after receiving an ITA?

If you cannot gather all required documents within the 60-day deadline, you should submit a letter of explanation detailing why certain documents are missing and when you expect to provide them. However, submitting incomplete documents may result in application refusal, so it’s highly recommended to gather all documents before accepting an ITA.

Reference: Express Entry Document Requirements

11. If I lived and studied/worked in Canada, do I still need to provide proof of funds?

It depends on the program you’re applying for:

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): No proof of funds is required.

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Proof of funds is required unless you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer and are authorized to work in Canada.

Reference: Proof of Funds for Express Entry

12. What is an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?

An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) verifies that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate is valid and equivalent to a Canadian credential.

Reference: ECA for Express Entry

13. What is a Certificate of Qualification?

A Certificate of Qualification is a document issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority that certifies that an individual is qualified to work in a specific skilled trade in Canada. It demonstrates that the person has passed the required exams and assessments and has met the necessary training and experience standards to practice the trade in that region.

This certificate is especially important for people applying for immigration through programs like the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) under Express Entry. It can be used as proof that the applicant has the qualifications required to work in a specific skilled trade in Canada, even if they obtained their training or work experience outside of Canada.

Each province or territory in Canada has its own requirements and regulatory body for issuing these certificates. Some trades are "regulated", meaning that you cannot work in the trade in that province or territory without having this certification.

How to Obtain a Certificate of Qualification:

1. Assessment: Have your qualifications and work experience evaluated by the provincial or territorial regulatory body.

2. Exam: Pass a certification exam that tests your knowledge and skills in the specific trade.

3. Certificate Issuance: Upon passing the exam and meeting all requirements, the regulatory body will issue a Certificate of Qualification.

It is commonly required for trades like electricians, plumbers, and welders, among others.

14. What is the processing time after submitting my PR application?

The processing time for Express Entry permanent residency applications typically takes around 6 months from the date a complete application is submitted. However, processing times may vary based on the volume of applications and individual circumstances. You can see processing times here.

15. When is the best time to create/submit an Express Entry profile?

The best time to create and submit your Express Entry profile is when you meet all eligibility criteria for one of the programs and have documents like your language test results and ECA ready. Submitting early allows you to enter the pool sooner and increases your chances of receiving an ITA.

16. Do I need a job offer to apply for Express Entry?

No, you do not need a job offer to apply for Express Entry.

Reference: Immigrate through Express Entry: Documents

17. What is an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment)?

A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document that a Canadian employer may need to obtain before hiring a foreign worker. It serves as proof that there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job position and that no Canadian worker is available to do the job. If an employer obtains a positive LMIA, the foreign worker can then apply for a work permit.

18. Can I apply for Express Entry if I am outside Canada?

Yes, you can apply for Express Entry from outside Canada. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the Express Entry programs (Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class), you can create a profile and be considered in the pool, regardless of your location.

19. What are the language requirements for Express Entry?

To qualify for Express Entry, you must take an approved language test in either English or French. Your language proficiency is assessed in four areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. The results are converted into the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level, and different programs (e.g., Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class) have different minimum language requirements.

Reference: Immigrate through Express Entry: Documents

20. How can I improve my CRS score?

There are several ways to improve your CRS score, including:

• Retaking the language test to get higher CLB scores.

• Gaining additional work experience to increase your score.

• Completing a higher education degree or diploma.

• Improving your spouse's CRS factors, if applicable.

• Receiving a provincial nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which can add 600 points to your CRS score.

21. What is a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), and how does it affect Express Entry?

A Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces and territories in Canada to nominate individuals for permanent residence based on the needs of the local labor market. If you receive a provincial nomination through a PNP, you will receive an additional 600 CRS points, which essentially guarantees an ITA in a future Express Entry draw.

22. Can I extend the 60-day deadline after receiving an ITA?

No, the 60-day deadline to submit a complete application after receiving an ITA is strict, and extensions are generally not granted. It's essential to ensure you have all required documents ready before accepting the ITA to meet this deadline. If you do not have the documents by the deadline, decline the ITA and wait for a new invitation.

23. What happens if my Express Entry application is rejected?

If your Express Entry application is rejected after submission, you will receive a reason for the rejection. You may be able to address the issues that led to the refusal and reapply, but you will need to create a new profile or correct any deficiencies in your previous application. It's important to carefully review all requirements and provide accurate documentation to avoid rejection.

Conclusion

Express Entry remains one of the most efficient immigration pathways to Canada for skilled workers. By staying proactive, keeping your profile updated, and ensuring your documents are in order, you increase your chances of success in the Express Entry system.

Additional Resources

• IRCC Website - Express Entry Overview

• PR Coach CRS Calculator

• Express Entry Profile Submission

• IRCC draws