Express Entry Explained - What is it and How Does it Work?
Canada’s Express Entry system is the fast lane for skilled immigrants looking to call Canada home. Launched in January 2015, this digital immigration system is designed to be quicker, more efficient, and competitive. It includes several programs that cater to different types of skilled immigrants.
The purpose of Express Entry and immigration programs at large is to solve for labour market needs and boost Canada’s economy. Applicants are broadly assessed based on a points system that evaluates factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Some programs will have additional filters like work experience in Canada or graduating from a masters program at a specific province.
Express Entry Programs
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
This program targets skilled workers with foreign work experience who are looking to immigrate to Canada. Applicants are assessed based on a points system that evaluates factors like age, education, work experience, and language proficiency.
Eligibility Criteria:
One year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years.
Meet the minimum score of 67 points out of 100 on the FSWP calculator.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Designed for those with qualifications in a skilled trade, this program requires candidates to have a valid 1) job offer or a 2)certificate of qualification in their trade issued by a Canadian province, territory or federal authority.
Eligibility Criteria:
Two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years
A job offer for full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that trade.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This program is for those who have already gained skilled work experience in Canada. It's particularly popular among international graduates on a post-graduate work permit and temporary workers on an open or closed work permit.
Eligibility Criteria:
One year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years. This experience must be full-time (or an equivalent amount of part-time). Self-employment and work experience gained while you were a full-time student (even if you were on a co-op work term) do not count toward the minimum requirements for this program.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Express Entry Streams
Many provinces have Express Entry-linked streams to nominate candidates from the Express Entry pool who meet their local labour market needs.
How It Works: If you get a provincial nomination through one of these Express Entry-linked streams, you receive 600 additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Eligibility Criteria For Express Entry
The general requirements for Express Entry include factors like age, language proficiency, education, and work experience. Each program under Express Entry has specific criteria, but here’s a general breakdown:
Age: Younger applicants score higher in CRS, with maximum points given to those aged 20-29.
Language Proficiency: Minimum required scores in English or French are CLB 7 for FSW, and CEC requires CLB 7 for TEER 0-1 and CLB 5 for TEER 2-3 accordingly. The better your scores, the higher your CRS points.
Education: A minimum of a secondary school diploma is required for all but CEC programs. The higher your education level, the more points you get.
Work Experience: Skilled work experience in TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 is needed. More experience equals more points. You max out your points at 5 years of experience for Canadian experience and 3 years for foreign experience.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) ranks candidates in the Express Entry pool. Understanding it can be the difference between getting an ITA or not.
Core Factors (Without a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum 500 points total for all factors and maximum 460 points total for all factors if with a spouse or common-law partner): Age, education, language skills, and Canadian work experience.
Skill Transferability Factors (Maximum 100 points): A combination of factors like education and work experience can multiply your points.
Spouse or Common-law Partner Factors (40 points): If applicable, your partner’s education, language skills, and Canadian work experience can also contribute to your score.
Additional Points (up to 600 points): Provincial nomination (600 points), a valid job offer (50-200 points), Canadian education, and second language skills can all boost your score significantly.
Typical Competitive Scores: The maximum score is 1200, but recent draws have seen competitive scores in the 500s for general and program based draws. You can find the latest Express Entry draws here.
Applying for Express Entry and FAQs
If you are looking for a detailed guide to help you through the application process, visit Guide to Applying for Express Entry.
If you have questions like “What happens if my profile expires?” or “What if my circumstances change after receiving an ITA?”, visit our FAQs
Guide to Applying for Express Entry
Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the most efficient ways to immigrate to Canada. Here’s a detailed guide to help you through the application process.
Step 1: Create an Express Entry Profile
To get started, create an online account on the IRCC website.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Before creating your profile, ensure you have the following documents ready:
Language Test Results: English (IELTS, CELPIP) or French (TEF, TCF).
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): For foreign degrees, get an ECA from an approved agency like WES or ICAS.
Proof of Work Experience: Gather letters from employers showing your job title, duties, and duration of employment.
Pro Tip: Double-check all information for accuracy. Mistakes can lead to delays or rejection.
Step 3: Complete the Online Profile
Log into your account and fill out details about your work experience, language results, education, and personal information. Submit your profile to receive your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Note: Your CRS score is crucial in determining your rank in the Express Entry pool. Higher scores increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Step 4: Enter the Express Entry Pool
Once you submit your profile, you enter the Express Entry pool where you’ll be ranked against other candidates based on your CRS score. Profiles remain valid for 12 months, during which you may receive an ITA.
Step 5: Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
The IRCC conducts regular draws to invite the top candidates from the pool. If you meet the CRS score cut-off for that draw, you’ll receive an ITA to apply for permanent residence.
Step 6: Submit Your Application After ITA
After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete application. Required documents include:
Medical Exams: Conducted by a panel physician. There is an temporary policy until October 5, 2029 for those in Canada if you meet the following criteria:
a new or pending application for permanent or temporary residence or a permanent resident visa, made from within Canada
completed an immigration medical exam within the last 5 years and posed no risk to public health or safety, or reported to public health authorities for monitoring, as required
Police Clearances: From every country you’ve lived in for 6 months or more since age 18.
Proof of Funds: Financial proof that you can support yourself and your family in Canada (if required).
Additional Documents: Birth certificates, passports, marriage/divorce certificates (if applicable), etc.
Step 7: Application Processing and Approval
Once you submit your application, processing times can vary but generally range from 6 to 8 months. During this period, you may be asked to provide additional documentation.
Job Offer and its Impact on Express Entry
You can add 50 or 200 points depending on the position,
if you have a a valid job offer (an offer of arranged employment); or
if you are on an LMIA exempt work permit and have 1 year of work experience for the employer your work permit is tied to.
For detailed requirements, visit Documents for Express Entry: Offer of employment
Education Requirements
You need an ECA to verify your foreign education against Canadian standards. Organizations like WES, ICAS, IQAS and others can provide this assessment. More education equals more points, and having a Canadian education gives additional bonuses.
Work Experience Requirements
You need to demonstrate at least one year of skilled work experience. Canadian work experience is highly valued in the CRS.
Adaptability Factors
Additional points are awarded for factors like a spouse’s education or work experience, Canadian study, or having family in Canada. These can help bump your CRS score up.
Tips for Improving CRS Score
Language: Retake your language test if you’re close to the next CLB level.
Work Experience: Gain more experience or move into a higher-skilled role. Canadian work experience gives you additional points.
Education: Consider getting another degree or diploma.
PNP: Apply for a PNP to secure those valuable 600 points.
Conclusion
Navigating Express Entry may seem complex, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it easier. By gathering your documents, submitting an accurate profile, and strategically improving your CRS score, you can increase your chances of successfully immigrating to Canada.
Express Entry Explained and FAQs
If you are looking for a deeper understanding of Express Entry, visit What is Express and How Does it Work?
If you have questions like “What happens if my profile expires?” or “What if my circumstances change after receiving an ITA?”, visit our FAQs.
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 the minimum CRS score required?
There is no set minimum CRS score for Express Entry, but recent draws have typically had cut-off scores over 500. The CRS score required varies depending on the type of draw (General draw vs targeted draw like CEC), number of invitations issued and the competitiveness of the pool.
Reference: Express Entry Rounds of Invitations
2. Do I need work experience to create an Express Entry (EE) profile?
Yes, you need work experience to create an Express Entry profile. For the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), you must meet the minimum requirement of one year of skilled work experience. Without this, you cannot create a valid profile.
Reference: Work Experience Requirements
3. Can I update my profile after submission?
Yes, you can update your Express Entry profile at any time before you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Reference: Updating Your Express Entry Profile
4. What happens if my 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 does not affect your chances for future invitations, but your profile will need to be resubmitted with updated information if necessary.
Reference: Expired Express Entry Profile
5. Can I decline an ITA?
Yes, you can decline an ITA without any penalties. If your circumstances change or you're not ready to submit your application, you can decline the ITA. Your profile will remain in the Express Entry pool and may be considered for future rounds if you still meet the criteria.
Reference: Deadline for responding to an ITA
6. What if my circumstances change after receiving an ITA?
Express Entry profile cannot be edited after ITA. However, the PR application can note the changes and will require an explanation to be submitted alongside to address the discrepancy and to determine eligibility to meet the score cut-off for the draw under which the ITA was received.
It is possible that you may no longer meet the criteria for that round. In such cases, it's advisable to decline the ITA and wait for a future invitation once your profile reflects the updated circumstances.
Reference: When a candidate’s situation changes after the ITA is issued
7. What if I don’t have all my documents within the 60-day period after receiving an ITA?
If you cannot gather all the required documents within the 60-day deadline after receiving an ITA, you should submit a letter of explanation explaining why certain documents are missing and when you expect to provide them. However, missing documents can lead to application refusal, so it is highly recommended to have all documents ready before accepting an ITA.
Reference: Express Entry Document Requirements
8. If I lived and studied/worked in Canada, do I still need to provide proof of funds?
It depends on the program:
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): If you’re applying under CEC, you do not need to provide proof of funds.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Even if you lived, studied, or worked in Canada, you must provide proof of funds unless you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
Reference: Proof of Funds for Express Entry
9. 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 Express Entry programs. Here are some tips:
Meet Minimum Requirements: Ensure you meet the work experience, language proficiency, and education requirements.
Maximize Your CRS Score: Consider improving your CRS score before submitting (e.g., by retaking language tests, gaining more work experience, or obtaining higher education).
Submit Early: Submitting your profile early allows you to enter the pool sooner, increasing your chances of receiving an ITA as profiles remain valid for 12 months.
Expiry of Documents: Make sure your documents, such as language test results and your ECA, are valid for at least 6 months when you submit your profile to ensure they remain valid during processing.
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.
Express Entry Explained and Guide to Apply for Express Entry
If you are looking for a deeper understanding of Express Entry, visit What is Express and How Does it Work?
If you are looking for a detailed guide to help you through the application process, visit Guide to Applying for Express Entry.