Express Entry Canada – A Step-By-Step Guide To Apply
What if I am not selected for Express Entry Canada?
IRCC limits the number of new applications that can be submitted each year. The application cap for economic immigration streams is applied globally, which means there are mission-specific caps for the number of applications to consider when choosing an immigrant each year. Therefore, if IRCC won’t select you for immigration Canada programs, you will have to wait for next year.Â
What is Express Entry Canada System?
Canada Express Entry manages Permanent Residence Canada (Canada PR) skilled workers’ applications for three economic immigration programs. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) employs the Express Entry Canada online selection system to assess candidates and provide invitations to immigrate based on their prospects for economic success in Canada. The program, which was first implemented in 2015, has brought about several improvements to Canadian immigration, such as accelerated processing times, increased accessibility to candidates from a wider variety of fields, and an increased focus on the quality of applications.Â
What are the three types of immigration programs s in Canada Express Entry?
1-Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Applicants from one of 50 National Occupational Classification (NOC) categories with secondary education and at least one year of continuous work experience are eligible. A job offer is not required.Â
2-Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Applicants must have at least two years of work experience in the past five years in a skilled trade. They must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer or a certification of qualification in their trade issued by a Canadian authority.Â
3-Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Applicants must be skilled workers with at least one year of Canadian work experience.Â
How do I qualify for Canada Express Entry?
The candidate must first meet the requirements of at least one of these programs to be eligible to place in a pool of candidates for immigration. They may complete an online Express Entry profile identifying their skills and qualifications. Then, the Express Entry Canada system uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank the applicants against other applicants in the pool on a points-based system considering a variety of factors, including age, education, work experience abroad and Canadian work experience, language proficiency in English and French, family members and details on any job offer. The IRCC holds periodic draws, historically every two weeks, and invites the top-scoring candidates to apply for Canada PR.Â
How to Improve Your CRS Score in Express Entry Canada?
Note that you should always be able to increase your chances of getting accepted by Express Entry Canada before reaching the age of 45. Strengthening your education, experience, and language skills and finding a job in Canada are examples of achieving this. For example, by receiving a valid job offer (LMIA-Based), you can improve your CRS score by 50 or 200 points. Another example is to have a second language test result in French or English at the same time. Although some improvements will only increase your CRS score to a few points, this slight increase could make a massive difference. On the other hand, some improvements can bring you as many as 600 additional points in your total CRS score, guaranteeing you will receive an ITA in the next draw from the Express Entry pool. Here is an article explaining how to increase your CRS score.
What are the steps to get Canadian PR via Express Entry Canada?
Although Express Entry Canada is the quickest way to immigrate, the process is complicated and detailed. You will realize this when you start the process. Therefore, it is essential to understand the Canada Express Entry process thoroughly.  Â
1-Complete the language test
As the first thing, you should go ahead and complete the language test. You will have to test your proficiency in either English, French, or both languages. To prove the English language, you must take TOEFL or IELTS. Likewise, you have to do TEF to demonstrate your French-speaking capabilities. Â
You should proceed and finish the language test as a first step. You’ll need to demonstrate your language skills in either English, French, or both. You must either take the TOEFL or the IELTS to demonstrate your proficiency in English and your ability in French; you must also take the TEF or TCF.Â
2-Create your profile
The second step is to create your Express Entry Canada profile. You can do this on the IRCC website. You will be required to provide personal information when creating your profile. To continue with the application, you must accurately detail your personal information.Â
3. Get ECA
The next step is to complete the ECB. The Education Credentials Assessment should be taken if you have studied abroad. You could receive up to 150 points for your Comprehensive Ranking System Score. To determine how many points you can get from your education, you can use the online CRS points calculator available on the IRCC website.Â
4-Apply for the provincial nomination program
This is an optional step. If interested, consider applying for one of the numerous provincial nomination programs. The Canadian provinces and territories designate individuals with unique skill sets and exceptional work experiences to address their respective labour shortages. You can consider applying for the provincial nomination program if you possess these skills. As a result, you may have a better chance of obtaining Canadian immigration since you may earn up to 600 points.
5-Get the invitation to apply
After submitting your application, you will be added to a pool of candidates for permanent residency (CANADA PR). After that, random draws will occasionally be conducted among applicants. Those who score above a specified cut-off point can apply for permanent residency in Canada. To further understand how the cut-off score has been behaving lately, you may check the most recent Express Entry Canada rounds of invitations at the IRCC website.
6-Complete criminal and medical background checks
Get your criminal and medical background checks finished in the following step. You should hire a designated physician to perform the medical background check the Canadian immigration office has given the go-ahead. You will also want a police certificate from the country where you previously resided for more than six months per year.
7-Reviewing the application
Once you apply with your invitation, one of the Canadian immigration officers will review it. You are not required to participate actively in this process. However, it would be best if you were prepared because you may be requested for more details information or supporting documentation.
8-Receiving the PR status
You may be eligible for some immigration streams where your application will be processed more quickly. For instance, there is a good chance that your application will be approved in about 6-8 months if you apply for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). You will also receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (PR) during this step. You will be given a Canada PR visa after your application has been examined and deemed compliant.Â
9-Apply for the PR card
You should proceed and apply for the PR card in the following step. This can be deemed the last step in the Canadian immigration process. This demonstrates that you are qualified to enter Canada as a permanent resident. The PR card should be applied for separately upon your entry to Canada. Once you possess this PR card, travelling to and from Canada will be hassle-free. The PR card has a five-year expiration date. Â Â
You must complete these steps to apply for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry Canada system. As you can see, anyone can follow these instructions and have successful outcomes. It is up to you to follow it.Â
Express Entry FAQs
Ideal candidates for Express Entry would meet these requirements:
- Must be under 30 years old or less.
- Hold at least two bachelor’s degrees or a master’s degree.
- Having advanced English proficiency (CLB 9 or higher)
No. Since January 2023, there have been 4 Express Entry draws.
No. Express Entry is the most popular pathway that the Canadian government provides permanent residence to skilled workers. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) are all managed under the Canada Express Entry system.
Your chosen criterion will be assessed by the IRCC, which will then award you a final score out of 100. Your score must be 67 points or above to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. If you match the other criteria, you can add your profile to the Express Entry pool of applicants to be invited to apply (ITA) for Canada PR.
You can qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) under Canada Express Entry applications if you are a skilled foreign worker. For entry into the Canada Express Entry system, you must receive at least 67 out of a possible 100 points. Your language proficiency, work history, education, age, and other factors are considered.
The quickest route to immigrate to Canada is through the express entry program. On February 02, 2023, the results of the last Express Entry Draw were released. The score was 489. The candidate can easily receive an ITA to apply for a Canada PR visa once they reach the minimum CRS points required for each draw.
While a valid Canadian job offer is not required, holding one increases the chance that the applicant will be selected in the Canada Express Entry system for Canada PR.
It is not guaranteed that you will receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence (Canada PR visa) after completing an Express Entry profile. Your score and position in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) will determine whether you receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
Number of | Funds required |
1 | $13,310 |
2 | $16,570 |
3 | $20,371 |
4 | $24,733 |
5 | $28,052 |
6 | $31,638 |
7 | $35,224 |
For each additional family member | $3,586 |
The IRCC process most Express Entry applications within 6 months or less of getting your complete application.
15 hours/week for 24 months is equal to 1 year full-time (1,560 hours), or 30 hours/week for 12 months is equal to 1 year full-time (1,560 hours). Working more than 1 job is accepted.
For permanent residency through Express Entry, a minimum language proficiency of CLB 7 or 6.0 for each section of the IELTS test is required. For each program, there are different language proficiency requirements.
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Age | With a spouse or common-law partner | Without a spouse or common-law partner |
17 years of age or less | 0 | 0 |
18 years of age | 90 | 99 |
19 years of age | 95 | 105 |
20 to 29 years of age | 100 | 110 |
30 years of age | 95 | 105 |
31 years of age | 90 | 99 |
32 years of age | 85 | 94 |
33 years of age | 80 | 88 |
34 years of age | 75 | 83 |
35 years of age | 70 | 77 |
36 years of age | 65 | 72 |
37 years of age | 60 | 66 |
38 years of age | 55 | 61 |
39 years of age | 50 | 55 |
40 years of age | 45 | 50 |
41 years of age | 35 | 39 |
42 years of age | 25 | 28 |
43 years of age | 15 | 17 |
44 years of age | 5 | 6 |
45 years of age or more | 0 | 0 |
IELTS is not mandatory to obtain PR in Canada. The CELPIP test or PTE essential (Later this year) may be an option for applicants who want to be tested for English proficiency.
The higher the points stronger your chances of being selected for the Canadian PR visa. You must score a minimum of 67 points out of 100 to qualify for the express entry System under the FSW (Federal Skilled Worker) category.
The CRS cut-off score in the latest Express Entry invitation round was 489 points.
- Language score, Max 28.
- Education score, Max 25.
- Work experience score, Max 15.
- Age score, Max 12.
- Arranged employment, Max 10.
- Adaptability, Max 10.
Under Express Entry, you can earn between 50 and 200 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System if you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. This depends on the type of job. It will give you a better chance of being invited to apply for the next round of invitations.
- Understanding the CRS points system (Comprehensive Ranking System)
- Siblings in Canada.
- Education.
- Consider learning the second Language.
The foreign worker could be awarded 50-200 CRS points (based on the Teer NOC code 2021) for LMIA based job offer.
- Step One: Format your CV by Canadian standards.
- Step Two: Write a professional cover letter that Canadian employers will like.
- Step Three: Ensure you’re using LinkedIn to your advantage.
- Step Four: Check the Search Engine job finder such as Indeed to apply for the right jobs.
When submitting your online application on the Express Entry profile, you must provide proof for each period of employment in the last ten years. The best way to prove your work experience is through a reference letter from your current and previous employers.
Express Entry allows employers to: have a direct role in recruiting skilled workers. As an employer, Express Entry gives you more recruiting options. It helps you respond to labour shortages when no Canadian citizens or permanent residents can fill the job.
Considering that 40% of Express Entry applications were either bounced for incompleteness or refused, this is not as impressive as it sounds.
No. You may only have one active profile at a time. This is set out in Canada’s immigration law.
On February 02, the IRCC invited candidates from the Express Entry pool with a CRS score of at least 489.
As early as Q1 2023, however, the Express Entry system will transition away from focusing on CRS scores and conduct draws that allow Canada to welcome immigrants that help the country better focus on addressing specific areas of labour market need and weakness.
A provincial nomination through an Express Entry system will increase your chance of getting a permanent residence invitation. You will also benefit from a processing standard of six months. It is better than the current processing time for base PNP streams of 27 months.
Ontario is the most popular province for new immigrants coming to Canada. In 2021, Ontario received about half of all new Canadian permanent residents. Ontario’s most popular city is also the largest in Canada.
Ontario, so far is the most popular province for new immigrants entering Canada. In 2021, Ontario got about half of all new Canadian permanent residents. Ontario’s most popular city (Toronto) is also the largest in Canada.
The maximum score in the Comprehensive Ranking System is 1,200 points, but it’s impossible, and there’s no need to get a CRS score of 1,200 points. However, if your CRS score is below the cutoff, we strongly advise you to check our article on improving your score.
The maximum score you receive in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is 1,200 points, but it’s impossible, and there’s no need to get a CRS score of 1,200 points. However, if your CRS score points are below the cut-off, we recommend you check our article on increasing your CRS score.
The Express Entry system and its programs are an immigration option that selects skilled workers for Canada immigration (Canada PR Visa). Under various federal programs, applicants can submit their profiles online and be entered into the Express Entry Pool.
Canada will also increase the number of candidates invited through Express Entry programs, based on the Immigration Levels Plan 2023-2025 released on November 1. In 2023, 82,880 immigrants will be admitted to Canada as permanent residents through Express Entry.
This Saskatchewan PNP stream is one of the most popular immigration programs that invite individuals who are not eligible for Express Entry as it does not require an Express Entry profile.
In 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will use new authorities to hold Express Entry draws that invite candidate based on specific attributes rather than their overall CRS score.
The cost of immigrating to Canada via Express Entry is approximately CAD 2,300 for a single applicant and approximately CAD 4,500 for a couple.
It will automatically expire if you’re not invited to apply within 12 months of submitting your Express Entry profile. You can see this date in your account. When your profile expires, it will be removed from the system.
To be accepted into the pool, you must submit an Express Entry profile and meet the minimum requirements. If you want to apply for the Federal Skilled Worker program (FSWP), you must have a minimum of 67 points out of 100 on the FSWP grid.
To be eligible for the Express Entry FSW program, you must have a minimum of 67 points out of 100. The Canada Express Entry system uses a point-based system to classify applicants who want to settle in Canada. Candidates who are given points based on a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The Canadian government has resumed Express Entry, inviting candidates from all programs to apply for Canada permanent residence (Canada PR).
An application can be denied for various reasons, including the applicant did not meet the minimum requirements of the program for which they applied (CEC, FST, FSW or PNP) The applicant did not have the necessary CRS points when their application was received.
If you are found ineligible, you must create a new profile. You can’t change an ineligible profile because it’s no longer valid, even if you have new information. You will still be required to meet the Express Entry requirements.
Express Entry is Canada’s fastest and most popular immigration program. Candidates that apply through the Express Entry system can receive permanent residence status as soon as six months. By 2025, Canada plans to invite half a million newcomers.
Completing an Express Entry profile does not guarantee to receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. An Invitation to Apply for permanent residence will be based on your score and rank in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System.
The IRCC processes most Express Entry applications within six months or less of getting your complete application.
If you have a valid Canadian job offer in a skilled occupation, you are eligible for the 50-point award. A job offer is considered valid by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), if it is full-time, continuous, paid work.
If you accept the nomination, the system will determine that you meet the PNP requirements, and you will receive a letter in your account confirming your nomination. Your profile will be added to the Express Entry pool, and you will receive 600 bonus points to help you get invited to apply.
If IRCC approves your application, they will mail you a: Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a Canada PR Visa (permanent resident visa) if you’re from a country that requires a visa to enter Canada.
Yes. If you follow the instructions in the application guide, you can complete the application form and submit it on your own.
Yes. You can create and apply but must prove your language skills by taking an approved language test when you get ITA.
In most cases, a valid job offer must be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). The employer has to apply for one from Employment and Social Development Canada/Service Canada. If they get a positive LMIA, they must give you a copy and a written job offer.
If you have an employer’s valid Canadian job offer, you can get between 50 and 200 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) under the Express Entry system,m. Your Teer NOC codes determine this. It increases your chances of being invited to apply in the next round of invitations.
Yes. You can create an online Express Entry profile and even receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) without IELTS, but you still need to do one of the five accepted language tests.
IELTS General.
- Obtain a job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Obtain a provincial nomination.
- Select the primary applicant wisely.
- Retake the language test and improve your score.
- Learn to speak a second language.
- Have all your foreign qualifications evaluated.
- Go to Canada to study.
The Express Entry system will shift away from focusing on CRS scores and instead hold draws that will allow Canada to welcome immigrants while also allowing the country to focus better on specific areas of labour market need and weakness.
There is no minimum wage requirement to demonstrate work experience within Canada (although this is another subject for Provincial and Federal Employment standards).
Applicants for Canada Express Entry must obtain at least 67 points out of a possible 100. This is determined by their language proficiency, work experience, education, age, and other factors. Only then will they be eligible for the FSWP – Federal Skilled Worker Program – through Express Entry. The 67-point requirement remains unchanged.
How Can We Assist You?
At Arnika Visa, we help you to find the most tailored strategy to achieve your immigration goals. From filing the immigration forms to guiding you through supporting documents, we take care of it all. We can assist you entirely or partially based on our different packages. We can advise you professionally regarding the required personalized supporting documents to increase the chance of your approval and, finally, submit your application to IRCC on your behalf as an authorized representative. If you want to discover how the RCIC can help you, the first step is to complete the Assessment Form (To detail your personal, educational, and employment information) available on the site.
I am a US citizen interested in obtaining Canadian permanent residency leading to citizenship. I hold a master’s degree in Computer Science from Yale and have 20 years of experience as a software engineer/manager. I tried to apply for the express entry program last year, but the system deemed me ineligible. I speculated that I did not have a job offer from a Canadian company (I still don’t), but I am not sure about that.Â
Let me know if my situation is suitable for the express entry program or any other programs to obtain PR. Thank you very much!Â
Given your qualifications and experience, you may still be eligible for the Express Entry program or other PR pathways. Let’s explore your options in detail during a consultation.