Express entry

The Express Entry program is a comprehensive immigration system implemented by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residency under three main economic immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):

This program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. Applicants are assessed based on factors such as education, work experience, language proficiency, age, arranged employment in Canada, and adaptability.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):

This program is for skilled tradespeople who have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the five years before applying, meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification (NOC), and have a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC):

This program is for individuals who have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying. The work experience must be in a TEER 0,1,2 or 3 occupation.

Here’s how the Express Entry system works:

•  Create an Express Entry Profile:

◦  Potential applicants create an online profile through the Express Entry system. They provide information about their skills, work experience, education, language ability, and other relevant details.

•  Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score:

◦   Each profile is assigned a CRS score based on the information provided. The CRS score is calculated using factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other additional factors such as a valid job offer or provincial nomination.

Express Entry Draws:

•  The Canadian government conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool, inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residency. Invited candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

•  Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates who receive an ITA have a specified period (usually 60 days) to submit a complete application for permanent residency, including supporting documents and fees.

•  Application Processing: Once an application is submitted, it undergoes processing by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). IRCC aims to process complete applications within six months.

Permanent Residency:

If the application is approved, the candidate and their accompanying family members are granted permanent residency in Canada.

The Express Entry system is designed to be a fast and efficient way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. It’s important for prospective applicants to understand the eligibility criteria, requirements, and application process for each of the economic immigration programs under Express Entry.