How to Qualify and What to Expect
Eligible candidates are placed in the pool with other candidates who have submitted an EOI. Candidates with both the highest-ranking score called Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and who meet specific criteria will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, based introduction
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online system that was created to manage Canada’s immigration applications intake. It is not an immigration program in itself. Applicants who meet eligibility criteria submit an online profile known as an Expression of interest (EOI), under one of the three federal Canada Immigration programs or a participating provincial immigration program, to the Express Entry.
How Express Entry system work?
Express Entry System is used to manage applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC)
The Federal Skilled Worker Class is for people who want to become permanent residents of Canada based on their skills and work experience. To be eligible, you must have at least one year of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation within the last five years.
You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements.
We select skilled workers based on factors like:
your work experience, education and language skills; how well you did in your tests for English (or French) proficiency; whether you have a job offer from an employer in Canada or if you are eligible to apply through Express Entry as a Federal Skilled
Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)
The Federal Skilled Trades Class is for people who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade. To be eligible, you must have at least two years of full-time work experience (or an equal amount in part-time) within five years preceding the application date and meet all other requirements. You must also meet all the other eligibility requirements. We select skilled workers based on factors like: your work experience, education and language skills; how well you did in your tests for English (or French) proficiency; whether you have a job offer from an employer in Canada or if you are eligible to apply through Express Entry as a Federal Skilled Worker with sufficient funds to successfully settle yourself and any accompanying family members in Canada.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class is for people who have been working in Canada on a temporary basis and meet the eligibility requirements. To be eligible, you must have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the three years before you apply. You must also meet all other eligibility requirements. We select skilled workers based on factors like: your work experience, education and language skills; how well you did in your tests for English (or French) proficiency; whether you have a job offer from an employer in Canada or if you are eligible to apply through Express Entry as a Federal Skilled Worker with sufficient funds to successfully settle yourself and any accompanying family members in Canada.
In addition, applicants can be nominated through a participating Programmes of the Provincial Nominee (PNP).
What is Provincial Nominee (PNP)?
Under the Provincial Nominee Program, a Canadian province or territory can nominate an individual to immigrate to Canada as part of their provincial economic immigration program.
PNPs are designed by each province and territory in Canada except Quebec which has its own selection system. Each PNP is unique and caters to different groups of people, depending on the needs of the specific jurisdiction. Many programs are aligned with Express Entry (see below). Most provinces and territories have at least one stream that is linked to Express Entry. In fact, over half of all invitations issued through Express Entry have been for applicants who had a provincial nomination certificate — which provides them with an additional 600 points toward their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score!
Who can be express entry candidates?
-skilled workers
-self-employed people with relevant experience
-a graduate from a Canadian university or college
International students may also be eligible for Express Entry through the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). The CEC allows foreign nationals who have graduated from a Canadian post-secondary institution and have gained at least one year of skilled.
Express entry system process
Express Entry involves a two-step process: submission of an Expression Of Interest profile and receiving an Invitation To Apply through one of Canada’s federal or provincial immigration programs. If you receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence, you will have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence online. You will be asked to provide information about yourself, including your language ability, education, work experience and other details. You must also have your foreign educational credentials assessed and submit the results with your application, along with other documents as requested such as proof of funds, police clearances and translations of vital certificates.
What is an Expression of Interest?
An Expression of Interest (EOI) refers to information submitted by potential applicants under one of these immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTC), Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or a Provincial Nomination Program. Candidates must complete an online form and provide information about their skills, work experience, education and language ability.
How do I submit my Express Entry profile?
Potential applicants must create an online Express Entry profile. The first step is to fill out the basic information required on the Profile page such as your name, date of birth, contact information, etc. Once you have completed the Profile page, you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for one of the economic immigration programs listed above. If you are eligible, you will then be asked to provide more detailed information in the EOI Form.