What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online application system the Canadian government uses to allot permanent citizenship to skilled workers who want to permanently stay (become a permanent resident) in Canada.

The System Offers three Main Federal Economic Programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

• Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

How Can One Apply For Express Entry?

Individuals planning to apply to the Express Entry need to follow a three-step process:

1. Submission of profile: For this, one needs the following documents: 

• Language test results

• Educational Credential Assessment report

• A passport or travel document

2. Scoring and candidate pool: Based on the submitted profile, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, determining your eligibility for the Express Entry pool. This score is based on various factors, including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

Once you become a part of the pool, you must regularly update your information and improve your score. This also increases the prospects of receiving the invitation. 

3. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA):

You will receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence upon your selection. To complete this application, it is necessary to submit a comprehensive set of documents, including reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and medical examination results.

Who is Eligible for the Express Entry?

Individuals with university or college degrees, skilled work experience, and moderate English and/or French proficiency are ideal candidates for express entry programs. 

What Are The Requirements for the Express Entry?

To become eligible for the Express Entry program as a skilled worker, you must:

1. Have at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation within the last ten years.

2. Demonstrate a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in either English or French by taking an approved language test.

3. Completed post-secondary education assessed against Canadian standards with an Education Credential Assessment (ECA).

How Much Does the Express Entry Program Cost?

Moving to Canada through Express Entry can cost about $2,300 CAD for a single applicant and $4,500 CAD for a couple. 

Is a Job offer Required for Express Entry?

You won’t need a job offer when applying for the express entry program. It is seen that most of the candidates who are selected for Express entry don’t have a formal Canadian job offer. 

On the contrary, 200 points would be added to your CRS score if you have a valid Canadian job offer.

However, you would need the job offer if: 

1. One is not eligible for either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program

2. And, if one doesn’t have enough money to support themselves and their family in Canada. 

How Long Does the Express Entry Program Take?

Express Entry can take about 6 months, including submitting the Express Entry form to the issuance of the permanent resident visa. 

However, the process may not always proceed this quickly for every case. Your Express Entry profile will stay active in the candidate pool for 12 months if you haven’t received an invitation to apply. If, after 12 months, you haven’t been invited, you can resubmit your profile to remain in the pool. Here’s a breakdown:

• • Your profile remains valid for 12 months in the candidate pool.

  • Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you’ll have 60 days to submit the requested full application and documents.

  • Once the immigration authorities receive your complete application, IRCC will process your permanent resident visa in about six months.