Express Entry

Express Entry is an online system used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. Launched in January 2015, the system is designed to streamline and expedite the immigration process for individuals who are most likely to contribute to the Canadian economy. Here’s an overview of how it works:

How Express Entry Works

1. Eligibility

   • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
   • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled tradespeople.
   • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with Canadian work experience.
   • Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): For individuals nominated by a Canadian province or territory.

2. Creating an Express Entry Profile

   • Candidates must create an online Express Entry profile, providing information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other personal details. This profile is used to determine eligibility and place candidates in the Express Entry pool.

3. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

   • Eligible candidates are ranked against each other in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS awards points based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and additional factors like a job offer or provincial nomination.

4. Invitations to Apply (ITA)

   • IRCC conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool, inviting the highest-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence. Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

5. Processing and Approval

   • Once an application is submitted, IRCC aims to process most complete applications within six months. Successful applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can then move to Canada to become permanent residents.

Benefits of Express Entry

• Speed: The system is designed to process applications quickly, often within six months.
• Transparency: The CRS scoring system provides a clear and transparent method for ranking candidates.
• Flexibility: Candidates can improve their CRS score and ranking by gaining additional work experience, improving language skills, or obtaining a job offer or provincial nomination.
  
  

Express Entry is a key component of Canada’s immigration system, offering a fast and efficient pathway for skilled workers to become permanent residents. By prioritizing candidates who are most likely to succeed in Canada, the system helps ensure that the country continues to attract talented individuals who can contribute to its economic growth and development.