Express Entry is one of the most popular options for immigration into Canada. This two-step process involves a points-based evaluation of applicants' skills, qualifications and abilities to support themselves once they are in Canada. Here, our Orleans and Ottawa immigration physicians walk you through the basics of this immigration process.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry was introduced as the newest and quickest way for skilled foreigners to apply for permanent residency in Canada in 2015 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. It prioritizes experience and ability to add to Canada's economy as a way of making sure that deserving candidates who may have been left behind under the old system are no longer overlooked.
Canadian Express Entry applications are an online, two-step process involving the entry of information into a pool of candidates who are scored according to a wide variety of factors. There are monthly ITA's (Invitations to Apply) sent to suitable candidates that meet varying minimum scores. After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit any required documentation to begin the process of moving forward with your permanent residency.
How do I apply for Express Entry in Canada?
When applying for permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry, there are 3 different programs you can select from based on your experience and qualifications: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program and the Canadian Experience Class program.
Each of these programs within the Express Entry system has their own minimum requirements for an individual to use them, so many sure you investigate which option you best qualify for before you begin submitting your information online through Express Entry.
Regardless of the program that you apply through as part of the Express Entry process, you will be assigned points based on criteria like work experience both in and outside of Canada, language proficiency, age, level of education, whether you have an official job offers in Canada and more.
What is required for Express Entry?
The requirements for Express Entry will vary based on the specific program you are applying to:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: A continuous year of work experience in managerial, professional, or technical and trades professions or categories 0, A and B as defined by Canada's National Occupation Classification System (NOC). Proved proficiency in at least one of Canada's official languages through taking an approved language test (Scoring the equivalent of a CLB score of 7). Demonstrated proof of education like a diploma, certificate or degree to the equivalent of a Canadian high school diploma.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: At least 2 years in your last 5 years of work in skilled trades or Major Groups 72, 73, 82 and 92 as well as Minor Groups 632 and 633 as defined by Canada's National Occupation Classification System (NOC). Proved proficiency in at least one of Canada's official languages through taking an approved language test (Scoring the equivalent of a CLB score of 4). Have a year-long offer of employment in Canada upon their arrival or be certified to practice in your skilled trade by at least one Canadian province or territory.
- Canadian Experience Class: At least 12 months of continuous and legal work experience in Canada in managerial, professional, or technical and trades professions or categories 0, A and B as defined by Canada's National Occupation Classification System (NOC). Proved proficiency in at least one of Canada's official languages through taking an approved language test (Scoring the equivalent of a CLB score of 7 for NOC categories 0 and A, and the equivalent of a CLB score of 5 for NOC category B).
For all 3 Express Entry Programs, candidates must be intending to reside in a province or territory other than Quebec.
Additionally, every Express Entry application requires some of the same documentation, including:
- Medical Examination Confirmation (provided by an immigration doctor)
- Police Certificates certifying you and your family don't have a criminal record
- A copy of the biographical data page of your passport or other travel documentation to prove your identity
- Employment Reference Letter as proof of your work experience
- Language Test Results with a minimum score depending on your specific immigration program
How do I earn points toward my Express Entry application?
Express Entry applications compare you against a pool of fellow applicants by assigning point scores up to and out of a possible 1200 points. Some examples of ways you can earn points towards your Invitation to Apply for permanent residency in Canada include:
- Language Skills in one (or both) of Canada's Official Languages (up to 56 points)
- Level of Education (up to 150 points)
- Age (up to 100 points)
- Canadian Work Experience (Up to 50 points)
There are also a number of ways to earn extra points towards your Express Entry application, including a formal job offer upon your permanent residency in Canada and selection for provincial sponsorship programs. One or the other of these options is able to award you with an additional 600 points.
Where do I start?
To start your Express Entry application process, visit the Government of Canada's Express Entry portal. Create an account and begin investigating the documents you need to collect and steps you need to take to begin your journey towards permanent residency.
