Express Entry
Canada Express Entry System: Your Ultimate Guide to Immigration Success
These are the number of immigrants in Canada today, which will only increase. Many people opt to settle in Canada after getting a few express entry rounds of invitation. And yes, express entry rounds of invitation are a thing, no matter what other people tell you.
We’ll talk to you about the Canada Express entry draw, eligibility, timing, process, and a lot more.
At the end of the article, we’ve condensed the most important points into more than 20 “FAQs” that you can read at a glance.
In short, this article is your one-stop guide to everything about Canada Express Entry.
Table of Contents
- Through the course of this article, you will learn the following things.
- What is the Canada Express Entry?
- What programs are covered under Express Entry?
- Explained: The Express Entry CRS
- How does Express Entry work?
- Special mention: French language proficiency express entry
- Frequently Asked Questions
And without any further ado, let us get right into it.
What is the Canada Express Entry?
Canada Express Entry is a system to manage applications for skilled immigrants who want to live in Canada permanently. It ranks people based on the express entry points that they score. PS, if you want a rough idea of where you stand, you can use an online Express entry points calculator, like this one. Thank us later.
Here’s the express entry history. There were too many immigration pathways, and too many applicants to each. Thus, the system and the government in Canada became overloaded. It was a pain for the applicants for Canada Express entry as well. You see, for each pathway you wanted to apply to, you needed to create a separate express entry profile. To streamline the process, Canada created their IRCC express entry draw.
IRCC stands for “Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada “, and is the body that governs all Canada express entry draws and category-based express entry pathways.
Next, let’s understand which immigration pathways the Canada express entry covers.
Eligibility Criteria for Canada’s Express Entry Program
To qualify for the Express Entry program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Education: A minimum of a high school diploma is required. However, higher education may be necessary depending on your occupation.
- Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience is mandatory.
- Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French.
- Approved Job Offer: One who has approved job offer by Canadian employer/ company
Additional requirements include:
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Obtain an ECA from a recognized authority to validate your education credentials.
- National Occupation Classification (NOC): Choose an occupation and skill level listed in the NOC.
Also hiring: Administrative assistant
Adaptability Points
You can earn additional points for factors such as education, work experience, and other elements that enhance your adaptability to life in Canada.
Process Overview
- Complete the Express Entry form.
- Enter the Express Entry pool by submitting your profile.
- Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to proceed further in the application process.
This streamlined system helps determine your eligibility and rank you among other applicants.
What programs are covered under Express Entry?
Express Entry is a system that Canada uses to manage skilled worker applications. It focuses on three main programs, which we’ll describe below.
1. Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC)
This is for skilled workers with job experience in areas Canada has a shortage of workers in.
Each applicant must meet specific needs, such as language and higher education.
The most important aspect however is prior work experience.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC)
This targets people skilled in specific trades. These trades include things like electricians and plumbers.
To qualify, you need a valid job offer or certification in your trade.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For workers who have worked in Canada for at least one year. This experience must be recent. This program helps those already familiar with Canada’s work culture to stay permanently.
Each program uses a points system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Your age, education, work experience, and language skills all add to your score.
The higher your score, the better your chance to get an invitation to apply for permanent residency. These are the express entry rounds of invitation we were talking of earlier.
Canada holds Express Entry draws regularly. If your score is high, you get an invitation to apply for permanent residency. You then submit more documents and go through checks.
To do well, improve your language scores and get Canadian work experience. You can also seek a provincial nomination for extra points. This system helps Canada find and welcome skilled workers who fit well into its economy.
For more details on how this works and how to apply, check the Canada Immigration website.
Next up, we’ll look at the CRS, which stands for the Comprehensive ranking system.
Explained: The Express Entry CRS
This is the system that awards you your express entry points. It “ranks” or positions you among the millions of candidates who apply for an express entry draw each year.
Certain aspects or milestones in your life contribute to a higher express entry points score.
For example, a bachelor’s degree is worth a few points. Master’s degrees are worth more. PhD. degrees are the most valuable. It follows a clear and logical structure.
Here are the basic things that earn you points in the CRS:
| Factor | Description | Maximum Points |
| Age | Points awarded based on your age. Younger applicants generally receive more points. | 12 |
| Education | Points awarded based on your level of education (e.g., high school diploma, bachelor's degree, etc.). | 128 |
| Skilled work experience | Points awarded based on your years of experience in a skilled profession listed in Canada's National Occupation Classification (NOC) system. | 120 |
| Language (English & French) | Points awarded for your proficiency in English and/or French. Higher proficiency in either language leads to more points. | 28 |
| Spouse/Common-law Partner factors | Points can be earned based on your spouse or common-law partner's age, education, work experience, and language skills. | Up to 46 |
| Provincial Nomination | A significant number of points are awarded if you receive a nomination from a Canadian province to apply for permanent residence. | 600 |
And with that, we’ve covered the Canada Express Entry system basics. If you need more information, skip to the FAQ section.
We have loads more great information there that you can digest at a glance.
Below, we’ll cover a high-level overview of how the entire express entry draw and system works.
How does Express Entry work?
And now, we will explain the system of Canada express entry. This is the process that you would follow if you were applying for an express entry draw.
Let’s get right into it with the first step, checking to see if you’re eligible.
Check Eligibility
First, see if you qualify for one of the three programs: Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, or Canadian Experience Class. Each program has its own requirements for work experience, education, and language skills.
Create a Profile
If you meet the criteria, create an online profile. This profile includes details about your age, education, work experience, and language abilities.
Enter the Pool
Your profile goes into a pool with other candidates. Here, you receive a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This score considers factors like your skills and experience.
Receive a Score
CRS scores help rank you in the pool. Points come from your skills, education, language ability, and other factors. Higher scores increase your chance of getting an invitation.
Get an Invitation to Apply
Canada holds Express Entry draws regularly. They invite the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residency.
Apply for Permanent Residency
If invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete application. This includes more documents and goes through checks for health and security.
Wait for Approval
Canada aims to process most applications within six months. If successful, you become a permanent resident.
And that was the Canada express entry draw process. It is totally dependent on if you were invited for express entry rounds of interview. You can increase your chances of invitation by boosting your CRS score.
Canada Express Entry Application Fees:
The cost of immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry system is approximately $2,300 CAD for a single applicant and around $4,500 CAD for a couple. These costs include application fees, language tests, and other associated expenses. Here’s a breakdown of the fees:
- Single Applicant: $1,325 CAD
- Processing Fee: $950 CAD
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $575 CAD
- Spouse or Partner: $1,525 CAD
- Dependent Child: $260 CAD
These figures provide a general estimate and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Additional costs such as language tests and other requirements should also be considered.
Special mention: French language proficiency Express Entry
In Express Entry, French language proficiency can boost your score. If you speak French well, you earn extra points. This is true even if French is your second language.
High scores in French tests like TEF or TCF add points to your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This helps in the Express Entry draws.
For strong French skills, you can get up to 50 additional points. This is a big advantage in getting an invitation to apply for permanent residency in Canada. And with that, we conclude this article on Canada’s express entry draw and system.
We covered the express entry score calculator, express entry processing time, express entry requirements, express entry eligibility, and everything else that you needed to know.
Frequently Asked Questions about Canada Express Entry
1. What is express entry in Canada?
Express Entry is a system Canada uses to manage skilled worker applications for PR. It includes three programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class.
2. When is the next express entry draw?
The next Express Entry draw date is not set. Draws usually happen every two weeks. Check the Canada Immigration website for the latest.
3. How to create express entry profile?
First, check if you meet the program criteria. Then gather your documents, like language test results. Create your profile on the Canada Immigration website.
4. How to apply for express entry?
Check your eligibility, create a profile in the system, and if invited, submit your application for permanent residency.
5. Which tier is eligible for express entry?
Skilled workers with experience in eligible jobs can apply. This includes professional, managerial, and skilled trade roles.
6. When is next express entry draw?
The next draw’s date is not known in advance. Check the Canada Immigration website regularly. They’re usually every two weeks, but that isn’t a rule.
7. How to get provincial nomination for express entry?
Apply to a province’s nominee program. If they choose you, you get extra points in Express Entry.
8. When will be the next express entry draw?
The date is not fixed. Check the Canada Immigration website for updates.
9. How to get 50 points for French in express entry?
Score well on a French language test like TEF or TCF. High scores in listening, speaking, reading, and writing help.
10. When is the next draw for express entry?
It’s not scheduled in advance. Visit the Canada Immigration website for the latest.
11. How express entry works?
You create a profile, get a score, and if high enough, receive an invite to apply for residency.
12. How to make express entry profile?
Check you qualify, gather your documents, and create your profile on the Canada Immigration website.
13. When is next express entry draw expected?
Draws often happen every two weeks. Keep an eye on the official website for updates.
14. How to calculate express entry points?
Use the Comprehensive Ranking System calculator on the Canada Immigration website. Enter your details like age and skills.
15. How to apply express entry in Canada?
First, see if you qualify. Then, create a profile and wait for an invite to apply.
16. How long does express entry take?
After you submit your application, it usually takes about six months to process.
17. When is the next express entry draw?
Check the Canada Immigration website for the most current information.
18. How does express entry work?
You create a profile, receive a score, and might get an invitation to apply for residency.
19. Who can apply for express entry?
Skilled workers in eligible jobs with the needed language and work skills can apply.
20. Which noc codes are eligible for express entry?
NOC codes 0, A, and B cover jobs like managers, professionals, and skilled trades.
21. How to submit express entry profile?
After checking eligibility and gathering documents, submit your profile on the Canada Immigration website.
22. How to calculate score for express entry?
Use the CRS calculator on the Canada Immigration website to see your score. Enter your job, age, and language skills.