Streamlined Immigration Solutions for Skilled Workers
Are you looking to secure permanent residency in Canada? The Express Entry system is your fast-track to achieving this goal. Unlike traditional immigration categories, Express Entry is an electronic management system designed to facilitate the selection and processing of Canada’s economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and certain Provincial Nomination Programs.
Express Entry evaluates candidates based on key factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, ensuring alignment with Canada’s economic needs. To get started, applicants must first make an “expression of interest” by creating a profile. If eligible for at least one program, they will enter the Express Entry pool. Candidates from this pool receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ once they surpass the points threshold in a draw, which occurs approximately every two weeks.
Navigating the Express Entry system can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. An experienced immigration lawyer can help you avoid mistakes and ensure your application is strong and error-free. Trust a dedicated Express Entry lawyer to handle your case with expertise and precision, maximizing your chances of success.
How Does Express Entry Work
Determine Eligibility
Before entering the Express Entry pool, candidates must be eligible under one of the above programs.
Create an Online Profile
Eligible candidates submit an Express Entry profile, providing details on their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and more.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Candidates are ranked in the pool using a points-based system called the CRS. Points are awarded for core human capital factors and skills transferability.
Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly conducts draws from the pool, issuing ITAs to the highest-ranking candidates.
Application for Permanent Residency
Candidates who receive an ITA have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency.
Bridging Work Permit Application (optional)
Candidates who have submitted an application for permanent residency under Express Entry are eligible for an open work permit during processing.
Benefits of Express Entry
- Fast Processsing Times
Express Entry aims to process applications within six months, making it one of the fastest pathways to Canadian permanent residency. - Flexibility
The Express Entry system allows candidates to update their profiles, improving their chances of receiving an ITA. - Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Candidates can also be nominated by provinces, which can significantly increase their CRS score. - Applying Online
The system is fully online operative. Candidates upload all their information and supporting documents to the online system. - Category based invitation rounds
Starting in 2023, Express Entry began holding draws based on specific in-demand occupation or categories. The list included:- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Eligibility for Work Permits after submission
After submission of the permanent resident application, applicant’s are eligible for a bridging work permit. This work permit is open and allows applicant’s to continue to work during processing.
Preparing for Express Entry
Working with an immigration lawyer can help simplify the immigration process, minimize stress and uncertainty, and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Express Entry will require the following documents:
Language Proficiency Test
Language tests determine your scores based on proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Achieve high scores in language tests like IELTS or CELPIP then upload the scores to the system.
Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
Get your foreign education assessed to determine Canadian standards. These can be acquired by assessment agencies in Canada.
Work Experience Letters
Employment records are verified by way of a job letter. The job letter is a standard letter provided by the employer detailing title, duration, renumeration, working hours and duties or responsibilities of the job.
Police Clearence Reports (PCC)
Police Clearence Certificates are required for all countries the Applicant has resided in for more than six months. The Applicant will need to acquire the police clearances from each respective country not including Canada.
Upfront Medical Examination
A medical examination is required for Express Entry application. This can be acquired by visiting an Immigration medical clinic. Once completed they will provide a completion sheet to upload to the online system.
Express Entry
Express Entry is the electronic management system for applying for permanent residency. It is not an immigration category but a system to facilitate the selection and processing of Canada’s economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and some Provincial Nomination Programs. This system evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, aligning with Canada’s economic needs.
Applicants must first make an “expression of interest” by creating a profile and, if eligible for at least one program, they will enter the Express Entry pool. Candidates from this pool will receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ once they pass the points threshold under a draw. The points threshold is determined according to the latest draw that is held approximately every two weeks.
Canadian Experience Class
Federal Skilled Trades
Federal Skilled Worker
