Canada Express Entry Program: Helpful Guide 2023-2024

The system ranks candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.

2. Eligibility Requirements:

To be eligible for Canada Express Entry, you must:

• Meet the eligibility criteria of one of the three main federal economic immigration programs (FSWP, FSTP, CEC).

• To enter the Express Entry pool, you must either have a job offer or qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class.

• Score a minimum number of points on the CRS (typically around 470 or higher) to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

3. Language Proficiency Tests:

You must prove your proficiency in English and/or French by taking a designated language test. The two accepted language tests are:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for English

• TEF (Test d’Évaluation de Français) for French

You will receive points based on your test results, and this will contribute to your CRS score.

4. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA):

If your education was obtained outside Canada, you will need to get your credentials assessed by an approved organization. This assessment verifies that your foreign education is equivalent to Canadian standards. The results of the ECA will also contribute to your CRS score.

5. Creating an Express Entry Profile:

To enter the Express Entry pool, you need to create an Express Entry profile online. You need to give detailed information about yourself, such as work experience, education, language skills, and personal details. Once your profile is complete, you will be assigned a CRS score based on this information.

6. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS):

The CRS is a point-based system used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. It assigns points for various factors, such as age, education, work experience, language skills, job offers, and more. The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points.

7. Calculating Your CRS Score:

Your CRS score is based on factors such as:

• Core human capital factors (age, education, work experience, language proficiency)

• Spouse or common-law partner factors (if applicable)

• Skill transferability factors

• Additional points for a job offer or provincial nomination

To calculate your CRS score, you can use the official CRS tool on the Government of Canada website. The tool will help you understand how various factors contribute to your overall score.

8. Invitation to Apply (ITA) For Express Entry:

Regular Express Entry draws are held by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) approximately every two weeks. In each draw, candidates with the highest CRS scores receive an ITA. If you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

9. Submitting Your Permanent Residence Application:

Once you receive an ITA, you need to submit a complete application for permanent residence online. You must give documents, pay application fees, and clear medical and criminal background screenings. It’s essential to ensure that all required documents are accurate and up to date.

10. Express Entry Draws:

Express Entry draws are conducted periodically by IRCC. The draws are designed to select candidates from the Express Entry pool for ITAs. The key points to understand about draws include:

• Draws are typically held every two weeks, but the frequency may vary.

• The minimum CRS score required in each draw can change, depending on Canada’s immigration targets and the pool of candidates.

• Draws are usually conducted randomly from the pool of candidates with the highest CRS scores.

11. Post-ITA Process:

After receiving an ITA, you must complete the following steps:

• Submit a complete permanent residence application with all required documents.

• Undergo a medical examination and obtain a police clearance certificate.

• Pay all necessary application fees.

• Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photographs) at a local Application Support Center (ASC).

• Wait for the application to be processed. Processing times can vary.

12. Conclusion and Tips:

• Keep up-to-date with the Express Entry program by visiting the official Government of Canada website and talking to allowed immigration consultants or lawyers.

• Improve your CRS score by working on factors like language proficiency, education, and obtaining a valid job offer.

• Be honest and accurate in your application and provide all required documentation.

• Prepare well for the language tests and ECA to maximize your CRS score.

• Seek professional advice if you have complex circumstances or need assistance with your application.

Thousands of people and families have achieved their Canadian immigration goals through the Canada Express Entry program for skilled workers. Immigration can be complex, get help from experts for the best chance of success. Good luck with your Express Entry journey!