Canada Express Entry Guide

Introduction:

Express Entry is an innovative and streamlined immigration system introduced by the Canadian government to manage the selection of skilled foreign workers for economic immigration programs. It was launched on January 1, 2015, as a part of Canada's commitment to attract talented individuals from around the world and address the country's labor market needs effectively.

There are three main federal economic programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) - For skilled workers with foreign work experience, educational qualifications, and language proficiency who intend to settle in any province or territory outside of Quebec.
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST) - For skilled tradespeople with work experience in specific occupations who intend to settle in any province or territory outside of Quebec.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) - For individuals with Canadian work experience and who have gained familiarity with Canadian society, intending to become permanent residents.

Eligibility:

To be eligible for Express Entry, candidates must meet the following general requirements:

1. Eligible Federal Economic Program: Candidates must be eligible for at least one of the three federal economic immigration programs (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC).
   
   
2. Language Proficiency: Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French by taking an approved language test (e.g., IELTS for English).
   
   
3. Education: Candidates must have their foreign education credentials assessed to prove they meet Canadian educational standards.
   
   
4. Work Experience: Candidates must have relevant work experience. For FSWP and FSTP, the work experience must be in a skilled occupation, and for CEC, it must be in Canada.
   
   
5. Age: There are points awarded for age, with candidates between 20 and 29 years receiving the highest points.
   
   
6. Adaptability: Additional points are awarded for factors such as having a spouse or common-law partner with language skills or Canadian work experience, previous study or work experience in Canada, or having a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

How to apply for Express Entry Profile:

1. Determine Eligibility: Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three main programs under Express Entry: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

2. 
   

3. Create an Express Entry Profile: If eligible, create an online profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You'll need to provide information about your age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant details.

4. 
   

5. Obtain Necessary Documents: Gather all the required documents, such as educational credentials, language test results (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP), work experience letters, and other supporting documents.

6. Calculate Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: The information you provide in your profile will be used to calculate your CRS score. This score is based on factors like age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other additional points (e.g., Canadian job offers, provincial nominations).

7. 
   

8. Enter the Pool: Once your profile is complete and meets the eligibility requirements, it will enter the Express Entry pool, where you will be ranked against other candidates based on your CRS score.

9. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Regularly, the Canadian government conducts Express Entry draws, where candidates with the highest CRS scores are issued ITAs to apply for permanent residence.

10. 
    

11. Apply for Permanent Residence: After receiving an ITA, you'll have a limited time to submit a complete application for permanent residence through the IRCC online portal. Include all necessary documents and pay the relevant fees.

12. 
    

13. Medical and Security Checks: Undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates to prove that you are admissible to Canada.

14. 
    

15. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR): If your application is approved, you'll receive a COPR. This document allows you to become a permanent resident of Canada.

16. 
    

17. Land in Canada: After obtaining your COPR, you must travel to Canada before the expiration date mentioned in the document and become a permanent resident.

CRS Score Calculator 

The Canada Express Entry Program determines applications using the Comprehensive Ranking System. The CRS score calculator evaluates and gives points based on various factors. Remember that the Express Entry system can be competitive, and your chances of receiving an ITA depend on your CRS score relative to other candidates in the pool. It's essential to keep your profile up-to-date and consider improving your CRS score through various strategies if needed, such as obtaining higher education, improving language skills, or obtaining a valid job offer.

How to increase scores:

1 – Language Test - Retake your IELTS/CELPIP test and score better. Remember better the scores, the greater the chances to get your CRS scores increased.

2 – Work Experience - Until your Profile is valid, keep adding your work experience. Don’t stop working. Remember, that your work experience is one of the major parts of your profile.

3 – Spousal benefit - While it looks like having a spouse might affect your scores, having a spouse may also help you increase your points by retaking IELTS and getting higher scores.

4 – Job Offer – A job offer letter from a Canadian Employer can get you crazing points. Keep trying and you shall succeed in this.

5 – Provincial Nomination – Have you heard of this? We are sure you did. Provincial Nomination can get you 600 points. If you have this, you have a major gem in your hands.

6 – Study – Oh yes, it may sound boring but, joining a short-term course can also help you achieve big. Earning post higher secondary certificate can also play magic.

Before proceeding with an Express Entry profile, candidates should carefully review the program requirements and assess their eligibility.