How Express Entry Works

How Express Entry Works

The Express Entry system is an online immigration application system used by the Canadian government to manage and process applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how the Express Entry system works:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before entering the Express Entry pool, you need to determine your eligibility for one of the three main immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Eligibility is based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency in English or French.

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile

If you’re eligible, the next step is to create an online Express Entry profile. This profile includes information about your:

• Age
• Education
• Work experience
• Language ability
• Other personal details

Step 3: Register with Job Bank (Optional)

While it is not mandatory, you may register with the Government of Canada’s Job Bank if you don’t have a job offer or a provincial nomination. This can help connect you with Canadian employers.

Step 4: Receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score

Once your profile is submitted, you’ll be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS score is based on:

• Core human capital factors (age, education, language skills, and work experience)
• Spouse or common-law partner factors
• Skill transferability factors
• Additional points for a job offer, a nomination from a province or territory, Canadian education, a sibling in Canada, or French language skills

Step 5: Enter the Express Entry Pool

Your profile will then enter the Express Entry pool, where it will be ranked against other candidates based on your CRS score. Higher-ranking candidates are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool, inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. If you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

Step 7: Apply for Permanent Residence

After receiving an ITA, you must submit your application for permanent residence along with all required documents, such as:

• Proof of funds
• Medical exams
• Police certificates
• Educational credential assessments (if applicable)
• Language test results

Step 8: Application Processing

IRCC aims to process most complete applications within six months. During this time, your application will be reviewed, and you may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview.

Step 9: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if you’re from a visa-required country). You can then move to Canada and complete the process of becoming a permanent resident.

Step 10: Settle in Canada

Upon arrival in Canada, you will present your COPR and permanent resident visa to an immigration officer at the port of entry. Once you’ve been admitted as a permanent resident, you can start living and working in Canada.