Express Entry in Canada – Eligibility, Documents, 7 Steps

If you want to move to Canada, the Express Entry program is a fast way to immigrate. This article will walk you through the steps of applying for Express Entry, including the documents you need and how to estimate your CRS score. Remember that the requirements for Express Entry in Canada may change, so always check the latest information on the official website before submitting your application.

What is the Canada Express Entry program?

The Express Entry program is a way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. First, you will be entered into a pool of candidates if you are eligible. Then, the government will invite the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence. The whole process usually takes around six months.

Types of Canada Immigration Express Entry Programs.

There are three main types of programs under Express Entry and an additional option, the provincial nominee program:

#1. Federal Skilled Worker Program – The FSWP is for people with experience in certain skilled occupations. To be eligible, you must have at least one year of work experience in a qualifying occupation and meet the language requirements.

#2. Federal Skilled Trades Program – The FSTP is for people with experience in specific skilled trades. To be eligible, you must have two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent combination of part-time work) and meet the language requirements.

#3. Canadian Experience Class – The CEC is for people with experience working in Canada. To be eligible, you must have at least one year of full-time work experience (or an equivalent combination of part-time work) and meet the language requirements.

#4. Provincial Nominee Program – The PNP is for people whom a province or territory has nominated. Each province has eligibility requirements, so you must check with the province you are interested in.

Factors for Express Entry Qualification

To be eligible for Express Entry in Canada, you must meet the requirements of one of these programs and also be able to provide documents to support your profile. Some of the factors considered as a requirement for Express Entry Immigration to Canada include:

• Nationality/Country of Origin
• Age of applicant.
• Language skills (English and French)
• Education
• Work experience
• Family members
• Presence of Job offers in Canada

Please see our CRS estimator tool to learn more about these factors and how they affect the candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which is used to rank Express Entry candidates.

Documents required for Express Entry Application

To apply for the Express Entry program, you will need to provide various documents that detail your profile around the EE factors listed above; the documents include (but are not limited to):

• A valid international passport or other travel documents;
• Language test results (English or/and French);
• Education Certificate Assessment Report.
• Job offer letter from an employer in Canada (optional);
• Police character certificate – to prove no criminal record;
• Medical examination report from an authorized IRCC physician;
• Proof of sufficient funds to facilitate your travel and cover your stay in Canada when you are invited to apply.

What are the steps to apply for Express Entry in Canada?

There are about seven steps to apply for Express Entry in Canada which are as follows:

#Step 1: Find your National Occupation Classification (NOC)

The first step is to determine which NOC category your job falls into. The NOC is a list of all the occupations in Canada, and each one is given a code. You can use the NOC tool to find your occupation and see the corresponding code. How to find your NOC code.

#Step 2: Check if you need a credential assessment

The next step is to see if you need to have your educational credentials assessed. This is not required for all occupations, but it is for some. You can use the Foreign Credentials Referral Office website to determine if you need an assessment and how to get one. Check out credential assessment choices.

#Step 3: Take a language test

You will need to take a language test to prove that you can speak English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level seven or higher in all four categories: reading, writing, listening and speaking. If your first official language is French, you do not need to take an English test, but you will still need to take a French test to prove your language skills. Here are your language test options for Canada Immigration.

#Step 4: Check your eligibility

The next step is to check if you meet all the Express Entry requirements. Then, you can use the Express Entry Eligibility Tool to see if you are eligible. We have provided all eligibility criteria and requirements for you above.

#Step 5: Estimate your CRS score

The next step in applying for Express Entry in Canada is estimating your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS is used to rank Express Entry candidates and give them a score out of 1200 points. The CRS will consider your age, language skills, education, and work experience when awarding you points. Use our CRS Points Calculator page to estimate the points you will be awarded.

#Step 6: Create your Express Entry profile

The next step is to create your Express Entry profile. You must provide information about yourself, your skills, work experience, language abilities, and education. You will also need to create an account with Job Bank (if you do not already have one) and provide the login information in your Express Entry profile. In addition, you will use Job Bank to look for jobs in Canada and be matched with Canadian employers.

#Step 7: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The final step of the Express Entry program is to receive an ITA from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you are ranked high enough in the Express Entry pool, you will receive an ITA. You will then have 60 days to submit a complete online application for permanent residence. If you are invited, you will need to provide additional documents, such as your passport, police certificates, and proof of funds.

See Also: Express Entry or PNP: What Are The Basic Costs?

Passport request and confirmation of landing

The next and final step of immigrating to Canada through Express Entry is to provide IRCC with your passport so they can issue you a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CPR). You will need to have a valid passport to travel to Canada. If you do not have a passport, you must get one before coming to Canada.

You will also need to pay the right of permanent residence fee and submit your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). Furthermore, you will receive your CPR in the mail once IRCC has processed your complete application. You must show the immigration officer your CPR when you land in Canada. The officer will stamp your passport and give you a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

You have now completed the Express Entry process and are on your way to becoming a permanent resident of Canada!

Conclusion

The Express Entry system is a great way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. If you meet the eligibility requirements and can score enough points, you can apply for Express Entry and receive an ITA. Once you have your ITA, you must submit a complete online application for permanent residence. If your application is approved, you will be on your way to living and working in Canada as a permanent resident.

We hope this blog post has helped explain the Express Entry process and what you need to do to immigrate to Canada through this program. Express Entry is an excellent option for many people looking to move to Canada, but it is important to ensure you are eligible and understand the process before applying.

We would be happy to assist you if you have any questions about Express Entry or need help with your application. Please contact us for more information.