Express Entry

Express Entry
Made Easy

A quick guide to Canada's Express Entry System

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Express Entry is an application management system designed to select the most qualified candidates to meet Canada’s labor market needs, providing one of the fastest and most efficient pathways to Canadian immigration.

What is Express Entry?

Canada’s Express Entry is an online application management system and the country’s flagship economic immigration platform for skilled workers. It is designed to attract top talent from around the world to contribute to the economy and call Canada home.

It operates on a points-based system called CRS, where candidates are assessed based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency in English and/or French, among other factors. Designed for speed and efficiency, most applications are processed within 6 months or less.

Regular draws are conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) who invite candidates with the highest scores to apply for permanent residency. Express Entry has become a preferred choice for skilled workers seeking swift and transparent migration to Canada.

The programs Express Entry manages

Express Entry manages the three main federal immigration programs and some Express Entry based Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams.

How Express Entry Works

Find out if you're eligible

To determine your eligibility for Express Entry, you can use the Government of Canada's online eligibility tool. You must first complete a language test in English and/or French and obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your studies were completed outside Canada. Additionally, you must have either a job offer in Canada or sufficient settlement funds.

Check your Score

If you qualify for an Express Entry program, you can create an Express Entry profile. Your profile will be ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), your score must exceed the required minimum. Use the CRS tool to estimate your score. Generally, a score of at least 500 is needed unless you qualify for category-based selection, which has a lower threshold.

Create an Express Entry Profile

Next, if Express Entry seems suitable for you, you can create and submit an Express Entry profile. You will need to provide information about your age, education, work experience, Canadian job offers, relatives in Canada, and other relevant details. If you’re eligible, IRCC will accept you into their pool of candidates and assign you a CRS score.

Wait your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

To receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must qualify for both the draw category and have a score that exceeds the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points required for that specific round of invitations. IRCC regularly conducts rounds of invitations, including General, PNP, CEC, and category-based draws.

Apply for Permanent Residence via Express Entry

Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will have only 60 days to apply for Permanent Residence. It is crucial to start collecting all the required documents and filling out the online forms immediately. Some documents, such as police clearance certificates and employment letters, can take time to obtain, so don't delay in gathering them to ensure you have everything ready before your invitation expires.

Applying for Express Entry to Canada requires a thorough process, including meeting strict eligibility requirements, submitting detailed documentation, and accurately completing various forms. Cantrust Visa simplifies this journey by guiding you through each step, ensuring your application is completed professionally and efficiently. This allows you to focus on planning your new life in Canada, while we handle the complexities of the process for you.

Express Entry Made Easy

At Cantrust Visa, we make Express Entry easy with our completely Free Assessment. If Express Entry is an option for you, we’ll create and submit your profile for free, and you only pay if you receive an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence. If Express Entry isn’t a viable option right now, we’ll provide free guidance on improving your profile and suggest other Canadian immigration pathways that might be a better fit for you.

Express entry FAQs

Do I need settlement funds for Express Entry?

Yes, you generally need settlement funds for Canada’s Express Entry, unless you have a valid job offer with a work permit or are applying under the Canadian Experience Class. These funds show you can support yourself and your family upon arrival. The required amount varies by family size and is updated annually. The funds must be available, transferable, and free of debt. They can’t be borrowed from another person. Check the latest requirements on the IRCC website.

Who is eligible for Express Entry?

Anyone can apply for Canada’s Express Entry as long as they meet the criteria for one of three programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or an Express Entry PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) stream. You need skilled work experience, language proficiency in English or French, and an educational credential assessment. Factors like age, adaptability, and having a valid job offer also count. Candidates are ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and the highest scores get invited to apply for permanent residence.

How many steps is Express Entry?

Canada’s Express Entry process generally involves three main steps:

Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit your profile online, providing information about your work experience, education, language skills, and other details. You’ll receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on this information.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your CRS score is high enough, you may receive an ITA during a draw from the pool of candidates.
Submit a Permanent Residence Application: Once you receive an ITA, you must submit a complete application for permanent residence within 60 days, including supporting documents and paying the application fees.

Note: It is important to check your eligibility, complete the required language tests and Educational Credential Assessments, and use the CRS tool to estimate your score before creating an Express Entry profile. This can save you time, effort, and prevent false hope.

Does a Express Entry profile cost money?

Creating an Express Entry profile itself does not cost money. However, you may incur costs for related steps, such as getting your educational credentials assessed, taking language tests, and obtaining police certificates or medical exams. If you are invited to apply for permanent residence, there are additional fees for the application itself.

At Cantrust Visa, we take the hassle out of creating an Express Entry profile by handling the creation and submission free of charge— all you need to do is provide the required information.

Does Express Entry require a job offer?

No, an Express Entry application does not require a job offer. However, having a valid job offer can significantly improve your chances, as it can earn you 50 additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), or 200 points in some cases. If you don’t have a job offer, you can still qualify through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class, as long as you meet their criteria.

If you have a valid job offer, Cantrust Visa can help you complete your application to get those points and increase your CRS score.

Is there a benefit to getting a PNP for Express Entry?

Yes, there is a significant benefit to getting a provincial nomination for Express Entry. A provincial nomination can earn you 600 additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which virtually guarantees an invitation to apply for permanent residence. This is especially beneficial for candidates over the age of 35, who may struggle to accumulate enough points otherwise. Additionally, a provincial nomination can provide insights into the job market and living conditions in the province, aiding in your settlement and integration.

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