How does Express Entry Application process work ?
Express Entry is an application process designed for skilled workers, both overseas and within Canada, who wish to obtain permanent residency in Canada. It is the fastest and most popular pathway for individuals seeking a new life in the country. To participate, interested candidates must create an Express Entry profile and provide information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other relevant details.
The Expression of Interest (EOI) model is a program in which candidates submit their credentials, aligning with the selection criteria of existing economic immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class Program. Canadian immigration authorities can then select candidates from the EOI pool who are most likely to establish themselves economically and contribute to Canadian society. Those selected from the EOI pool will be eligible for Express Entry.
Candidates are then ranked in the Express Entry pool using a point-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS considers various factors, such as skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other aspects, to award points. Candidates with the highest scores are regularly invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence. Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs:
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Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
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Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
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Express Entry streams of the Provincial Nominee Programs
Submit an Express Entry profile online
EOI applicants must create an online profile and submit their candidacy, providing information about their work experience, language proficiency, education, and other personal details. If an applicant does not already have a Canadian job offer, they must register with Canada's Job Bank to make their profile visible to potential employers.
Note: Providing false information on an application could lead to disqualification from the process for several years.
Language Requirements
To create an Express Entry profile, candidates must submit valid language test results and, if applicable, Educational Credential Assessments (for education completed outside of Canada). Express Entry profiles are valid for one year. If invited to apply, candidates have 60 days to submit an online application for permanent residence.
Government Fees:
There is no government fee for creating an Express Entry profile. Fees apply only when invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Candidates can update their profile to reflect changes in their status, and there is no maximum age for Express Entry applicants. While a job offer is not required, having one can add 50 to 200 points to a candidate's application. Canadian employers play a more direct role in immigration under Express Entry, and candidates can promote themselves directly to employers through the Canada Job Bank.
Experience
Candidates are eligible for the program if they meet certain criteria, such as having a minimum of one year of continuous, qualified work experience within the past ten years, at least a high school diploma, a minimum language proficiency level, and sufficient funds to support themselves and their families upon approval. They may choose to immigrate without their spouse or children and then sponsor them through a family sponsorship immigration program later.
Selection Process and application for Canadian permanent resident status
Federal and provincial governments of Canada, as well as Canadian employers, will access the Express Entry candidate pool to select eligible applicants. The most attractive candidates (i.e., those deemed most likely to succeed economically in Canada), along with those holding Canadian job offers or provincial nominations, will be invited to apply for Canadian permanent resident status.
When an applicant is selected, they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada. The applicant then has 60 days to respond by submitting an electronic application for permanent resident status.
CIC has stated that all EOI applications will be processed within six months from the submission date. Applicants should ensure that they submit all required forms and supporting documentation within this timeframe. Upon completion of the Express Entry process, selected applicants and their dependent family members will become permanent residents of Canada.
Applicants in the EOI candidate pool who do not receive an ITA for permanent resident status may resubmit their candidacy, provided they continue to meet the selection criteria of at least one Canadian economic immigration program.
