Express Entry
Express Entry
Express Entry immigration to Canada is open to skilled foreign workers, tradespersons, and graduates with ability in English and/or French. Individuals of any age may become a candidate, but preference is given to younger workers seeking immigration to Canada.
How does it work?
Since January 2015, eligible individuals can express their interest in becoming a permanent resident of Canada. Eligibility may be through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Candidates are assigned a score (out of 1,200 points) based on their education, career history, and other personal details, and will be ranked against other candidates under what is called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
When draws from the Express Entry pool occur, the top-ranking candidates are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence. While in the pool, candidates can strive to increase their CRS points total, and thus their ranking, by proving better human capital factors, for example by re-taking a language test or completing additional work experience.
Moreover, a candidate may obtain a qualifying job offer or a provincial nomination through one of the many Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams. A provincial nomination is particularly valuable, as it results in 600 additional CRS points being awarded to the candidate, who will then be invited to apply in a subsequent draw from the pool.
What’s the advantage?
Express Entry has proven to be a quick route for immigration to Canada, with more than 80 percent of applications processed within six months. The process is entirely online, and it is easy to track the status of the application.
Furthermore, Express Entry is a system that rewards proactive individuals who can prove to the government that they are likely to be economically successful upon settlement in Canada.
How much does it cost?
About $1,500–$2,000, including educational and language assessments, obtaining documents, and payment of fees, if you complete the process yourself.
Hiring representation (i.e. a regulated lawyer or consultant) would entail additional fees, but this is a price that many candidates feel is worth the outlay.
How long does it take?
About 4–6 months from when you submit the application. In advance of this, additional time may be required to complete any relevant tests and obtain documents.
Other considerations
Success in this system is not guaranteed, as the government invites only a portion of candidates from the pool when it conducts one of its draws. However, the government has stated that the Express Entry pool is now the main source of economic immigration to Canada, and over time the CRS cut-off threshold has decreased substantially.
Where can I learn more?
The Express Entry system invites candidates to apply through four different programs. These are:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): for those who have more than one year of skilled work experience.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): suitable for foreign workers, who gained legal work experience in Canada (for example, through the IEC program) and who are now seeking permanent residency.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST): designed for those with a qualification in a skilled trade.
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Canadian provinces and territories can nominate individuals in the pool who are interested in living and working in a particular province or territory.
The criteria for each program is different, and it is possible to be eligible for more than one. For example, if you have a mix of foreign and Canadian work experience, you may be eligible for both the FSWC and the CEC.