How Express Entry Works in Canada

Here’s exactly how Express Entry works in Canada, specifically for those looking to save time and resources when applying to immigrate to Canada.

It’s important that you learn how Express Entry works in Canada because the program is one of the fastest ways of getting access to the country.

Canada’s Express Entry immigration program is an electronic system that oversees most of the application processes for new immigrants in the country.

The program involves three (3) other economic immigration programs for skilled labor in the country.

How Express Entry Works in Canada?

When applying for the Express Entry Canadian immigration program, the following are steps you must take:

Create an online profile for your Express Entry into Canada
Get selected amongst the many eligible candidates
Get an invitation by the Canadian government to start processing your permanent residency status

#1: Create an Online Profile for Your Express Entry into Canada

For your Canadian Express Entry immigration application to count, you’ll need to first create a profile for yourself online.

Aside from your name and passport photograph, some of the necessary details you’ll need to submit include your language ability, educational background, skills, and past work experience.

#2: Get Selected Amongst the Many Eligible Candidates

After submitting your online profile alongside all other necessary details, you’ll automatically be given a CRS score that relates to your profile. Your CRS score would then be ranked against other candidates in the immigration pool after which the best candidates would be chosen.

That means, if you meet all the basic standards and criteria, you will be enrolled into a pool with all other eligible candidates like you.

Your Express Entry ranking score which has a maximum of 1,200 points is based solely on the Comprehensive (CRS) ranking system.

#3: Get an Invitation by the Canadian Government to Start Processing Your Permanent Residency Status

All applicants with a high CRS mark and a qualifying job offer from either a Canadian recruiting manager or provincial territory nominations will be offered an invitation to apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency status.

If you’re offered an ITA, kindly complete your electronic application before the 60 days deadline. Your electronic application is to be submitted through any of the following programs:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

After you submit your Express Entry application via any of the above programs, it will be pushed to the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC). At this stage, you are very close to success as the expected time for your application to be completed is roughly about six (6) months.

Express Entry Immigration Program Eligibility Requirements

The requirements for the Express Entry Canadian immigration program aren’t the same for all the program types.

However, the major requirement which is common for all Express Entry programs is that you must be admissible to Canada legally, and that, you have decided to stay in any of the Canadian provinces, with exceptions of the province of Quebec.

For a better understanding, all the requirements for each of the three (3) economic immigration programs in Canada are given below:

#1: Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) is not just a major economic immigration route into Canada, it is also one of the most used.

Qualifying for this program isn’t that hard; basically, you must have the minimum requirements in language proficiency, educational status, and work experience.

Your age, current Canadian job offer (if any), and ability to adapt to the living standards in the country will also be accessed after a successful application.

Below is a detailed list of requirements for the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP):

You will need to have a Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) certificate of approved language test not later than two years to prove your Canadian Language Benchmark 7.
You must have a minimum of one year of consistent full-time or relevant part-time paid working experience within the same job within the last ten (10) years. Your occupation must be recognized in Canada’s 2011 National Occupational Classification (NOC).
You must prove that you can support yourself and any dependant family member financially even if you have a job offer from a Canadian employer or already worked legally.
You must have a recognized post-secondary schooling certificate, a Canadian high school certificate, or have completed a foreign schooling credential. If you’re using a foreign credential, it should go alongside an assessment by an approved CIC agency to certify that your education matches Canadian standards.

#2: Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

If you are lurking to become a permanent resident in Canada, this is your best option.

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) grants new immigrants with a skilled trade easy access into Canada. However, this comes with a price, and below is a list of the requirements you need to possess to be eligible for this program.

A minimum of 2 years of full-time working experience in a skilled trade not later than 5 years before the time of your application.
You must have an offer of full-time employment in Canada for at least one year minimum or be certified by a Canadian province or territory under any of her skilled trades.
Your language proficiency in either French or English must meet up the required benchmark.

To finalize your request, you’ll also be required to show proof of your experience by carrying out the necessary obligations associated with your skilled trade as noted by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) in Minor Groups 632 or 633 or Major Groups 72,82, or 92.

#3: Canada Experience Class (CEC) Program

Canada Experience Class (CEC) program is exclusively for international students and foreign workers who have some experience living in Canada and would want to gain permanent residency in the country.

The following are the eligibility requirements for this program:

You must have a minimum of one year experience as a skilled, professional, or technical person in Canada not later than three (3) years.
You must meet the minimum language proficiency in English or French.

Financial Requirements for Express Entry

Gaining access to Canada via the Express Entry program comes at a cost, however, the process is even more worth it.

Express Entry costs as effective from April 30, 2020 ($CAN) is as follows:

Your application, including processing fees and Right of Permanent Resident costs $1,325.
Your application, excluding Right of Permanent Resident Fee costs $825.
Right of permanent residency fee costs $500 but could be paid later.
Your spouse or common-law partner processing fee and right of permanent residency costs $1,325.
Your spouse or common-law partner fee excluding right of permanent residency fee costs $825.
If you’re coming in with a dependent child, you’ll have to pay $225 per child.

Proof of Funds for Express Entry Canada Immigration

As earlier stated, you need to show proof of funds in your Express Entry profile.

Your proof of funds is what points out your ability to cater for yourself and any additional family member who will be moving to Canada with you financially.

A general breakdown of funds required (in $CAN) per family member include:

Number of Family Members	Proof of Funds
1	$12,960
2	$16,135
3	$19,836
4	$24,083
5	$27,315
6	$30,806
7	$34,299
For each additional family member	$3,492

Hoe Express Entry Works in Canada in Terms of Total Processing Time

The processing of your application from the time of submission of your profile to the final issuance of your permanent resident visa can take you up to six (6) months or less.

But still, the Express Entry is the fastest pathway to move to Canada.