Express Entry Canada: A Comprehensive Guide to Fast Immigration to Canada
Express Entry Canada is one of the best and fastest ways to immigrate to Canada, allowing individuals with professional skills and higher education to apply for permanent residency. This system was introduced by the Canadian Immigration Department in 2015 and has become one of the most popular immigration pathways to Canada. In this article, we will explore the complete process, requirements, and key points of Express Entry.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online system designed to manage immigration applications for Canada’s three main economic programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This system selects eligible candidates based on a points-based system and invites them to apply for permanent residency.
Steps in the Express Entry Process
Check Eligibility
First, you need to check if you qualify for one of the programs under Express Entry. This can be done through the online tool “Come to Canada” on the Immigration Canada website.
Create an Online Profile
If eligible, you must create an online profile in the Express Entry system. The profile will include the following information:
Personal details (name, age, nationality, etc.)
Education history
Work experience
Language test scores (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF for French)
Family status
Receive a Score in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Your profile will be evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and you will be assigned a score. The CRS score is based on the following criteria:
Age
Education
Work experience
Language skills
Job offer from a Canadian employer
Provincial nomination
Enter the Pool of Applicants
Once your profile is complete, you will be placed in the Express Entry pool. At this stage, your CRS score will determine your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Immigration Canada regularly sends invitations to the highest-ranking applicants in the pool. If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you can then apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Submit Permanent Residency Application
After receiving the ITA, you must submit all required documents and pay the necessary fees. Immigration usually processes your application within six months or less.
CRS Scoring Criteria
The CRS score is calculated out of a total of 1200 points, and the following factors affect it:
Core points:
Age: Up to 110 points
Education: Up to 150 points
Language skills: Up to 160 points
Work experience: Up to 80 points
Additional points:
Provincial nomination: 600 points
Valid job offer: 50 to 200 points
Second language proficiency: Up to 50 points
Express Entry Fees
The following are the fees associated with Express Entry:
Profile fee: Free
Permanent residency application fee:
Principal applicant: CAD 1,365
Spouse: CAD 1,365
Dependent child: CAD 230
Language test fee: CAD 200 to 300
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) fee: CAD 200 to 300
Tips to Increase CRS Score
Improve language scores: Achieving higher scores in language tests can boost your CRS points.
Provide higher education credentials: If you have higher educational qualifications, add them to your profile.
Provincial nomination: Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) can give you an additional 600 points.
Canadian work experience: If you have worked in Canada, your score will increase.
Valid job offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can significantly increase your CRS score.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Express Entry
Advantages:
Fast processing: Applications are usually processed in less than 6 months.
Transparent and online system: All processes are handled online.
Access to all provinces: You can live anywhere in Canada through Express Entry.
Disadvantages:
High competition: The system is based on points, and only candidates with the highest scores receive invitations.
Costs: Fees for language tests, credential assessments, and application processing can be high for some applicants.
Conclusion
Express Entry is one of the best immigration methods for skilled and educated individuals. With careful planning, improving your language score, and obtaining a provincial nomination, you can increase your chances of immigrating through this system. If you are looking for a fast and effective way to obtain permanent residency in Canada, Express Entry is an ideal option.