Ins and outs of Express Entry

Express entry is an online system used by the Government of Canada to manage applications for permanent residence (PR) from foreign skilled workers who are likely to establish themselves economically in Canada.  It comprises of a pool of eligible candidates ranked according to a set of criteria. The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply (ITA) for permanent residency and benefit from fast processing times of six months or less.

In order to create a candidate profile in the Express entry system one must be eligible under one or more of the following programs: 

(1) Federal Skilled Worker Program

(2) Federal Skilled Trades Program

(3) Canadian Experience Class 

(4) Provincial Nominee Program (where applicable under Express entry)

Each of these qualifying programs have its own minimum requirements that differ with respect to languages skills, type and amount of work experience, job offer or not and education.

Only once the minimum criteria for one of these programs are met is the creation of the candidate profile possible. These are valid for one year from the date of submission and can be re-recreated on expiry.  Candidate details (age, level of education, official language proficiency, and work experience etc.) will receive points based on factors which is totalled and referred to as the Comprehensive Ranking System (“CRS”) score. 

Almost every two weeks, the IRCC draws candidates from this candidate pool, for all or some of each of the qualifying programs. A cut off CRS score is established and anyone with that score and higher receives an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR.  With an ITA in hand the candidate now becomes a PR applicant and has 60 days to submit all required documentation for the PR application.  The IRCC endeavours to process PR applications within 6 months.

Get started with your immigration application through Express Entry today, contact us and we will guide you through it.

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