Express Entry
is an electronic management system introduced by the federal government to streamline application processes, reduce backlogs, and improve processing times and efficiency.
Express Entry is the channel for skilled workers looking for permanent residence in Canada. The system is used to process three federal immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker—FSW
- Federal Skilled Trades—FST
- Canadian Experience Class—CEC
Nonetheless, some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) have an Express Entry component. For example, if you are nominated by a province, you will be able to include the province's approval on your Express Entry submission. This will give you 600 more points and a faster processing time.
How Does Express Entry System Work?
The first step is for applicants to create an online profile. You have 60 days to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) including language test results, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) or any equivalence assessments, job offer or being nominated by a province.
Educational Credential Assessment
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) is used to confirm that your foreign degree, diploma, or certificate (or other credential proof) is valid and equal to a Canadian one.
ECAs are classified into several types. For immigration purposes, you must obtain an ECA.
Your profile will enable Canadian immigration/visa officers to determine if you meet Canada’s Express Entry requirements. If the threshold is met based on a score of 67/100 of your core human capital factors, you will then be accepted into a pool where you will be ranked according to your Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS).
The second phase is to wait in the pool until you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Invitation to Apply is a correspondence issued to Express Entry candidates who rank among the highest in a round of invitations based on their CRS.
Comprehensive Ranking Score is a points-based system used by Canadian immigration officials to determine the rank of your profile (core human capital factors) relative to other candidates in the Express Entry pool.
The CRS will assess and provide you a score based on the following selection factors.
- Skills (Professional job experience in the last 10 years)
- Education (diploma, certificate, degree, etc.)
- Language Proficiency (English or French or both)
The selection criteria for the second step may appear to be the same as the criteria in the preapplication (Expression of Interest) phase under the EE, but keep in mind that the CRS points are assessed by a visa officer and awarded for specific factor.
How Long Does it Take to Process
Express
Entry Application?
The current approximate processing time is 6-27 months. If you receive an ITA, you’ll have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence.
If you do not receive an ITA within 12 months, you can update your profile and re-enter the pool.
Summary of Express Entry : Pre-application Process for FSW, FST, CEC, and PNP Applicants
Expression of Interest:
Foreign National creates Express Entry online profile
Applicant has 60 Days to complete online profile
Applicant recieves Invitation to Apply (ITA)
CRS scores and ranks applicants.
Candidate may look for a job offer