Express Entry: The Main Pathway to Immigrate to Canada

he Canadian government provides permanent residence to candidates through several pathways. Express Entry is one of the main immigration ways you can use to start the process. Eligible candidates who have calculated their CRS score can register for the platform and start submitting their profiles. After submitting a profile, the documents are sent to IRCC, and this organization sends new invitations to candidates about every 2 weeks.

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Express Entry: The best, fastest and cheapest Immigration Path

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Express Entry Highlights

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry (EE) is a structured pathway for Canadian immigration candidates to simplify their immigration process. Candidates seeking permanent residence (Canada PR) can submit their profile through the online platform, and they need to wait for the invitation letter. Candidates’ score is calculated through a ranking system called CRS that assesses their scores considering skills, education level, language proficiency, etc. Notably, candidates with the highest ranking are invited, and they can complete their profile and apply for Canada permanent residency.

How does Express Entry work?

Candidates are encouraged to apply for the program and create their initial profile according to their professional skills.
If a candidate gets high scores through the CRS, he/she is invited and can apply for permanent residency as a skilled immigrant.
Once you have applied and sent the required documents, your PR application will be considered, and it will be processed within the next 6 months.

There are 2 primary stages for every candidate who wants to get Canada permanent residence through Express Entry. First, candidates should express their expression of interest. Next, the Canadian government invites the highest-ranking candidates to complete the process of immigrating to Canada. Note the following steps in the case of the Express Entry process:

Step 1

Check the eligibility criteria in detail to see if you’re eligible to apply for the program.

Step 2

The language testing exam is very important, and it’s better to obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

Step 3

Submit your profile on the online platform. You may need to register as a new user and create a new profile.

Step 4

Wait until you receive an invitation letter to apply (ITA), so you can continue with completing your profile.

Step 5

Go to your profile and prepare the required documents, such as the medical exam and police clearance certificates. There is a need to pay the fees within the deadline.

Step 6

Candidates need to do the biometric process in an authorized VAC. This step doesn’t take much time.

Step 7

If you have completed your profile, wait for IRCC to process your Application for Permanent Residence (APR). In general, the maximum time needed for the process is 6 months. Once your application is approved, you have the confirmation of permanent residency (COPR) and PR visa. Now it’s time to get prepared for landing in Canada.

How long does it take to succeed in the Express Entry process?

After creating an Express Entry profile, it is valid for up to 1 year. It means your application is processed, and you don’t have to create new applications at different times of the year. Based on experience, the government of Canada processes application profiles in a 6 months period, and you have the final decision within this time. If candidates don’t receive the ITA within a year after submission, they have to resubmit their request.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of Express Entry?

All in all, Express Entry offers a wide range of advantages that overcome its disadvantages in many cases. Canada Express Entry system processes applications in a seamless platform that is completely online and remote. It means you don’t have to waste your time making an appointment with the embassy. The EE system offers a better user experience, and you can submit your profile once the government of Canada announces in-demand job positions in the country. Prior to the introduction of Express Entry, it was a long-run process to submit an application for permanent residency, which could take up to several years for every candidate to succeed. The EE system has been designed to minimize the application and process time. You can submit your application with a wide range of professional skills and get your PR to work in a favourite field in Canada. One of the main advantages offered by EE is that there is a structured and well-defined scoring system called CRS. Candidates’ profiles are evaluated considering different factors, and highly-professional individuals are allowed to apply for PR in Canada. EE draws take place almost every 2 weeks, which makes it possible to have more chances to succeed in the system by increasing CRS scores. On the contrary, there are a few limitations related to EE. Generally, candidates don’t have complete insight into whether they will receive the invitation letter or not. The main effort should be maximizing scores related to the required factors to increase the chance of getting ITA.

How much does it cost for you?

According to the government of Canada, there is no fee for submitting an Express Entry profile. But, candidates that have the potential to succeed in this process need to consider some costs related to preparing the required documents. The possible costs related to submitting the application include the following:

English or French language exam that you need to take in an approved institute
Educational Credential Assessment
Fees related to translating your documents to the target language, English or French
Fees for hiring an immigration consultant or a lawyer

The possible costs related to processing the application after submission:

Fees for processing permanent residence
Medical exams required for proceeding with the application
Police background check
Biometric fees

Permanent residence fees for Express Entry

Fees	$CAN
Processing fees	1625
The right of permanent residence	515
Include your spouse or partner	1365
Include a dependent child	230

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Should I hire a lawyer or contact an immigration institute?

Candidates don’t need to hire a lawyer to prepare their documents and submit the application on the Express Entry platform. But, working with an approved lawyer can significantly speed up your permanent residency process. In fact, an experienced and approved lawyer can take stable steps for your application submission and minimize the risk of Express Entry application failure. It’s so important to thoroughly examine the background and certificates of an immigration lawyer to ensure your application success is at the maximum level. Immigration lawyers deal with numerous cases during the year, and they can provide you with valuable experience and information on how to get Canada PR quickly. It’s one of the primary responsibilities of immigration lawyers to ensure your documents are complete and a flawless application is submitted on the Express Entry platform. We are an authorized immigration firm by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), providing you with the best immigration services. We are teamed up with immigration consultants that streamline the permanent residence process for you by employing more than – – of professional experience.

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How does getting a job offer impact our profile?

There is no obligation to have a job offer from a Canadian recruiter to be able to apply for the program. But, getting a job offer from an approved Canadian recruiter can significantly increase your score in the CRS system. You can receive a guaranteed score of 50 or 200 by spending a few weeks and obtaining a trustworthy job offer.

Do Express Entry immigrants get a good job after arriving in Canada?

Yes. Candidates that go through the Express Entry application process and receive their PR can find a good job position within a few weeks or a few months after arriving in Canada. According to IRCC news, PR candidates who apply for the Express Entry program have a better chance of getting their desired job. From a higher viewpoint, the Express Entry platform has been designed to encourage skilled candidates to come to Canada and land in-demand job positions. Consequently, EE applicants are highly expected to continue working in jobs that they are experts in and have professional skills to succeed. Canada highly relies on the Express Entry system, and thousands of applicants complete their EE profile each year to have an EE permanent residence chance.

Professional skills Express Entry immigrants usually need to have

Your background is so important when it comes to completing your EE profile. Note that the government of Canada doesn’t evaluate applications considering your country, and this factor isn’t essential in getting Canada PR. In other words, candidates’ professional backgrounds, skills, and language proficiency are considered in the CRS system. You can check annual reports to learn more about the EE system and understand Express Entry facts and figures. Here are the main factors to consider when calculating your scores in the program:

Education
Language proficiency
Age
Work experience
Adaptability
Job offer

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Can my family come with me under the Express Entry immigration pathway?

Yes. You can include the documents for your wife, husband, or common-law partner to come to Canada with you. Also, you can include your dependent children, your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent children, and the dependent children of dependent children. This is how IRCC defines a dependent child:

They are under 22 years old, and
Don’t have a spouse or partner

Express Entry eligibility criteria and scoring system

Am I eligible to submit an Express Entry application?

As a PR candidate, you need to meet the eligibility criteria of at least one of the following programs. These programs are classified under federal economic immigration programs:

Federal skilled worker program: Federal skilled worker program requires at least one year of continuous and paid work experience, that is, full-time. This work experience should be in the past 10 years in one of the NOC jobs at level 0, A, or B. Validated language exams are also required for professionals who have worked outside Canada, and there is a need to provide an ECA report. Candidates must acquire at least 67 points if they want to submit their application under FSWP.
Canadian experience class: Canadian experience class or CEC is the best pathway for those international students who have at least one year of work experience in Canada. The work experience should be in the past 3 years, and other documents, such as ECA verification and language test results, are also required.
Federal skilled trades program: Federal skilled trades program has been designed for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents through a skilled trade. The minimum requirements include language proficiency, at least 2 years of work experience, meeting the job requirements of skilled trade, and a valid job offer in Canada. The job offer should prove at least 1 year of recruitment provided by an official Canadian authority.

What are the options to become eligible for the Express Entry program?

First, you need to assess your CV to understand what documents and skills are missing. Candidates can simply contact an immigration consultant to evaluate their CV and find out deficiencies. There are some obligatory requirements for the program, including work experience, language proficiency, and ECA proof. You can work on these factors to increase your scores and be ahead of the competition. Keep in mind that work experience is so crucial in the Express Entry program, and you need to increase your professional and related work experience as much as you can. By providing a valid job offer from an authorized Canadian recruiter and studying in Canada, you can distinguish your CV from other candidates and succeed on the first try.

What do we offer to candidates over 35?

If you are over 35 years old and have a good work history, but you do not have the required points for Express Entry, work permit or investment can be good options for you to get permanent residency after only two years. Also, during this period, your children’s education in Canadian schools will be free and your spouse gets an Open Work Permit. Get in touch with our business and investment advisors in Canada to guide you

Is the EE program the only option to come to Canada?

Notably, Canada offers a wide range of immigration pathways to skilled workers and those who have professional experience. If you are not eligible to apply for the Express Entry program, focus on other immigration programs that offer Canada PR:

PNP programs: The Provincial Nominee Program provides you with a straightforward method to get your PR. We can say PNPs are the second major option that is focused on processing applications and welcoming skilled workers.
Self-employed program: The self-employed immigration program gives a unique opportunity to those who have self-employed work experience in the past 5 years. It is the fastest way for freelancers who want to start their job in Canada as self-employed people.
Studying in Canada: Studying in Canada could be the best way for many people, and you need to pursue your studies in Canada in a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. degree. This way, you can prepare your documents for submitting the request for Canada permanent residency.
Buying a business: Economic immigration programs welcome a large number of candidates each year to get their PR within a few months. This could be a simple way for applicants who can afford to buy and run a business in Canada.

What method is there to calculate EE scores?

You can use the free tool provided on our website to calculate Express Entry scores within a few minutes. There is also one more option, and you can refer to the official website of the government of Canada and take a few steps to understand your chances in the Express Entry program.

What is the minimum score to be eligible for the EE program?

There is no official information in terms of the minimum required score to be eligible for the EE program. So, the best practice here is to refer to Express Entry draws in recent years. According to the recent draws, the minimum score for the provincial nominee program was between 700 to 800 in most cases. In addition, we can say that the minimum score for the Canadian experience class varies from 400 to 500. The Federal Skilled Trades program scores in the recent draws range from 280 to 400.

Can I enter the Express Entry pool if my scores are low?

Ensuring that you have enough scores to enter the Express Entry pool is the best option since your success in getting Canada PR depends on CRS scores. You can enter the Express Entry pool if you have the minimum requirements and documents. But, the Express Entry program is impossible to predict, and you need to try as much as possible to increase the scores. Focus on the following keynotes to maximize your chances of receiving the Express Entry ITA:

Get good marks in the language proficiency exam
Increase your work experience period
Get a job offer
Provide a foolproof application

How do language test scores affect Express Entry success?

Language test scores are one of the essential requirements to succeed in the Express Entry program. Each program category requires a specific level of CLB as follows:

Federal skilled worker program: At least CLB 7 for reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Canadian experience class: At least CLB 7 for all 4 abilities.
Federal skilled trades program: At least CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing.

Candidates can take either English or French language proficiency tests. Increasing language proficiency test scores means you have a better chance to succeed.

Can I take a French language test instead of an English language test?

Yes. The government of Canada accepts verified French language tests, and you can take one of them to apply for the Express Entry program. If you want to become a resident of French-speaking cities in Canada, you’d better learn the French language and take one of the related tests.

What are the differences between the EE and PNP programs?

The federal government of Canada manages federal immigration programs, including 3 Express Entry programs. On the other side, PNP programs are based on the needs of territories and provinces in Canada. In fact, Canadian provinces tell the federal government that there is a need for skilled workers, and candidates can apply for Canada PR through PNPs. Such candidates can obtain a PNP nomination document that is a supporting document to simplify their PR processing. If PR candidates find it useful to proceed with PNPs, the government of Canada allows them to submit requests. PNPs require candidates to work in the selected province for a defined period of time. At the first step, they have to choose the place they want to settle after arriving in Canada.

How can I make sure my job offer is valid for the EE program?

There are many factors to consider to make sure that the Canadian government will accept a job offer. An authorized organization provides a valid job offer, and it explains the type of job, the start date, and some important information about the candidate and job responsibilities. Note the following factors to ensure you have a valid job offer.

The job offer is full-time and not a seasonal job
The job offer takes at least one year long
The job offer is under the NOC 0, A, and B categories
The job offer shouldn’t be from an embassy, consulate, or high commission

Providing this information in every job offer is crucial, and you must carefully read them after getting your document:

Job duties
Payment rate
Conditions of employment
Start date and end date
Work hours in a week

It’s an interesting fact that if you can provide a valid job offer, then there is an excess score of 50 or 200 in the CRS system. Valid job offers under NOC 0, A, and B categories can receive 50 points, and those job offers that are classified under NOC 00 are eligible to receive 200 additional CRS points.

Is there a need to provide an LMIA approval?

Labor Market Impact Assessment is a document that employers have to get before they can hire a foreign worker. LMIA is mandatory for almost all job positions that want to hire a foreign workforce, but it has been waived in some conditions. LMIA is provided within 3 months, and it costs $1000 per worker for employers.

Which EE jobs are exempt from an LMIA approval?

In the case of the Express Entry program, LMIA is not a mandatory document if these conditions are met:

You have been working full-time for the employer on your work permit for at least one year
You have a valid job offer at the moment, and
You have a valid work permit that is exempt from an LMIA under
- An international agreement
- A federal-provincial agreement
- The Canadian interests category

For more information about LMIA-exempt job offers, you can check the official website of the government of Canada.

What are the best ways to increase my Express Entry scores?

According to immigration experts, applying for a provincial nomination program is the best way to guarantee your scores. Being accepted in a provincial nomination program will provide you with additional 600 points that guarantee your ITA. Focusing on increasing work experience and trying to get a valid job offer are other ways to maximize your chance of getting ITA. If you have enough time, there is one more option to increase scores in the CRS system. Obtaining the highest score possible on language exams can distinguish your application from others.

What are examples of a good CRS score?

The Express Entry minimum score varies from draw to draw, and candidates have to try as much as they can to submit a unique application. If you want to guarantee your success in the Express Entry program, there is a need to scrutinize the crucial factors that affect the final score in the CRS system. Overall, if you can provide a minimum score of 750 in the provincial nominee program and a minimum score of 500 in the Canadian experience class, there is a good chance to succeed.

I am working in Canada at the moment. Can I include my current job documents as a job offer?

No. Working in Canada at the moment doesn’t mean you have a job offer. If you are a full-time worker in Canada now, you can consider it as professional work experience and provide proof of work experience in Canada and increase your scores in the CRS system. Why Trust Immigration Services: Work with the Pros

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Submitting the application

Which documents are necessary to submit my application?

All candidates must submit their applications through the online platform. However, you need to prepare some documents to do the process in a few minutes. Here is a list of the required documents that IRCC will ask you when submitting your application:

A valid passport or travel document
Language test results
Proof of Canadian education or a report of ECA
Proof of funds
Provincial nomination document (If applicable)
A valid job offer from a Canadian employer

What happens to my profile after 1 year of application submission?

If you aren’t selected after 1 year of application submission, your profile will expire. This means you must create a new profile online and submit your new application to enter the Express Entry pool. But don’t worry about this; completing a new profile and submitting the application is so easy because you have every document and information in your hand to create your profile.

How can I find the NOC codes to submit my Express Entry application?

Finding the NOC code for your profession is one of the basic steps to start your application. NOC 0, A, and B codes are accepted under the Express Entry program. You can simply check the Canadian government website and see if the Express Entry program accepts your current job or not. Here is an overall insight into NOC-related jobs:

Skill type 0: Management jobs, such as restaurant managers, mine managers, and shore captains
Skill type A: Professional jobs that are associated with a university degree, such as doctors, dentists, and architects
Skill type B: Technical jobs and skilled trades that are usually associated with a college diploma or training as an apprentice

Is this allowed to update or change my Express Entry profile after submitting the application?

Yes. Once you have created your profile on the online platform, you can update it every time you need to update it. CIC says if your profile is eligible for the pool, you can explore your profile and change parts of it by clicking on the “Update form” button. In the case your profile was found ineligible, you have to create a new profile and submit it with new information or updated documents.

What is the maintained status (implied status) in Canada?

If a visitor, student, or foreign worker applies to an immigration program, they can legally remain in Canada until the government makes a decision. This is the maintained status (implied status), and foreign workers can still continue their job until the last decision is made for their Express Entry application. Maintained status happens when you’re extending the current status or changing your status to work more in Canada. Note that you must be in Canada as a visitor, student, or worker to get the maintained status. So, there will be a great option to extend your current permit. The maintained status allows the candidate and his/her family to continue living in Canada, and all family members under your support can benefit from it until Express Entry decisions are made.

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What are the accepted language tests to submit in the Express Entry program?

Proving language proficiency in one of the English or French languages is necessary for skilled immigrants. According to IRCC, you can take any of these language tests and submit the results in your Express Entry application:

English
- CELPIP
- IELTS
French
- TEF Canada
- TCF Canada

Language test scores are calculated in the CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) system, and you need to check the minimum requirements for each Express Entry category. The minimum score for the federal skilled worker program is CLB 7, which equals IELTS 6 on each language ability.

CLB level	Speaking	Listening	Reading	Writing
7	7	7	7	7
8	8	8	8	8
9	9	9	9	9
10 and above	10	10	10	10

IELTS	Speaking	Listening	Reading	Writing
7	6	6 – 7	6 – 7	6
8	6.5	7.5	6.5	6.5
9	7	8	7	7
10 and above	7.5 – 9	8.5 – 9	8 – 9	7.5 – 9

TEF Canada	Speaking	Listening	Reading	Writing
4	181 – 225	145 – 180	121 – 150	181 – 225
5	226 – 270	181 – 216	151 – 180	226 – 270
6	271 – 309	217 – 248	181 – 206	271 – 309
7	310 – 348	249 – 279	207 – 232	310 – 348
8	349 – 370	280 – 297	233 – 247	349 – 370
9 and above	371+	298+	248+	371+

TCF Canada	Speaking	Listening	Reading	Writing
4	4 – 5	331 – 368	342 – 374	4 – 5
5	6	369 – 397	375 – 405	6
6	7 – 9	398 – 457	406 – 452	7 – 9
7	10 – 11	458 – 502	453 – 498	10 – 11
8	12 – 13	503 – 522	499 – 523	12 – 13
9	14 – 15	523 – 548	524 – 548	14 – 15
10 and above	16 – 20	549 – 699	549 – 699	16 – 20

How to get an ECA for my application? Is it necessary?

ECA approvals are provided by several institutions. But you should select an IRCC-designated organization from the list below:

World Education Services
Comparative Education Services – University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada
International Credential Evaluation Service
International Qualification Assessment Service
Medical Council of Canada (Professional body for Doctors)
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (Professional body for Pharmacists)

Here is a comprehensive instruction on how you can get your ECA approval to apply for the Express Entry program.

Can I take both English and French language tests?

You can take both the English and French tests, but only one of them is considered for calculating the final score. The Express Entry system allows candidates to submit only one of the approved tests, and there is a 2-year expiration date for each test you take. You can take both tests and include the best result in your Express Entry application.

Is there a need to provide a proof of funds document in my application?

Yes. Providing proof of fund documents is necessary to create a profile. This document shows you have enough funds to settle in Canada and cover expenses for the first months after arriving in Canada. The Canadian government says you should consider the number of your family when calculating the amount of proof of funds to come to Canada. To calculate the size of your family, here is a list of important facts:

Yourself
Your spouse or partner
Your dependent children
Your spouse’s dependent children

The table below demonstrates the minimum amount of funds you need to immigrate to Canada. Funds must be readily available, and you can’t use equity or real property as proof of funds to settle in Canada. Note that you can’t borrow this money from another person.

Number of family members	Funds required (In Canadian dollars)
1	$13,310
2	$16,570
3	$20,371
4	$24,733
5	$28,052
6	$31,638
7	$35,224
For each additional family member	$3586

What will happen after getting ITA?

Getting an ITA isn’t the last step, and you need to take some additional steps to complete the process. You will need to prepare some documents and have them with you to get things done with IRCC. Here are the required documents after getting ITA:

Valid passport
Birth certificate
Language test results
Police clearance certificate
Medical exam documents
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

How can I find a job after completing the Express Entry process?

You shouldn’t worry about landing a job if you have a job offer from a Canadian recruiter. In other words, having a job offer will guarantee you have a full-time and paid job after arriving in Canada. If not, you can explore Job Bank and find your desired job position by spending some time. The Canadian government provides the Job Bank platform, and you have a wide range of job announcements and descriptions on the website. You want to move to Canada?

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