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Express Entry to Canada

A Game-Changing System for Skilled Workers to Immigrate to Canada

What is Express Entry:

Express Entry is an innovative electronic system that has transformed the process of skilled worker immigration to Canada. This system provides an excellent opportunity for highly skilled individuals who wish to make Canada their permanent home.

This system provides an excellent opportunity for highly skilled individuals to make Canada their permanent home. The speed and efficiency of this system, along with its focus on selecting only the most qualified candidates, make it a highly desirable option for skilled workers looking to immigrate to Canada.

Moreover, this system has increased the chances of success for skilled workers who wish to immigrate to Canada. The CRS ranking system ensures that only the most qualified candidates are selected, increasing the chances of successful immigration.

Learn more about the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS):

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system that is used by the Canadian government to assess and rank candidates who have submitted a profile through the Express Entry system. The CRS assigns points to candidates based on various factors, such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other relevant factors.

The highest-ranking candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada through regular Express Entry draws. The CRS score is constantly changing as new candidates enter the pool and existing candidates improve their profiles.

The CRS system is designed to prioritize candidates who are most likely to succeed and thrive in Canada’s economy and society. Factors such as education, work experience, and language proficiency are particularly important in the CRS system, as they demonstrate a candidate’s ability to contribute to the Canadian workforce and integrate into Canadian society.

How Express Entry works:

Through this electronic system, interested candidates can submit their profiles and become eligible for a program managed by Express Entry. This system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates based on various factors, including age, education, work experience, language skills, and other relevant factors. The CRS system ensures that only the most qualified and competent candidates are selected.

One of the significant advantages of the Express Entry system is its speed and efficiency. This system allows for a quick and streamlined process, making it possible for highly skilled individuals to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency approximately every two weeks.

Express Entry manages three immigration programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
  • Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is one of the three federal economic immigration programs managed through Express Entry in Canada. This program is designed for skilled foreign workers who have the necessary education, work experience, language proficiency, and other skills required to contribute to the Canadian economy and integrate into Canadian society.

To qualify for the FSW program, applicants must meet several eligibility criteria, including having at least one year of skilled work experience, a minimum level of language proficiency in English or French, and a certain level of education. Applicants must also obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm that their foreign education is equivalent to a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate.

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria are ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which takes into account several factors, such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other factors. The highest-ranking candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada through regular Express Entry draws.

The FSW program is a crucial part of the Canadian immigration system as it helps to attract highly skilled workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy and fill labor shortages in various industries. The program also supports the government’s goal of welcoming more immigrants who can help to build a more prosperous and inclusive society.

Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is one of the three immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system, which is an online platform used by the Canadian government to manage and process applications for permanent residency from skilled workers.

The FST program is specifically designed for individuals who have work experience in certain skilled trades and wish to obtain permanent residency status in Canada. The program allows skilled tradespeople to bring their expertise to the Canadian workforce and contribute to the country’s economy and society.

To be eligible for the FST program, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade in Canada within the past five years. Additionally, they must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, as well as meet the minimum language requirements set by the Canadian government.

One of the benefits of the FST program is that applicants are not required to have a job offer in Canada at the time of their application. However, they must meet certain requirements related to their skilled trade, such as holding a valid certification or license in their trade.

Moreover, the FST program is particularly advantageous for Canadian employers who are seeking skilled tradespeople to fill job vacancies. By providing a pathway to permanent residency for individuals with expertise in certain trades, the FST program can help Canadian employers fill job vacancies and meet their workforce needs.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is one of the three immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system, which is an online platform used by the Canadian government to manage and process applications for permanent residency from skilled workers.

The CEC is specifically designed for individuals who have gained work experience in Canada and wish to obtain permanent residency status. This program allows applicants to demonstrate their familiarity with Canadian culture and the Canadian workforce, as well as their ability to contribute to the country’s economy and society.

To be eligible for the CEC program, applicants must meet certain requirements, including having at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years. Additionally, they must demonstrate proficiency in either English or French, as well as meet the minimum language requirements set by the Canadian government.

One of the benefits of the CEC program is that applicants are not required to have a job offer in Canada at the time of their application. This can be particularly advantageous for individuals who have already been working in Canada on a temporary work permit, as it allows them to transition to permanent residency without needing to secure a new job offer.

Moreover, the CEC program is particularly beneficial for Canadian employers who are seeking skilled workers to fill job vacancies. As the program targets individuals with Canadian work experience, employers can more easily identify candidates who are already familiar with the Canadian workplace and can quickly adapt to their new roles.

invitation to apply process

If you meet the requirements for any of the aforementioned programs, you can also submit an application for the Provincial Nominee Program via Express Entry. In the event that you are selected, you will receive additional points which may expedite the invitation to apply process.

The first step is to check eligibility. This involves filling out an eligibility questionnaire provided by the Canadian government. The questionnaire covers several factors, including age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and whether or not you have a valid job offer in Canada.

Once you have confirmed your eligibility, you will need to calculate your score for the Express Entry draws. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to rank applicants and determine who will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. The CRS awards points for factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Applicants can calculate their CRS score using the CRS tool provided by the Canadian government.

You will need to schedule an IELTS language proficiency test if you have not already taken one. This test is required to prove your language skills, and you will need to achieve a certain score to be eligible for Express Entry. Additionally, you will need to prepare any additional documents that may be required during the application process. The Canadian government provides a document checklist to help you make sure you have everything you need.

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Once you have all the necessary documents and test scores, you can create an Express Entry profile to determine if you are eligible to apply for permanent residency. Your profile will be ranked against other applicants in the Express Entry pool, and you will be assigned a CRS score based on the information you provide. If you meet the eligibility requirements and have a high enough CRS score, you may receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

After submitting your Express Entry profile, you will need to wait for an invitation to apply for permanent residency. If you receive an invitation, you will have 60 days to apply. You can apply through the Canadian government’s Express Entry portal, where you will need to provide additional information and documentation to support your application. If your application is successful, you will be granted permanent residency in Canada, allowing you to live and work in the country indefinitely.

How to Become Eligible for Express Entry

As a skilled worker interested in obtaining Canadian permanent residency, you may wonder how to become eligible for Express Entry. The good news is that you have many options to explore.

The first step towards becoming eligible for Express Entry is identifying why you may currently be ineligible. This could be due to not meeting the minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), such as work experience, language ability, or education. By addressing the reason for your ineligibility, you can work towards submitting an Express Entry profile.

Another pathway toward eligibility for Express Entry is pursuing an education pathway in Canada. By studying in Canada and gaining eligible work experience, you can become eligible for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program and hence, Express Entry. This approach also offers the added benefit of receiving more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points due to your Canadian education and work experience.

If you are not eligible for Express Entry, Canada offers over 100 different immigration streams for skilled workers. You can pursue one or more of these options at the same time. The options include Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Quebec’s immigration system, other Federal Immigration Programs, pursuing a study pathway, or working in Canada.

Express Entry is Canada’s main way of welcoming skilled worker immigrants. It is a fast and efficient system that selects the most qualified candidates through a points-based ranking system. The PNP is the second major way that Canada welcomes skilled workers, and it allows provinces and territories to nominate eligible candidates for permanent residency. Quebec has its own immigration system to recruit skilled workers, and it operates independently of other Canadian provinces.

Other Federal Immigration Programs include moving to Canada’s Atlantic provinces, rural and northern communities, working as a caregiver, working in the agri-food sector, starting a business, or being a self-employed person. Pursuing a study pathway is another major stepping stone toward obtaining a permanent resident visa through the above immigration options. If you already have a job offer in Canada, you can begin your immigration journey by moving to Canada on a work permit and then pursuing the above options to transition to immigration status.

What is the Comprehensive Ranking System Calculator

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Calculator is a tool used in the Express Entry system of Canada’s immigration program. It assigns a score to candidates based on various factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability.

The CRS Calculator works by evaluating each candidate’s profile and assigning points to each factor based on the information provided in their Express Entry profile. The maximum CRS score a candidate can achieve is 1200 points. The higher the CRS score, the greater the chances of being invited to apply for permanent residence.

The CRS Calculator uses a point system to evaluate each candidate’s profile. For example, a candidate can score up to 500 points for their human capital factors, including age, education, and language proficiency. Additionally, candidates can earn additional points for their work experience, provincial nominations, and other factors.

Once a candidate has entered the pool of candidates, the CRS score is used to rank them against other candidates in the pool. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada through regular Express Entry draws.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool, which is what people typically refer to as “Express Entry points.” The CRS score is calculated based on a series of factors, including the candidate’s age, level of education, proficiency in French or English, foreign and Canadian work experience, spouse factors, and connections to Canada. These factors are given different weights, and points are assigned accordingly. The higher a candidate’s CRS score, the more likely they are to receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence. It is important for candidates to understand how the CRS score is calculated and to try to maximize their points in order to increase their chances of being selected from the pool.

How to increase your points for Express Entry

To maximize your chances of being selected for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system, there are several factors that you should take into consideration. These factors can make a significant difference in your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which is the primary tool used to select candidates for invitation to apply.

  • 1. Language ability is one of the most important factors that can greatly influence your CRS score. French and English are the official languages of Canada, and being proficient in both can earn you up to 260 CRS points. Improving your language abilities can increase your score, but it’s important to achieve a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 9 in each ability to really make a difference.
  • 2. Work experience is also crucial for maximizing your CRS score. Candidates with Canadian work experience can earn more points, so if you are currently working in Canada, it’s important to maintain your legal work status and aim to accumulate more experience. Even if you don’t have Canadian work experience, keep working and gain as much experience as possible.
  • 3. Studying in Canada can also help to increase your CRS score, as Canadian study experience is highly valued. Similarly, having multiple certificates, diplomas, or degrees can earn you extra points under the education section of the CRS. Completing an additional level of education can also be beneficial, as it shows that you are continuously improving your skills and knowledge.
  • 4. If you have a spouse, their level of education, language ability, and Canadian work experience can also help to improve your CRS score. You can add up to 20 points to your CRS through your partner’s first language scores and up to 10 points through their education.
  • 5. Considering Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) can provide a significant boost to your CRS score, adding up to 600 additional points. However, PNPs are highly competitive, and it’s important to stay up to date on Canadian immigration news and have all your documents ready to make an application promptly.
  • 6. Although the relative value of a qualifying job offer is not as great as it once was, obtaining a job offer remains an important factor. While finding a job offer can be difficult if you are not currently in Canada, there are many online resources available to help you search for employment opportunities.

Document checklist for Express Entry

If you are planning to apply for this program, it is important to know what documents you will need and how you can maximize your points to increase your chances of success.

Documents for your profile:

You are not required to upload documents to create a profile, however, you may need to provide information from some or all of the necessary documents.

  • Passport or travel document
  • Language test results
  • Proof of Canadian education or educational credential assessment report (for Federal Skilled Workers Program or to get points for education outside Canada)
  • Provincial nomination (if applicable)
  • Written job offer, proof of work experience, or certificate of qualification in a trade occupation issued by a Canadian province or territory (if applicable)
  • Proof of funds

Documents for your application for permanent residence:

If we invite you to apply, ou will be required to upload copies of the documents used for your profile (as listed above). Additionally, most applicants will need to upload the following documents:

  • Copies of documents used for your profile
  • Police certificates
  • Medical exams
  • Proof of funds
  • Birth certificate (if declaring dependent children)
  • Use of a representative form (if hired a representative)
  • Common-law union form (if declaring marital status as “common-law”)
  • Marriage certificate (if declaring marital status as “married”)
  • Divorce certificate and legal separation agreement (if declaring marital status as “divorced”)
  • Death certificate (if declaring marital status as “widowed”)
  • Adoption certificate (if dependent child is listed as “adopted”)

Other documents:

(only submit if included in personalized document checklist)

You are only required to submit these documents if they are included in your personalized document checklist. Failure to submit these documents will not result in the refusal or rejection of your application. These documents are solely used to verify if you meet the program requirements for which you are applying.

  • Proof of relationship to a relative in Canada
  • Digital photos to confirm identity
  • Other name to confirm aliases
  • Authority to release personal information to a designated individual form
  • Any other relevant documents for application

Note: Not submitting the “other documents” will not result in refusal or rejection of your application.

Complete the application for Express Entry

To begin your journey towards immigrating to Canada as a skilled worker, the first step is to fill out the online Express Entry profile. If you meet the eligibility requirements, we will place you in a pool with other eligible candidates and assign you a score based on various factors. If you rank high enough, we will extend an invitation to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Please note that submitting a profile or being in the pool does not guarantee an invitation to apply.

If you have a spouse or common-law partner, one of you must be the main applicant and submit the profile while including the other person in it. The main applicant should be the one most likely to meet the eligibility requirements and earn the highest number of points in the selection factors.

Before starting your profile, you can use a tool to answer a few eligibility questions, which will take around 15 minutes. The tool will generate a personal reference code that you can use to transfer your information to your Express Entry profile.

To complete your profile, you will need to provide certain information from your documents, such as language test results, as well as your National Occupational Classification (NOC) job title and code. You can save your progress and exit the profile at any time, but keep in mind that you have 60 days to complete and submit it.

Once you submit your profile, we will assess your eligibility for the various immigration programs available under Express Entry. If you receive an invitation to apply, you will need to upload copies of the documents used for your profile and complete additional steps to finalize your application for permanent residency in Canada.

Avoid these common Express Entry mistakes

Proving work experience is a crucial part of the Express Entry application process. Failure to provide adequate proof can result in the application being rejected or closed. The Canadian government has established specific documents that qualify as proof of work experience, and incomplete or inconsistent applications are rejected outright without any opportunity for reopening. To avoid this error, applicants must ensure that they submit all required documents, including an employment verification letter, pay slips, contracts, T4s, and notices of assessment, to demonstrate that their employment meets the minimum requirements of length, number of hours, and national occupation code skill type.

Canada’s official languages are English and French, and all documents must be submitted in one of these languages. Failure to provide translations can result in the application being returned or denied. To avoid this error, applicants must have their documents translated by an approved translator and include the translator’s affidavit, the original document, and the translation. The translation package should also include a copy of the original source document used by the translator, stamped by the translator or referred to in the affidavit.

Submitting a complete travel history is a critical part of the Express Entry application process, and failure to do so can lead to the application being returned or rejected. Applicants must include their entire travel history, regardless of its length or significance. Failure to provide accurate information can result in being found inadmissible for misrepresentation, which can permanently affect the applicant’s eligibility for Canadian permanent residency.

Selecting the correct National Occupation Code (NOC) that corresponds to the applicant’s work experience is another crucial part of the Express Entry application process. Assessing officers use the NOC system to evaluate occupations and ensure that applicants meet the eligibility requirements for permanent residency. Choosing an incorrect NOC or having ineligible work experience can lead to the application being rejected. To avoid this error, applicants must research the NOC database, search by name, review the duties of the position, and consider any exclusions. The applicant must ensure that their employment occurred in the correct skill type and for the duration required by the stream of immigration through which they received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Common questions about Express Entry

FAQs

If you are applying for immigration to Canada through the Express Entry system, you may be wondering if it is possible to bring your family members with you. The answer is yes – as an Express Entry applicant, you are allowed to bring your spouse or common-law partner, as well as your dependent children, with you to Canada.

However, in order to do so, you must include your family members on your Express Entry application. This means that you need to provide all the necessary information about your spouse or partner, as well as your dependent children when filling out your application. By including your family members on your application, you can ensure that they will be eligible to join you in Canada if your application is successful.

When considering immigration to Canada through Express Entry, it’s important to take into account the associated costs. While the fees may seem steep, they are necessary to complete the application process and ultimately achieve permanent residency in Canada. The total cost of immigrating through Express Entry is approximately $2,300 CAD for a single applicant and $4,500 CAD for a couple.

It’s important to note that these costs include various components such as language tests, educational credential assessments, biometrics, government fees, medical examinations, and police clearance certificates. These expenses are not arbitrary; they are required to ensure the safety and security of Canada, as well as the success of the applicant’s integration into Canadian society.

It’s worth mentioning that there are no government fees required to submit your initial Express Entry profile, and fees are only requested when you are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Additionally, if you apply through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you may also need to pay provincial immigration fees.

Furthermore, it’s important to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support your resettlement in Canada unless you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class program or have a valid arranged employment offer. These settlement funds are not fees paid to the government but rather a necessary financial buffer to ensure the successful settlement and integration of the applicant into Canadian society.

In general, the costs include:

  • Language tests: Average cost – $300
  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Average cost – $200
  • Biometrics: $85/person
  • Government fees: $1,325/adult & $225/child
  • Medical examination fees: average cost – $450/adult & $250/child
  • Police clearance certificates: average cost – $100/Country

While the cost of immigrating through Express Entry may seem daunting at first, it’s important to view these expenses as a necessary investment toward a better future in Canada. With proper planning and preparation, the benefits of achieving permanent residency in Canada through Express Entry far outweigh the associated costs.

The duration of processing for the Express Entry program can vary depending on individual circumstances. In some cases, the process may take as little as six months, starting from the submission of the candidate’s Express Entry profile up to the issuance of a permanent resident visa. However, it is essential to note that not all cases will move at the same pace. If you do not receive an invitation to apply, your Express Entry profile will remain active in the pool of candidates for up to 12 months. After this period, you are free to resubmit your profile and continue to be considered for the program. It is important to keep in mind that the timeline for Express Entry processing can vary based on the individual’s specific situation, so patience and diligence are crucial throughout the process.

If you have been deemed not eligible for Express Entry, it is important to note that you cannot modify your existing profile. Instead, you must create a new profile to apply for Express Entry. An ineligible profile is no longer valid, and you cannot make changes to it, even if you have new information.

It’s important to keep in mind that the Express Entry requirements are still in place, so you must meet them before you can be considered eligible. If you believe you made a mistake in your initial profile, or if your circumstances have changed, such as obtaining new language test results or gaining more work experience, you may be able to meet the requirements on your new profile. However, if you did not meet the criteria before, there is a high likelihood that you will not meet them again.

If you have applied for Express Entry and were not successful, you may be wondering how to reapply. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Assess your previous application: Before reapplying, it is important to understand why your previous application was not successful. Review the rejection letter or assessment results to identify any areas that need improvement.
  2. Improve your profile: Once you have identified the weaknesses in your previous application, work on improving your profile. This could include improving your language proficiency, gaining more work experience, or upgrading your education.
  3. Meet eligibility requirements: Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for Express Entry. This includes meeting the language requirements, having sufficient work experience, and meeting the minimum CRS score.
  4. Create a new Express Entry profile: If you have made significant changes to your profile, you may need to create a new Express Entry profile. However, if your changes are minor, you may be able to update your existing profile.
  5. Submit a new application: Once you have a new or updated profile, you can submit a new Express Entry application. Make sure you provide complete and accurate information and include all required documents.
  6. Monitor your application: After submitting your application, monitor your account regularly for updates and respond promptly to any requests from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Reapplying for Express Entry can be a lengthy and complex process. Consider seeking the guidance of a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer to help you with your application.

Click here to learn more about questions and answers about Express Entry Process:https://thevisa.ca/immigration-blogs/express-entry-profile-questions-and-answers.html

A case study on Express Entry – Akrami & Associates

What can cause the rejection of your Express Entry to Canada?

This video here explains how a client who applied for express entry got rejected due to a fault in the NOC code. Watch the full video to understand the issue and the solution we offered through accurate reapplication.

How we can help you at Akrami & Associates

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The key to success in your Express Entry process is to stand out from the pool of applicants and obtain the highest eligible score. That’s where we come in.

At Akrami & Associates, our top priority is to ensure that your application shines above the rest. Our expert team will assess your case, identify the best aspects of your profile, and make sure that you have the highest eligible score possible. With our help, your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry Program are maximized.

Don’t waste any more time submitting incomplete or inaccurate applications. Book a consultation with Akrami & Associates today, and let us help you achieve your Canadian immigration goals.

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