Express Entry

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry: The Fastest Way to Immigrate to Canada

If you are looking for a simple and fast way to immigrate and obtain permanent residency in Canada, the Express Entry system is one of the best options. Designed based on applicants’ skills and competencies, this system brings thousands of people closer to their immigration goals every year. Express Entry is a competitive program that evaluates candidates based on points such as language skills, work experience, education level, and age.

Canada attracts thousands of skilled workers annually through this system. Eligible individuals can apply through three main immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Suitable for individuals with specialized work experience.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Suitable for individuals with expertise in technical and trade occupations.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with work experience in Canada.

With the flexibility of this system, prioritization based on points (Comprehensive Ranking System – CRS), and fast processing, Express Entry is considered one of the most popular immigration methods to Canada. If you intend to immigrate through this system, we are here to guide you from the first step to obtaining your visa and permanent residency.

Main Steps of Express Entry

The Express Entry system consists of two main stages:

Stage 1: Entering the Express Entry System

• Assess your eligibility for the Express Entry program.
• Create an online profile on the official platform of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and enter details such as age, education, work experience, and language skills.
• Receive a score based on the (CRS), which includes the following criteria:
  • Skills
  • Education
  • Language proficiency
  • Work experience
  • Other factors
• Eligible profiles enter the applicant pool for further review.

Stage 2: Selection and Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residency

• Issuance of an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to applicants with the highest scores. To receive an invitation, the applicant’s score must be above the specified minimum threshold.
• Submission of a permanent residency application (APR), payment of fees, completion of medical examinations, and police background checks.
• Submission of biometric information as required by IRCC.
• Final decision on the application, which takes up to 6 months.
• If approved, issuance of a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent residency visa by IRCC for entry to Canada.

→ Calculate Your Score and Assess Your Chance of Receiving an Invitation!

Live in Canada/ Express Entry / Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The (CRS) is used by Express Entry Canada to assess and rank immigration applicants. This system assigns points based on various criteria, and in Express Entry draws, candidates with the highest scores receive an (ITA) for permanent residency.

Express Entry draws are regularly conducted by (IRCC) and play a key role in selecting eligible applicants. The competition in this system is very high, making it essential to increase your (CRS) score. The higher your score, the greater your chances of receiving an (ITA).

CRS Scoring Criteria

• Core/Human Capital Factors: Includes age, education, language skills, and work experience in Canada.
• Spouse Factors: Points for the spouse’s education, language proficiency, and work experience.
• Skill Transferability Factors: A combination of language proficiency, education, and foreign work experience.
• Additional Points: Includes provincial or regional nomination, French language skills, relatives in Canada, and post-secondary education in Canada.

Maximum CRS Scores

• Core Points: 600 points
• Additional Points: 600 points

Key Notes:

• Creating an accurate and complete profile in the (CRS) system is crucial.
• Reviewing all possible points, such as educational credentials or family connections, is important.
• Seeking guidance from an immigration consultant to improve your score and increase your chances of receiving an (ITA) is recommended.

Now, the factors mentioned earlier are detailed with all criteria and point allocations to clarify how each one contributes to the overall score.

Guide: How to Increase Your CRS Score

You can improve your (CRS) score through the following methods:

• Enhancing your language proficiency scores
• Providing proof of a second language (English or French)
• Gaining more work experience
• Obtaining Canadian education or work experience
• Receiving a provincial nomination
• Upgrading your education level

→ Don’t waste time!  Fill out our free assessment form to evaluate your chances through Express Entry.

Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The Invitation to Apply (ITA) is issued by (IRCC) to candidates with the highest (CRS) scores. Once you receive an ITA, the following options apply:

1. If you accept the ITA: A complete application must be submitted within 60 days.
2. If you decline the ITA: Your profile will be returned to the candidate pool and may be selected in future draws.
3. If the ITA expires: You must create a new profile.
4. Receiving a Permanent Resident (PR) Card: If you applied from outside Canada, your PR card will be issued upon arrival. If you are already in Canada, the PR card will be sent to your Canadian address.

Required Documents for Express Entry Application

To immigrate through Express Entry and obtain the relevant visa, all required documents must be uploaded online. Physical submission of documents is not required.

Important: If your documents are not in English or French, an official translation must be provided along with a certified translator’s declaration and a notarized copy of the original document.

1. Identification Documents

• Passport: Valid for at least six months from the application date (for the main applicant, spouse, and children).
• Marriage or Divorce Certificates: Proof of marriage, divorce, or death certificate of a spouse (if applicable).
• Birth Certificates: For all children.
• Recent Photographs: Required for all family members.
• Proof of Relationship to a Relative in Canada: If you claim (CRS) points based on a relative in Canada:
  • Proof of relationship.
  • Proof of the relative’s Canadian citizenship or permanent residency.
  • Proof of the relative’s residency in Canada.

2. Work Experience Documents

• Employment Reference Letters (for the main applicant and spouse) must include:
  • Job title
  • Employer’s name, address, and contact details
  • Hours worked per week
  • Annual salary
  • Job duties and responsibilities

3. Language Test Results

Candidates must complete one of the approved language tests recognized by (IRCC):

English Language Tests:

• CELPIP: CELPIP-General is required.
• IELTS: IELTS General Training is required (IELTS One Skill Retake is not accepted).
• PTE Core: The PTE Core test must be taken.

French Language Tests:

• TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français
• TCF Canada: Test de connaissance du français

Note: TOEFL and Duolingo are not accepted for Express Entry.

Validity of Test Results:

• Must be less than two years old at the time of application.
• Expired test results will result in rejection.
• Test results must be valid at the time of (ITA) issuance.

4. Educational Documents

• Canadian degree/diploma OR Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report:
  • ECA is required for foreign education credentials to assess equivalency to Canadian education.
  • If applying under Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), an ECA is mandatory.
  • ECA also grants additional (CRS) points for the spouse’s education.