What is an Express Entry?
In 2015, the Canadian government launched an online immigration application system called Express Entry to smoothen and fasten the process of Canadian immigration.
This express entry system invites candidates under the 3 economic Canadian programs called:
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Federal Skilled Worker Visa (FSW)
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Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
How Express Entry Works?
Eligible candidates can create an online profile and submit the necessary documents to enter the express entry pool.
IRCC conducts a draw called express entry draw once every 2 weeks and invites potential candidates to apply for PR by sending them ITAs (invitations to apply).
You will receive ITAs if you score above the CRS-cut off score on the Comprehensive ranking system.
Once you receive the ITA you can apply for Canada permanent residency visa within 6 months by providing all the necessary documents.
If your application is approved. You will receive a COPR (confirmation of permanent residency).
You can then apply for a PR card. You can use this PR card to show your status in Canada when you travel outside of Canada.
How do I qualify for express entry?
To qualify for express entry you must meet the basic eligibility criteria of any of the 3 programs FSW, FSTP and CEC.
How are points awarded in the Express Entry System?
Points are given based on :
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Age
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Work Experience and relevant skills
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Your language communication skills in English or French
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If you have any job offers in Canada,
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If you are accompanied by your partner then his/her work experience, language skills, education
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Education Level (Degree, Bachelor, Master, PhD)
You will receive additional points if you have completed your studies in Canada and if you have the provincial nomination.
How does Express Entry choose candidates?
After completing your online Express Entry system you will enter express entry into the express entry pool (enter the group of candidates who already submitted their express entry profile).
Each applicant will be awarded certain points based on the profile they submitted as per the CRS system.
CRS system is nothing but a point-based system that assigns points to applicants based on accessing various factors.
You are then ranked against other candidates in the pool based on the points you secured.
If you rank well and score more than the cut-off score then you will be selected as a skilled immigrant and ITA will be sent to apply for PR.
