Express Entry

What Is Express Entry?

Express Entry is a points-based system used to manage applications for permanent residence in Canada. Points are awarded based on factors like age, education, work experience, and language skills. You need to qualify under one of the economic immigration programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class). Each program targets different applicant profiles based on their work experience, education, and language proficiency. The FSW program focuses on skilled workers with foreign work experience; the FST program is designed for individuals with trade skills; and the CEC is intended for those with Canadian work experience.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Skilled Work Experience: At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years.

  • Language Proficiency: Achieve a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in English or French.

  • Education: Possess a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign credential.

  • Selection Factors: Candidates are assessed on a 100-point grid, considering factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. A minimum of 67 points is required to qualify.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Skilled Trade Qualification: Hold a valid job offer in a skilled trade or possess a certificate of qualification in that trade.

  • Language Proficiency: Obtain a CLB score of at least 5 in listening and speaking, and 4 in reading and writing.

  • Work Experience: Have at least two years of full-time work experience in the skilled trade within the last five years.

  • Job Offer: Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, exempt from the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) requirement.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Work Experience: A minimum of one year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.

  • Language Proficiency: Achieve a CLB score of 7 or higher in all four abilities for English or French.

  • Education: No specific education requirements; however, having a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate can enhance the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The Comprehensive Ranking System is designed to identify the most qualified candidates for Canadian permanent residency based on their skills, experience, and other factors. Understanding how CRS works and optimizing your score is essential to successfully navigating the Express Entry system and increasing your chances of receiving an ITA.

Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for any of the above programs are entered into the Express Entry pool and ranked using the CRS. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.

The CRS evaluates:

  • Skills and Experience Factors: Education, work experience, language proficiency, and age.

  • Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors: Their education, language skills, and work experience.

  • Skills Transferability: Combination of education and work experience.

  • Additional Factors: Valid job offer, provincial nomination, Canadian education, and language proficiency in both English and French.

Documents Required for Express Entry Application

Upon receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), candidates must submit:

  • Proof of Identity: Valid passport or travel document.

  • Language Test Results: Official scores from approved English or French language tests.

  • Educational Credentials: Certificates, diplomas, or degrees from educational institutions.

  • Proof of Work Experience: Reference letters from employers, pay stubs, or tax documents.

  • Police Certificates: Clearance certificates from all countries where the applicant has lived for more than six months since turning 18.

  • Medical Examination Results: Conducted by an authorized panel physician.

  • Proof of Funds: Demonstrating sufficient financial resources to support settlement in Canada.

  • Digital Photographs: Recent images meeting specified requirements.

  • Additional Documents: Depending on individual circumstances, such as proof of marital status or provincial nomination.

Providing accurate and comprehensive documentation is essential to the application process. We at Lakin Afolabi Law help you understand how the system works and how to boost your CRS score so that you can have a stronger chance at success.

Frequently Asked Questions

Required documents include proof of identity, language test results, educational credentials, work experience proof, police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds.

The CRS evaluates candidates based on factors like skills, experience, language ability, education, and additional factors such as job offers or provincial nominations.

Improving language proficiency, obtaining higher education, gaining more work experience, securing a job offer, or receiving a provincial nomination can enhance your CRS score.

Yes, if your application is not successful, you can update your profile and re-enter the pool, provided you still meet the eligibility criteria.

Express Entry applications typically take six months or less to process after you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and submit your complete application.

You must ensure that your language test results are valid at the time of submission. If they expire while you are in the pool, you will need to retake the test to remain eligible.

Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your application. Their education, work experience, and language skills can also contribute to your overall CRS score.

Disclaimer

All information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We are not associated with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or any other government body in Canada. You can access the official IRCC website. The content offered through this website is not a substitute for the personalized advice of a licensed consultant or lawyer.

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Canadian immigration laws, eligibility criteria, and requirements are subject to frequent changes. While we strive to keep this website as accurate and up-to-date as possible, we cannot guarantee that the information provided will always reflect the most recent updates. We strongly encourage users to visit the official IRCC website for the most current and accurate information before making any decisions.

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