Express Entry in Canada: Eligibility, Documents, 7 Steps

If you are looking to move to Canada, the Express Entry program is a fast way to immigrate. This article will walk you through the steps of applying for Express Entry, including what documents you will need and how to estimate your CRS score. Keep in mind that the requirements for Express Entry in Canada may change, so always check the latest information on the official website before submitting your application.

What is the Canada Express Entry program?

The Express Entry program is a way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. If you are eligible, you will be entered into a pool of candidates. From there, the government will invite the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence. The whole process usually takes around six months.

Types of Canada Immigration Express Entry Programs.

There are three main types of programs under Express Entry, and an additional option, the provincial nominee program:

#1. Federal Skilled Worker Program – The FSWP is for people with experience in certain skilled occupations. To be eligible, you must have at least one year of work experience in a qualifying occupation, and meet the language requirements.

#2. Federal Skilled Trades Program – The FSTP is for people with experience in certain skilled trades occupations. To be eligible, you must have two years of full-time work experience (or an equivalent combination of part-time work), and meet the language requirements.

#3. Canadian Experience Class – The CEC is for people with experience working in Canada. To be eligible, you must have at least one year of full-time work experience (or an equivalent combination of part-time work), and meet the language requirements.

#4. Provincial Nominee Program – The PNP is for people who have been nominated by a province or territory. Each province has their own eligibility requirements, so you will need to check with the province you are interested in.

Factors for Express Entry Qualification

To be eligible for Express Entry in Canada, you must meet the requirements of one of these programs and also be able to provide documents to support your profile. Some of the factors considered as requirement for Express Entry Immigration to Canada include:

• Nationality/Country of Origin
• Age of applicant.
• Language skills (English and French)
• Education
• Work experience
• Family members
• Presence of Job offer in Canada

To learn more about this factors and how they affect the candidates Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which is used to rank Express Entry candidates, please see our CRS estimator tool.

Documents required for Express Entry Application

To apply for the Express Entry program, you will need to provide various documents that detail your profile around the EE factors listed above, the documents include (but not limited to):

• A valid international passport or other travel documents;
• Language test results (English or/and French);
• Education Certificate Assessment Report.
• Job offer letter from an employer in Canada (optional);
• Police character certificate – to prove no criminal record;
• Medical examination report from an authorized IRCC physician;
• Proof of sufficient funds to facilitate your travel and cover your stay in Canada, when you are invited to apply.

What are the steps to apply for Express Entry in Canada?

There are about seven steps to apply for Express Entry in Canada which are as follows:

Step #01: Find your National Occupation Classification (NOC)

The first step is to find out which NOC category your job falls into. The NOC is a list of all the occupations in Canada, and each one is given a code. You can use the NOC tool to find your occupation and see the corresponding code. How to find your NOC code.

Step #02: Check if you need a credential assessment

The next step is to see if you need to have your educational credentials assessed. This is not required for all occupations, but it is for some. You can use the Foreign Credentials Referral Office website to find out if you need an assessment and how to get one. Check out credential assessment choices.

Step #03: Take a language test

You will need to take a language test to prove that you can speak either English or French at Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level seven or higher in all four categories: reading, writing, listening and speaking. If your first official language is French, you do not need to take an English test, but you will still need to take a French test to prove your language skills. Here are your language test options for Canada Immigration.

Step #04: Check your eligibility

The next step is to check if you meet all the Express Entry requirements. You can use the Express Entry Eligibility Tool to see if you are eligible. We have provided all eligibility criteria and requirements for you above.

Step #05: Estimate your CRS score

The next step to apply for Express Entry in Canada is to estimate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS is used to rank Express Entry candidates and give them a score out of 1200 points. The CRS will take into account things like your age, language skills, education and work experience when awarding you points. Use our CRS Points Calculator page to get an estimate of the points you will be awarded.

Step #06: Create your Express Entry profile

The next step is to create your Express Entry profile. You will need to provide information about yourself, your skills, work experience, language abilities and education. You will also need to create an account with Job Bank (if you do not already have one) and provide the login information in your Express Entry profile. You will use Job Bank to look for jobs in Canada and be matched with Canadian employers.

Step #07: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The final step of the Express Entry program is to receive an ITA from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you are ranked high enough in the Express Entry pool, you will receive an ITA. You will then have 60 days to submit a complete online application for permanent residence. If you are invited, you will need to provide additional documents, such as your passport, police certificates and proof of funds.

Passport request and confirmation of landing

The next and final step of immigrating to Canada through Express Entry is to provide IRCC with your passport so they can issue you a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CPR). You will need to have a valid passport to be able to travel to Canada. If you do not have a passport, you will need to get one before you can come to Canada.

You will also need to pay the right of permanent residence fee and submit your biometrics (fingerprints and a photo). You will receive your CPR in the mail once IRCC has processed your complete application. You must show the immigration officer your CPR when you land in Canada. The officer will then stamp your passport and give you a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

You have now completed the Express Entry process and are on your way to becoming a permanent resident of Canada!

Conclusion

The Express Entry system is a great way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. If you meet the eligibility requirements and can score enough points, you can apply for Express Entry and receive an ITA. Once you have your ITA, you will need to submit a complete online application for permanent residence. If your application is approved, you will be on your way to living and working in Canada as a permanent resident

We hope this blog post has been helpful in explaining the Express Entry process and what you need to do to immigrate to Canada through this program. Express Entry is a great option for many people looking to move to Canada, but it is important to make sure you are eligible and understand the process before you apply.

If you have any questions about Express Entry or need help with your application, we would be happy to assist you. Please contact us for more information.