The Express Entry system in Canada is intended to replace the old “first-come, first-served” immigration process. This new system is designed to better address regional job shortages.
Unlike the previous method, Express Entry focuses on selecting qualified immigrants. This means it prioritises individuals who meet specific criteria and avoids random selections.
As an immigration consultant in Canada, we often get questions like:
- Who is an ideal Express Entry candidate?
- How do I apply for Express Entry?
- Who is eligible for Express Entry?
- How much does it cost to get Express Entry?
- Is it necessary to have a job for Express Entry?
- How long does it take to get Express Entry?
In this blog, let’s find answers not only to these questions, but also to another set of queries asked by those trying to get Canadian Express Entry.
Learn the real facts about Express Entry in Canada
Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage and review applications from skilled workers who want to move to Canada and get permanent residency.
Who is an Ideal Express Entry Candidate?
In Express Entry, eligible candidates receive a score based on several factors. Here is a detailed section about it.
Age: Canada mostly prefers young candidates under the age of 30. They can potentially contribute to the economy for a long decade which is highly valued.
Education: Canadian immigration officials prefer candidates with Master’s degree, PhD and Dual degrees. With a Canadian degree you are more likely to get an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Work Experience: A few years of work experience shows that you’re skilled and dedicated to your field. Ideally, you should have at least 3 years of experience. Canadian work experience is especially important, and having it makes you a strong candidate.
Language Skills : English and French are the two official languages of Canada. Scoring 8 or 9 on the IELTS test for each part (listening, reading, writing, and speaking) is good. Knowing French can earn you extra points.Even though Express Entry is competitive, Canada offers more invitations to apply each year. For qualified candidates, it’s the fastest and easiest way to get permanent residence and start a new life in Canada.
Who is eligible for express entry?
You need at least one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) work experience in a skilled job within the last 10 years. A letter of reference is the best way to prove your work experience. If you can’t get a letter from your employer, you can try to use other documents to show your experience. These can include:
- Employment contracts
- Promotion letters
- Pay slip
- Photos of you at work
- Sworn statements from former colleagues.
You must also show a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) seven on an approved language test in either English or French.
Lastly, you need to have completed post-secondary education that has been assessed against Canadian standards with an Education Credential Assessment.
How to apply for Express Entry?
Check if you qualify
Based on the information provided above, if you find that you meet the criteria, you are eligible.
Check your score
If you qualify for the Express Entry programs and submit your profile, you’ll be placed in the Express Entry pool and ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The CRS is a points system that:
- Rates and scores your profile
- Decides your rank in the Express Entry pool
To receive an invitation, you need to have a score higher than the minimum required for that round.
Make your documents
To apply for Express Entry to Canada, you’ll need several documents to support the application, especially language test results. Some documents may take a while to get, so it’s good to gather them as early as possible.
If you apply, you’ll need to upload copies of the documents you used for your profile (as listed above). Most applicants will also need to upload:
- Police certificates
- Proof of funds
- Birth certificate for dependent children, if applicable
- Use of a Representative form (PDF, 137 KB), if you’ve hired someone to represent you
- Common-law union form (PDF, 2.22 MB), if you’ve stated you’re in a common-law relationship
- Marriage certificate, if you’ve stated you’re married
- Divorce certificate and legal separation agreement, if you’ve stated you’re divorced
- Death certificate, if you’ve stated you’re widowed
- Adoption certificate, if you’ve listed a dependent child as adopted
- These documents are necessary for your application.
Fill out Your Profile
Your Express Entry profile is where you provide details about yourself. If you qualify, you’ll be added to other eligible candidates and given a CRS score.
Get an Invitation
Candidates with highest CRS scores gets invitation. Once the invitation is received within 60 days one must submit the application. Otherwise your invitation will expire and you will be removed from the pool.
How much does it cost to get Express Entry?
The cost of immigrating to Canada through Express Entry is around $2,300 CAD for a single person or $4,500 CAD for a couple. Here’s how the costs break down:
- Language tests: About $300
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): About $200
- Biometrics: $85 per person
- Government fees: $1,525 per adult and $260 per child
- Medical exam fees: About $450 per adult and $250 per child
- Police clearance certificates: About $100 per country.
You don’t need to pay any government fees to submit your initial Express Entry profile.
Aside from the eligibility, costs, there are other questions our clients frequently ask us. Let’s take a closer look at them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Express Entry is a great option for you and your family to settle in Canada if you qualify. It’s a point-based system that manages immigration applications. If you can get the needed score, the process becomes easier.
Evaluation score is provided out of 100. If you score 67 points or more, you may be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and can submit a profile to the Express Entry pool. If your score is below 67 points, you won’t qualify for the program.
To apply for permanent residency through Express Entry, you need a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 in each section. In Canada, the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is used to describe your English language ability.
It’s not mandatory to have a job offer to apply for Express Entry. If you have one then it can add extra points for you. You can get either 50 or 200 additional CRS point for having a Canadian job offer.
Most complete applications that have all supporting documents will be processed in 6 months of time. As experienced immigration consultants in Canada, we make the Express Entry process smoother and less complicated.
