Express Entry is a federal immigration program managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It’s a point system that is used to assess and rank candidates. The top-scoring candidates are then invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Before you can submit an Express Entry application, you must first create an IRCC account. This can take some time and effort, but it’s necessary to get started. Once you have created your account, you can begin submitting your Express Entry profile and documents.
You’ll also need to complete a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assessment, which will rank you against other candidates. This will help you determine which of the Canadian immigration programs you are eligible for.
The CRS is a points-based system that takes into account your age, education level, language skills, work experience and other factors. Approximately every two weeks, the government selects the highest-scoring candidates and provides them with an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence in Canada.
Once you have submitted your Express Entry profile, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Depending on the program you’re applying for, this may be a quick process or require more time.
There are a number of different Express Entry visas that can be sorted by category and your eligibility for express entry for each one will depend on your skills, qualifications and language ability. Each type of visa will also have its own set of minimum criteria that you must meet in order to be considered for the visa.
For example, if you want to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, you will need at least 2 years of work experience in a specific skilled trade. To provide proof of your experience, you’ll need to secure a reference letter from each of your previous employers.
You’ll also need to prove that you can speak English or French well enough to communicate with the immigration authorities in Canada. Various exams can be used to test your language skills, such as IELTS and CELPIP.
In the future, IRCC plans to replace the CRS score with a more comprehensive system that will consider a candidate’s age, educational history and work experience in addition to their language abilities. The change will be in place in 2023, and it will make it easier to qualify for an Express Entry visa based on your skills and qualifications.
If you’re planning to immigrate to Canada through one of the Express Entry programs, it’s important to start preparing your application early. The process can take months or even years, so it’s wise to get started as soon as possible.
A Toronto immigration lawyer will know exactly what to do and can help you navigate the process. They will also be able to offer advice on other ways to boost your chances of getting a visa.
If you want to apply through the federal Express Entry program, you can apply for any of the following streams:
The Canadian Experience Class is another option if you have at least 1 year of eligible Canadian work experience and are meeting minimum language requirements. You can also apply under the federal Skilled Trades Program if you have at least 2 years of experience in a skill-related trade and a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.