Learn everything you need in our section about immigration to Canada.
It is important to understand that Express Entry is not an immigration program. It is merely a preliminary screening system for applicants. Under this system, all applications from those wishing to obtain a visa under one of the programs are considered. Thus, you do not need to apply for a specific program—your application is reviewed at this preliminary screening stage, and if you meet the general criteria and requirements of a specific program, your information is forwarded to the appropriate immigration authorities.
The system is automated, and all processes are conducted online.
Who can benefit from the Express Entry system?
The main focus of the system is on applicant specialists wishing to use one of the federal programs, such as:
•Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
•Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
•Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Additionally, you can apply if you wish to use a provincial program, such as the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP), or if you already have approval from provincial immigration authorities.
Not long ago, it became quite common for provinces to select specialists from the list of applicants in the Express Entry system themselves. Moreover, often those who do not yet have a job offer in the specified region are selected. It is worth noting that in most cases, provincial programs require such a job offer for successful processing; however, new programs determine themselves which specialists they need.
How does the Express Entry system work?
This system processes all applications from specialists, regardless of the program they are applying under. However, it is still important to understand that you must meet the requirements of at least one of the existing programs to be successful.
The application is submitted electronically: you create a profile on the Express Entry website and enter all required information about yourself. As a result, your profile appears in a unified database. Furthermore, if necessary, you can change the information provided at any time. This might include changes in marital status, new English language test results, or any other modifications.
The next step is the verification of your profile against the criteria of at least one program. If successful, your application is moved to the candidate pool. Then, based on your information, the system assigns you points according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The higher your score, the greater your chance of success. The maximum number of points is 1200.
Approximately every 2-3 weeks, a selection of applications is conducted among those who scored the highest points. Quotas on the number of selected candidates are determined by the immigration authorities based on the current situation and number of applications. The minimum passing score is also established this way.
If you are included in this list, you will receive an invitation to submit a complete list of documents required for a specific immigration program. This is called an Invitation to Apply. You have 90 days to submit this information. If you are unable to do so within the timeframe, your invitation is deactivated, and your application is removed.
Upon successfully submitting documents, your application is processed according to the rules of the particular program.
How long can you expect to wait for an Invitation to Apply?
Your application remains in the general database for 12 months. If after this period you still have not received an invitation, your application is automatically deleted, and to submit a new application, you will need to recreate your profile.
How are candidates selected?
The basis for selection is the points allocation algorithm of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). In this approach, the emphasis is placed on the applicant parameters that are currently of greater value to the national economy.
Naturally, those who will find it easier to find employment in Canada and adapt to local life have a better chance. Thus, priority is given to applicants who are already working in the country on a work visa or have a job offer from a local employer. Those who have studied in Canada and currently hold a work permit known as a Post-Graduate Work Permit also have high chances.
Another category with higher chances includes applicants with a job offer in the province. An additional advantage is proficiency not only in English but also in French.
What other factors can earn you extra points?
In addition to the main factors that influence your scores (work experience, language proficiency, education, etc.), there are other factors that will help you increase your score. For example, if you have a provincial nomination, you receive an additional 600 points. Another 200 points are awarded for a job offer. You can earn 30 points for education in Canada and proficiency in French. Having siblings in Canada adds 15 points.
What is the Job Bank?
The Express Entry system also allows you to register in the Job Bank database, used by Canadian employers to find needed specialists. This attracts the attention of recruiters, potentially leading to job offers. In such a case, the employer must obtain a document called a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This is issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development of Canada when hiring a foreign specialist for a job in the country.
The advantage of registering in the Job Bank is the simplified process of obtaining such a letter. Moreover, in this case, it is free.
However, a certain difficulty remains—employers must prove that they cannot find the necessary specialist among local citizens, which is extremely challenging.
What should you pay attention to when submitting your application?
When you decide to submit your application to the Express Entry system, you should already have the results of the test on proficiency in one of the two official languages (English or French). For those wishing to use the Federal Skilled Worker Program, an educational credential assessment from a recognized local assessing organization is also required.
Additionally, it would be wise to gather all necessary documents in advance for subsequent submission in case you receive an Invitation to Apply. As you already know, you will have only 90 days for this. Find out about the processing times for police clearance certificates early on. These will be needed from all countries where you have ever lived, and you can request these documents in advance from the appropriate authorities. Don’t forget about the validity of passports—you may need to apply for new ones.
Children under 22 years old can also go through the immigration process with you. Their age is counted not at the time you submit your application in the Express Entry system, but after you receive the invitation to submit a full package of documents.
What is Canada's Express Entry Immigration System?
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