Fast-Track Your Canadian Permanent Residency with Express Entry

Looking to make Canada your permanent home? Your path to permanent residency in Canada can be accelerated via Express Entry. We have knowledgeable Express Entry specialists available to help you at every stage.

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What is Express Entry in Canada?

Let’s examine the definition of an Express Entry in Canada. For skilled worker applications, the Canadian government employs an online immigration system called Express Entry. It seeks to expedite the process of obtaining permanent residency in Canada by selecting candidates who can contribute to the Canadian economy. Express Entry aims to attract skilled professionals from all over the world to meet the demands of the Canadian labour market.

If you use Express Entry to apply for permanent residency, you can be selected to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) based on your educational background, work experience, and language skills. Express Entry might be your path to a new future in Canada, regardless of your profession, trade, or previous work experience in Canada.

What is Express Entry in Canada?

Are You Eligible for Express Entry?

Wondering if you’re eligible for Express Entry? The system evaluates applicants on several criteria, including:

  • Age
  • Education
  • Work experience
  • Language proficiency (English or French)
  • Adaptability (such as having a spouse or family in Canada)

If you meet these requirements, you may be well on your way to entering the Express Entry pool.

How Express Entry Draws Work: Regular Draws and Special Draws

Top-ranked applicants are invited to apply for permanent residency through frequent Express Entry drawings held by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Although the timing and necessity of these draws might vary, they usually take place every two weeks. Candidates are chosen at each draw according to their CRS score, and ITAs are only sent to those who score higher than a certain threshold.

Special draws that concentrate on particular professions or categories may be held in addition to normal drawings. To address pressing labour market demands, the IRCC may, for instance, hold category-specific draws with an emphasis on in-demand industries, skilled crafts, or medical professionals. To increase your chances of being selected, it is therefore essential to keep up with both regular and special drawings.

How to Apply for an LMIA-Exempt Work Permit

Applying for an LMIA-exempt work permit involves several essential steps:

  1. Employer Submits Offer:
    Your employer must register and submit a job offer through the Employer Portal, paying the compliance fee if applicable. If you’ve worked full-time for at least a year on a valid work permit, or your job offer is LMIA-exempt, an LMIA may not be necessary.
  2. Eligibility Check:
    Job offers may be exempt from LMIA if they fall under categories such as:
    • International agreements (e.g., CUSMA).
    • Federal-provincial agreements for significant investment.
    • Canadian interests, demonstrating social or economic benefits.
  3. Gather Documents:
    Collect necessary documents, including:
    • Job offer letter.
    • Passport and resume.
    • Educational credentials and proof of qualifications.
  4. Complete Application:
    Fill out the application forms accurately, including your employer’s Offer of Employment number.
  5. Submit Biometrics:
    Provide fingerprints and photos if required.
  6. Pay Fees:
    Pay the applicable work permit processing fee.
  7. Submit Application:
    Submit your application online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal, ensuring all documents are attached.

Even without an LMIA, you still need a work permit to work in Canada. Following these steps will help you successfully apply for your LMIA-exempt work permit.

How to Apply for an LMIA-Exempt Work Permit

Explore the Programs Under Express Entry

How to apply for Express Entry in Canada? Let’s first check the programs under Express Entry.

Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP):For those who have worked abroad and want to move to Canada, the Federal Skilled Worker Program is the best option. Candidates are assessed by this software using a point system that takes into account their education, employment history, and skill set.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): The Federal Qualified Trades Program provides an immigration pathway for qualified tradespeople. Those having training in skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical work, or construction are eligible for this program.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Those who have obtained specialized work experience in Canada and want to apply for permanent residency are eligible to enroll in the Canadian Experience Class.

How the CRS Score Determines Your Success

A key component of Express Entry is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS score of candidates in the Express Entry pool is determined by several variables, including:

  • Learning
  • Experience in the workplace
  • Language proficiency
  • Age
  • Offers of employment and nominations from the province

Your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency increase if you raise your CRS score.

How to Apply for an Express Entry in Canada?

Here’s a quick tutorial on how to apply for an Express Entry in Canada. 

  • Create an Online Profile – Provide your details, such as work experience and education.
  • Gather Necessary Documents – Compile essential documents like your passport, language test results, and proof of work experience.
  • Submit Language Test Results – Complete a recognized English or French test and submit the results.
  • Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) – Validate your foreign education to meet Canadian standards.
  • Enter the Express Entry Pool – Once your profile is complete, you’ll be placed in the Express Entry pool, where you’ll be ranked against other applicants.
Receiving and Responding to an ITA

Receiving and Responding to an ITA

Receiving and Responding to an ITA

If you receive an ITA, congratulations! This means you’ve been selected from the pool to formally apply for permanent residency. You’ll need to submit your complete application within 60 days of receiving your ITA. A complete application, including police certificates, medical examinations, and evidence of money, must be submitted once you get your ITA. 

Our Express Entry consultants are available to help you navigate the latter stages of the procedure, which can seem intimidating, to make sure everything is turned in accurately and on time.

PNP-Based Express Entry Programs

Express Entry-Aligned Streams: Provinces and territories can select candidates from the federal Express Entry pool through PNP-linked streams, addressing local labour market needs.

How It Works:

  1. EOI or Direct Application: Submit an EOI or receive an invitation from the province.
  2. Provincial Nomination: Receive a “notification of interest” or invitation, gaining 600 CRS points.
  3. ITA: After nomination, get an ITA from IRCC for permanent residence within 60 days.
  4. Processing: IRCC processes the application.

PNP-Based Streams:

  • Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) – Human Capital Priorities Stream:

Targets candidates with the skills and experience needed in Ontario, often focusing on specific occupations or professions.

  • British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – Express Entry BC:

Includes categories like skilled worker, healthcare professional, international graduate, and international postgraduate, focusing on those with job offers or recent graduates from Canadian institutions.

  • Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) – Alberta Express Entry Stream:

Selects candidates from the Express Entry pool based on Alberta’s labour market needs and economic development priorities.

  • Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Express Entry: 

Targets candidates with work experience in in-demand occupations in Saskatchewan.

  • Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP) – Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry:

Prioritizes candidates with experience in occupations that are in high demand in Nova Scotia.

Each province has unique criteria for its Express Entry streams.

Frequently Asked Questions About LMIA-Exempt Work Permit

  • Who may submit an Express Entry application?

    Age, education, employment history, and language skills are among the criteria that determine eligibility.

  • Is a job offer required to be eligible for Express Entry?

    No, although your CRS score can go up if you get a legitimate employment offer.

  • How may my CRS score be raised?

    Higher language exam scores, more job experience, or province nominations can all help you raise your CRS score.

  • What is the Duration of the Express Entry Process in Canada?

    After submitting your whole application, it typically takes six months for Canada Express Entry applications to be processed. This timescale, however, may be impacted by elements such as the thoroughness of your application, document verification, and the need for your skill set. To reduce delays, our staff will make sure your application is processed as soon as possible.

  • Which documents are needed to apply?

    Required documents include identity documents, proof of work experience, ECA, and language test results.

  • Is it required to take an Educational Credential Assessment?

    Yes, you require an ECA if you received your education outside of Canada.

  • What is the validity period of my Express Entry profile?

    You have a year to make changes to your profile and submit it again if necessary.

  • Can my family be listed on my application?

    Your spouse and dependent children may be listed on your Express Entry application, yes.

  • What happens if I don't get accepted?

    If your situation changes or your CRS score rises, you can reapply.

  • What costs are involved in using Express Entry?

    Although costs vary, they usually cover government application fees, ECA, and language exam costs.

Take the First Step Toward Canadian Permanent Residency

To begin your path to permanent residence in Canada, get in touch with one of our Canada Express Entry experts right now. Ready to fast-track your application?