Express Entry

The Express Entry system is a points-based immigration application management system for Canada, introduced by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
 
Federal Programs
 

1.     Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
For skilled workers with foreign work experience who meet specific criteria in language ability, education, work experience, and other factors.

2.     Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
For skilled workers qualified in a skilled trade, with job offers or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.

3.     Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For skilled workers with Canadian work experience who have gained at least one year of work experience in Canada within three years before applying.

The Process

1.     Create a Profile: Candidates create an online profile, providing details about their skills, work experience, language
ability, education, and other relevant information. This profile is then entered into the Express Entry pool. Applicants must submit proof of English or French proficiency at this stage by providing one of the approved tests
(currently IELTS, CELPIP, PET, TEF and TCF).

2.     Points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Candidates are ranked in the pool based on a score assigned under the CRS. Points are awarded for factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, among others. Additional points can be earned for factors like having a job offer, a provincial nomination, or Canadian degrees,
diplomas, or certificates.

3.     Regular Draws and Special Draws: IRCC conducts regular draws from the pool, inviting the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. The number of invitations and the minimum CRS score required for each draw vary. Draws are often category-specific, and can also be limited to specific, in-demand occupations.

4.     Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates who receive an ITA have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. The application must include supporting documents to verify the information provided in their profile. This strict timeline means applicants should prepare documents well in advance, as some documents like educational assessments and police clearances can take a long time.

5.     Processing: IRCC aims to process most complete applications within six months, although this is highly dependent on the overall immigration processing priorities in place at the time and the individual complexities of an applicant’s case. If approved, candidates and their dependents receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a
permanent resident visa, if applicable.

PNP-Based Express Entry Programs

Express Entry-Aligned Streams: Provinces and territories have Express Entry streams linked to their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), allowing them to select candidates from the federal Express Entry pool. These streams are designed to meet specific local labor market needs and economic priorities.

How it Works:

  1. Expression of Interest (EOI) or Direct Application:
    • Candidates
      may need to submit an EOI directly to the province or territory.
    • Some
      provinces invite candidates directly from the Express Entry pool based on
      their profiles.
  2. Provincial Nomination:
    • If a province or territory finds a candidate suitable, it will issue a “notification of interest” or invite the candidate to apply for a provincial nomination.
    • Candidates who receive a nomination from a province or territory get 600 additional
      points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), virtually guaranteeing
      an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next federal Express Entry draw.
  3. Invitation to Apply (ITA):
    • Once nominated, candidates receive an ITA from IRCC to apply for permanent
      residence.
    • They must submit a complete application for permanent residence within 60 days
      of receiving the ITA.
  4. Processing:
    • Applications for permanent residence are processed by IRCC.

 

PNP-Based Express Entry Streams:

  1. 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.
  2. British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP) – Express Entry BC:
    Includes categories like Skilled Worker, Healthcare Professional,
    International Graduate, and International Post-Graduate, focusing on those
    with job offers or recent graduates from Canadian institutions.
  3. Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP) – Alberta Express Entry Stream:
    Selects candidates from the Express Entry pool based on Alberta’s labor
    market needs and economic development priorities.
  4. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) – Express Entry: Targets candidates
    with work experience in in-demand occupations in Saskatchewan.
  5. 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 or territory has its own criteria and processes for their Express Entry-aligned streams, reflecting their unique economic and labor market needs.

 As the preparation and submission of your online profile will determine whether you get selected, this step must be completed properly.  And as inconsistences or contradictions between your profile and subsequent application materials can lead to refusal, you must be very careful to submit complete and accurate information.  With extensive experience in the Express Entry system, we can assist you to avoid mistakes, include critical information, create your profile, and apply for permanent residence.