Guide on What to know About Canada Immigration Express Entry

The Express Entry system is a points-based immigration system used by the Canadian government to manage the immigration process for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what you need to know about Canada Immigration Express Entry:

1. Understanding Express Entry:

1. Purpose: The Express Entry system is designed to attract skilled workers who will contribute to Canada’s economy.
2. Three Main Programs:
   • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
   • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
   • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

2. Eligibility Criteria:

1. Points System: Candidates are assessed based on a points system that considers factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
2. Minimum Requirements:
   • Meet the eligibility criteria of one of the three federal immigration programs.
   • Obtain a certain number of points in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

3. Creating an Express Entry Profile:

1. Online Profile: Candidates create an online profile in the Express Entry system, providing details about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other relevant factors.
2. Profile Ranking:
   • The profile is ranked against other candidates in the pool using the CRS. Points are awarded based on various factors.
3. Regular Draws:
   • The Canadian government conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool. Candidates above a certain CRS score are invited to apply for permanent residency.

4. Invitation to Apply (ITA):

1. ITA Process:
   • Candidates who receive an ITA have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
2. Documentation:
   • Applicants need to provide supporting documents to verify the information in their Express Entry profile.

5. Permanent Residency Application:

1. Online Application:
   • Complete the permanent residency application online, including the submission of supporting documents.
2. Medical Examination and Security Checks:
   • Applicants must undergo a medical examination and security checks.

6. Express Entry Draws:

1. Frequency:
   • Express Entry draws occur regularly, and the CRS cut-off score can vary.
2. Tie-Breaker Rule:
   • In the case of tied scores, the tie-breaker rule considers the date and time the Express Entry profile was submitted.

7. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

1. Enhancing CRS Score:
   • Some provinces have Express Entry-aligned PNP streams that allow them to nominate candidates. A provincial nomination significantly enhances the CRS score.

8. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS):

1. Points Allocation:
   • Points are allocated based on factors like age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability.
2. Maximum CRS Score:
   • The maximum CRS score is 1,200, which includes the base points and additional points from factors like provincial nomination or a job offer.

9. Language Proficiency:

1. Language Tests:
   • Candidates must take an approved language test (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF for French) to prove proficiency.
2. Maximum Points:
   • Language proficiency contributes significantly to the CRS score, with a maximum of 136 points for the first official language.

10. Job Offer and Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA):

1. Job Offer Points:
   • A valid job offer supported by an LMIA can contribute additional points to the CRS score.
2. LMIA Requirements:
   • The job offer must meet specific LMIA requirements, and the employer must obtain an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).

11. Adaptability Points:

1. Spouse or Common-Law Partner Points:
   • Adaptability points are awarded for factors like having a spouse or common-law partner with language proficiency or Canadian education.
2. Canadian Work Experience:
   • Previous work or study experience in Canada can contribute to adaptability points.

12. Express Entry and Express Entry-linked PNPs:

1. Federal Express Entry:
   • Candidates in the Express Entry pool may be selected by the federal government.
2. Express Entry-linked PNPs:
   • Some provinces have PNP streams that are aligned with the federal Express Entry system.

13. Compliance and Verification:

1. Verification Process:
   • The Canadian government may verify the information provided in the Express Entry profile through various checks.
2. Consequences of Misrepresentation:
   • Providing false information or misrepresentation can lead to the rejection of the application and future bans on applying for Canadian immigration.

14. Express Entry for International Students:

1. Canadian Education Points:
   • Completing post-secondary education in Canada can contribute additional points to the CRS score.
2. Pathway to Permanent Residency:
   • International students in Canada have pathways to permanent residency through Express Entry and other immigration programs.

15. Post-Invitation Process:

1. Medical Examination:
   • After receiving an ITA, candidates must undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician.
2. Police Clearance Certificate:
   • Applicants need to provide police clearance certificates for all countries where they have lived for six months or more since the age of 18.

16. Spousal and Family Sponsorship:

1. Sponsorship Programs:
   • Canadian citizens and permanent residents can sponsor their spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and other eligible family members.
2. Separate Application Process:
   • Spousal and family sponsorship programs have a separate application process from Express Entry.

17. Processing Times:

1. Varied Processing Times:
   • Processing times can vary based on the type of application, the completeness of the application, and other factors.
2. Check Processing Times:
   • Regularly check the IRCC website for updated processing times for different immigration streams.

18. Permanent Residency Rights:

1. Rights and Privileges:
   • Permanent residents have the right to live, work, or study anywhere in Canada. They have access to most social benefits that Canadian citizens receive.
2. Canadian Citizenship:
   • After living in Canada as a permanent resident for a certain period, individuals can apply for Canadian citizenship.

19. Express Entry and Dual Intent:

1. Dual Intent Concept:
   • Express Entry is designed with a dual intent concept, meaning that individuals can pursue permanent residency while temporarily residing in Canada.
2. Work Permits During Processing:
   • Applicants in the Express Entry pool may apply for work permits to work in Canada while their permanent residency application is being processed.

20. Changes and Updates:

1. Regular Updates:
   • Immigration policies and procedures can change. Regularly check the IRCC website for updates.
2. Consultation with Professionals:
   • If in doubt or facing challenges, consider consulting with immigration professionals or legal experts.

The Express Entry system is a dynamic and points-based approach to Canadian immigration, emphasizing the selection of skilled workers who can contribute to the Canadian economy. As policies and procedures can change, it’s crucial to stay informed and seek professional advice if needed.

For the most up-to-date information and to initiate your Express Entry application, visit the official website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).