Immigrate to Canada with The Express Entry System

What is the Express Entry Program for Immigrating to Canada?

The Canadian government’s department of “Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada” (IRCC) has a system of selection for skilled immigrants to become permanent residents of Canada. The objective of the Express Entry Program is to select a proficient workforce for immigration to Canada. The Express Entry is a system to select candidates who qualify for immigration through one of the three federal economic immigration classes:

  • The Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • The Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • The Canadian Experience Class

This stream assesses candidates based on their education, skilled work experience, age, and knowledge of English/French. Almost all Canadian provinces and territories have their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Some PNPs can grant a nomination to the Express Entry pool.

How to Apply for Express Entry to Canada?

The starting point for applying through this stream is by contacting an experience immigration consultant. You will then need to complete the online profile and upload the required documents within 60 days. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) evaluates and scores your profile and rank in the pool of candidates. CRS allocates extra points for Canadian degrees/ diplomas, a valid job offer from a Canadian employer etc. If eligible, you will be accepted into the pool where you will be ranked according to your CRS score. You will then wait as part of the pool until you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Express Entry Points

The CRS gives you a score based on the information in your profile, including:

  • Age
  • Level of education
  • Proficiency in the official languages
  • Work experience
  • Other factors

You get an additional score with:

  • Canadian degrees, diplomas, or certificates
  • a valid job offers
  • a nomination from a province or territory

Express Entry Processing Time

Once you submit your application for Express Entry, it stays in the pool for 12 months. Based on the information that you provide, you’re ranked on a point-based system. If you’re among the candidates with the highest scores in the Express Entry pool and you’re selected, you’ll receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

Once you receive the invitation, you have 60 days to submit an online application for permanent residency.

The IRCC then completes your application for permanent residency within 6 months. If you do not receive an ITA within 12 months, then you should update your profile and you will re-enter the pool.

Express Entry Refusal

These are some of the main reasons why an ITA may be denied:

  • Not meeting the requirements
  • Failure to understand what the government is looking for
  • Errors within the submission
  • Failure to optimize points within regulations

How Can I Avoid a Canadian Immigration Refusal?

The Express Entry visa is a competitive process and is time critical. This is especially true if you need to re-submit your application.

Thus, it is imperative that you work with an experience immigration consultant who can help you eliminate errors and ensure that your profile is completed accurately and honestly and that all the relevant paperwork is submitted within the 60 days deadline.

Everything you need to know about the Express Entry Program:

Here are some important questions that you need to ask your immigration consultant when applying for the Express Entry Program

What are the language requirements for Express Entry?

You need to take a standardized language test approved by the IRCC to determine your English language ability. Additional points for candidates who prove French language ability.

Can my entire family immigrate after I am successful?

Yes, you can bring your spouse and dependent children. You must list any dependents on your Express Entry profile, and their level of education, language proficiency and age is considered when calculating your CRS points.

Can I work while I wait for a decision after making an Express Entry application?

Yes, if you have a valid work permit or qualify for a valid work permit.

How many points will I get with a job offer?

The points can range from additional 50–200 points, depending on the type of job offer you receive.

What are the core human capital factors?

  • Age
  • Level of education
  • Language proficiency
  • Canadian work experience

Other questions that you must ask your immigration consultant:

  • Do I qualify for Express Entry?
  • How many points do I need to be selected for an ITA?
  • Will I know how many CRS points I have before the draw?
  • Do I need a job offer to apply for Express Entry?
  • What is an authorized job offer?
  • How many points will I get with my job offer?
  • What are the six selection factors?
  • Do I need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)?
  • Once I am in the pool, can I change my information on my profile?
  • What happens if I have a birthday before I submit my permanent residence application?

Contacting EEP for assessment: Why is this important?

The lawyers at EEP provide legal representation tailored to your individual situation. Our expertise focuses on immigration and visa programs for Canada and the United States.

Partnering with our award-winning immigration team greatly increases the likelihood of achieving your specific immigration or visa goals. Immigration is a complex process that requires strong legal strategy, precise paperwork and attention to detail. This reduces the risk of wasted time, money or permanent rejection.

Contact us: Start your Express Entry application today!

Begin with our one-minute online assessment form or call us +1 (431) 264-0786.

We have a dedicated team of licensed professionals standing by; ready to answer your immigration and visa questions. Book a personal consultation to speak with an award-winning immigration lawyer over the phone, on Skype or in-person at our Winnipeg office.