How to Apply for Express Entry to Canada

 

These are the steps required to make a successful Express Entry application to Canada:

 

Determine Your Eligibility

 

Before you apply for Express Entry you need to determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. You must be eligible for one of the three economic immigration programs that are managed through Express Entry:

 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

 

The eligibility requirements for each of these Canadian immigration programs are as follows:

 

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

 

• At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in a skilled occupation listed in the National

 

• Occupational Classification (NOC) system at skill level 0, A, or B

 

• Language proficiency in either English or French at a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7

 

• A minimum of a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma or equivalent

 

• Proof of funds to support oneself and any dependents

 

• FSWP applicants must also score 67 points on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

 

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

 

• At least two years of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in a skilled trade listed in the NOC system at skill level B.

 

• Language proficiency in either English or French at a minimum CLB level 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.

 

• An offer of employment from a Canadian employer OR a certificate of qualification from a provincial or territorial authority

 

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

 

• At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years before applying.

 

• Language proficiency in either English or French at a minimum CLB level 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, and CLB level 5 for NOC B jobs.

 

• Meet the required language levels for each ability (listening, speaking, reading, and writing).

 

• A minimum of a Canadian secondary school (high school) diploma or equivalent.

 

• Proof of funds to support oneself and any dependents.

 

Get Your Language Proficiency Tests

 

You must demonstrate your language proficiency in English or French by taking one of the recognized language tests. The exact score required for language proficiency in Express Entry depends on the language test being used to evaluate the candidate’s language skills.

 

For the English language candidates must take an approved language test in either the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and score the following minimum levels in the four language skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) in either test:

 

Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB)

 

• CLB 7 for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

 

• CLB 5 for the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

 

For the French language candidates must take an approved language test in either the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) or the Test de connaissance du français (TCF) and score at least:

 

• NCLC (Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens) 7 for the FSWP and CEC

 

• NCLC 5 for the FSTP

 

Create an Online Profile

 

You need to create an online profile on the Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.

 

Calculate Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score

 

Your CRS score is based on age, education, language proficiency, adaptability and work experience.

 

Submit Your Profile to the Express Entry Pool

 

Once your profile is complete you submit it to the Express Entry pool. If you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the immigration programs you will be placed in the pool and ranked according to your CRS score.

 

Here is a step by step guide to submit your Express Entry profile:

 

1. Create an online account: Go to the IRCC website (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html) and click on “Sign up” under “Need an account?”. You will be asked to provide your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, email address, and create a password. You will then receive an email with a verification link to activate your account.
2. Log in to your account: Once you have verified your email, log in to your account using your email and password. You will also be given a GC Key which is a unique identification code that will be used to access your application.
3. Start a new Express Entry profile: Once you have logged in, click on “Start my Express Entry profile”. You will then be taken to a page with several questions to determine your eligibility for Express Entry.
4. Provide your personal information: The first section of the profile will ask for your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, contact details, and passport information.
5. Provide your language test results: The next section will ask for your language test results. You will need to provide the test date and the score you received for each of the four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). You can choose to provide results for either English or French, or both.
6. Provide your education history: In the next section, you will need to provide your education history, including your highest level of education completed, the name of the institution, the country where it was completed, and the dates attended. If you completed your education outside of Canada you will also need to provide your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.
7. Provide your work experience: The next section will ask for your work experience.
8. Calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score: Once you have provided all the necessary information, the system will calculate your CRS score based on the information you have provided. You will then be ranked against other applicants in the Express Entry pool.
9. Submit your profile: Once you have reviewed your profile and made sure all the information is correct, you can submit your profile to the Express Entry pool. Your profile will be valid for one year, after which you will need to update it if you want to remain in the pool.

 

GC Key Problems

 

The GC Key is a secure online login that allows you to access Government of Canada’s online services, including the Express Entry system for immigration. You will need to create a GC Key account to submit your Express Entry profile, apply for permanent residence, and manage your application.

 

Many people experience problems with the GC Key for Express Entry. This is how to fix them:

 

If you’re having trouble accessing your GC Key account or experiencing a loop, you can try using a different browser or clearing your browser’s cache and cookies. This can sometimes help to resolve technical issues that are causing the problem. You can also try disabling any browser extensions or add-ons that might be interfering with your GC Key login.

 

To reset your GC Key password, you can visit the GC Key login page and select the “Forgot your password?” option. You will then be prompted to answer a security question or provide your email address to reset your password.

 

If you are still experiencing issues with your GC Key, you can contact the IRCC technical support team by phone at 1-888-242-2100 or through their web form at https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=416&top=15. They will be able to assist you with any technical issues related to your GC Key account.

 

Receive an Invitation to Apply

 

If you are among the highest scoring candidates in the pool you may receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada. You will have 60 days to submit a complete application.

 

Submit Your Application for Permanent Residence

 

You will need to submit a complete application for permanent residence, including supporting documents such as police certificates.

 

Wait for a Decision

 

The processing time for Express Entry applications varies depending on a range of factors including the number of applications received.

Comprehensive Ranking System Explained

 

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a crucial part of the Express Entry process. It is a point based system used to assess and rank eligible candidates. The CRS score determines an applicant’s eligibility for permanent residence in Canada and their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a Canadian permanent residency.

 

The CRS score is calculated based on a set of predetermined criteria and points are awarded to applicants based on their qualifications and personal circumstances. Applicants with higher CRS scores are more likely to receive an ITA and be invited to apply for permanent residency. The CRS is a key component of Express Entry and plays a significant role in determining the eligibility of applicants and their success in the immigration process.

 

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for Express Entry is made up of a total of 1,200 points. The points breakdown is as follows:

 

Core human capital factors: up to 500 points

 

• Age: up to 110 points

 

• Level of education: up to 150 points

 

• Language proficiency (in English and/or French): up to 160 points

 

• Canadian work experience: up to 80 points

 

• Spouse or common-law partner factors (if applicable): up to 40 points

 

• Level of education: up to 10 points

 

• Language proficiency: up to 20 points
• Canadian work experience: up to 10 points

 

• Skill transferability factors: up to 100 points

 

• Education and language proficiency: up to 50 points

 

• Foreign work experience and language proficiency: up to 50 points

 

• Additional points: up to 600 points

 

• Canadian education: up to 30 points

 

• French language proficiency: up to 30 points

 

• Sibling in Canada (citizen or permanent resident): up to 15 points

 

• Strong French language skills and a combination of other factors: up to 50 points

 

• Post-secondary education in Canada, a Canadian degree or diploma, or a valid job offer: up to 200 points

 

• Provincial nomination: up to 600 points

Canada Express Entry FAQs

 

Q: What is Express Entry in Canada?

A: Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residency for skilled workers. It is designed to make the immigration process faster and more efficient.

 

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for Express Entry?

A: To be eligible for Express Entry, you must meet certain criteria, including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors. You must also meet the minimum score on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to be considered for permanent residency.

 

Q: How does the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) work in Express Entry?

A: The CRS is a point-based system used to evaluate and rank eligible candidates based on various criteria, including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors. Candidates are given a CRS score, and those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency.

 

Q: What is an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in Express Entry?

A: An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is an official invitation from the Canadian government to apply for permanent residency. Candidates who have the highest CRS scores and meet other eligibility requirements may receive an ITA.

 

Q: What is the processing time for Express Entry applications?

A: The processing time for Express Entry applications varies depending on the program and the complexity of the application. However, most applications are processed within six months or less.

 

Q: What happens after I receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?

A: After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency, including all required documents and fees.

 

Q: Can I apply for Express Entry if I don’t have a job offer in Canada?

A: Yes, you can apply for Express Entry even if you don’t have a job offer in Canada. However, having a job offer may increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and being approved for permanent residency.

 

Q: How many times can I apply for Express Entry?

A: There is no limit on the number of times you can apply for Express Entry, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and have not been barred from applying.

 

Q: Can I apply for Express Entry if I have a criminal record?

A: Applicants with a criminal record may be ineligible for Express Entry or any other immigration program. However, it depends on the nature and severity of the offense, and the amount of time that has passed since the offense was committed.

 

Q: How much does it cost to apply for Express Entry?

A: The cost to apply for Express Entry varies depending on the program and the number of family members included in the application. As of 2023, the fee for the principal applicant is CAD $1,325, plus an additional fee of CAD $1,325 for a spouse.

 

Q: Can I apply for Express Entry if I have a low CRS score?

A: Yes, you can still apply for Express Entry if you have a low CRS score. However, your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) will be lower. You may want to consider improving your language proficiency or gaining more work experience to increase your CRS score.

 

Q: What happens if I am invited to apply for permanent residency but my circumstances have changed?

A: If your circumstances have changed since you received an Invitation to Apply (ITA), such as a change in job or marital status, you should update your application as soon as possible. Failure to update your application could result in it being rejected or delayed.

 

Q: Can I bring my family members with me if I am approved for permanent residency through Express Entry?

A: Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner, as well as dependent children, in your application for permanent residency. You must provide documentation to prove your relationship with your family members.

 

Q: What is the difference between Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)?

A: Express Entry is a federal immigration program that manages applications for permanent residency for skilled workers. The PNP is a program offered by individual Canadian provinces and territories that allows them to nominate foreign workers for permanent residency based on their specific labor market needs.

 

Q: Can I work while my Express Entry application is being processed?

A: If you are already in Canada with a valid work permit, you can continue to work while your Express Entry application is being processed. However, if you are outside of Canada, you cannot work until you have been approved for permanent residency.

 

Q: What happens if my Express Entry application is rejected?

A: If your Express Entry application is rejected, you may be able to appeal the decision or apply for another immigration program. It is important to review the reasons for the rejection and determine if there are any areas that can be improved upon in future applications.

 

Q: How long do I have to live in Canada after receiving permanent residency through Express Entry?

A: To maintain your permanent residency status, you must live in Canada for at least two years out of every five years. Failure to meet this requirement could result in the loss of your permanent residency status.

 

Q: Can I apply for Canadian citizenship after receiving permanent residency through Express Entry?

A: Yes, you can apply for Canadian citizenship after meeting the eligibility requirements, which include meeting the residency requirement, passing a language test, and passing a citizenship test. You must also have not committed any serious crimes or been involved in any immigration fraud.

 

Q: How is the job market in Canada for skilled workers?

A: The job market in Canada for skilled workers is generally strong, with many industries experiencing labor shortages. However, the job market can vary depending on the region and industry, so it is important to research the job market in your field before applying for permanent residency.

 

Q: What is the National Occupational Classification (NOC) and how does it relate to Express Entry?

A: The National Occupational Classification (NOC) is a system used to classify jobs in Canada based on the type of work and the skill level required. When applying for Express Entry, candidates must select the NOC code that corresponds to their job or field of work.

 

Q: What is the language proficiency requirement for Express Entry?

A: To be eligible for Express Entry, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English or French through a standardized language test. The language test measures the candidate’s ability to speak, listen, read, and write in English or French.

 

Q: Can I improve my CRS score after submitting my Express Entry application?

A: Yes, you can improve your CRS score after submitting your Express Entry application. However, any changes must be made before the application is reviewed by an immigration officer. Changes to your CRS score can be made by retaking a language test or gaining more work experience.

 

Q: How do I check the status of my Express Entry application?

A: You can check the status of your Express Entry application online through your account on the Canadian government’s website. You will receive updates on your application, including when it is received, if any documents are missing, and if you are selected for an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

 

Q: Can I apply for Express Entry if I have a disability?

A: Yes, individuals with disabilities can apply for Express Entry, and accommodations can be made for language testing and other requirements. However, candidates must still meet the eligibility requirements, including the minimum CRS score.

 

Q: What is the minimum score required on the language test for Express Entry?

A: The minimum score required on the language test for Express Entry varies depending on the program and the candidate’s first language. However, the minimum score for each language skill (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) is typically 4.0 or 5.0 out of 9.0, depending on the test and the program.

 

Q: What is the difference between a skilled worker and a skilled tradesperson in Express Entry?

A: A skilled worker is typically someone who works in a professional, managerial, or technical field, while a skilled tradesperson works in a trade or apprenticeship program. The eligibility requirements and job categories are different for skilled workers and skilled tradespeople in Express Entry.