How Express Entry Works

You might be wondering how Express Entry works and you have come to the right place to find out. Express Entry is a relatively new points-based system that was implemented by the Canadian government. It is used to select the best candidates for becoming permanent residents as a skilled worker. Those who qualify under the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and Canadian Experience Class can create an Express Entry profile to be entered into a pool. For more information on eligibility, check out our page on Express Entry. If you want to know how Express Entry works, we first need to explain what an Express Entry profile is.

An Express Entry profile requires you to fill out information about yourself such as your name, age, date of birth, education, work experience and language ability. Based on the information you have entered, you will be given a score according to the Comprehensive Ranking System criteria which can be found here: Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Criteria - Express Entry. The total number of points that can be given under CRS is 1200.

After completing your profile, you will be entered into a pool with all the other candidates who have also submitted their Express Entry profile.

A draw is done, typically every two weeks, whereby the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration selects a number of candidates above a certain cut-off score from the pool to be issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA). This cut-off score can depend on several factors such as the number of candidates in the pool, how many ITAs the Minister would like to issue and the range of scores in the pool. Each draw is specifically targeted towards one of the four economic programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, Provincial Nominee Program and Canadian Experience Class.

For example, the Express Entry draw done on July 8, 2021 issued 4,500 ITAs for the Canadian Experience Class. The CRS score of the lowest ranked individual was 369.

Those who are issued an ITA have 60 days to submit their application for permanent residence. You also have the option to decline the invitation if you are not interested in applying anymore. Your application will include valid documents which confirm all of the information you entered when you made an Express Entry profile. That is why it is crucial to keep your profile accurate and up-to-date. Misrepresenting yourself can make you inadmissible to Canada.

Once you submit your application for permanent residence, an officer will ensure that you meet the requirements for permanent residence and are not inadmissible. Processing times for permanent residence applications under Express Entry typically take up to 6 months.

I hope you now have a better understanding of how Express Entry works. This can be one of the best ways to become a permanent resident in Canada. If you would like more information about your options for immigrating to Canada. Consider booking a consultation with a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) like myself. Click the image below to find out more information!