Express Entry

This is one of Canada's most popular immigration systems

Being granted permanent resident status through Express Entry can allow skilled immigrants to live anywhere in Canada, except for Quebec. 

In this page, we will explain what Express Entry is, how it works, why you should consider it and how to apply for permanent residence with it.

Express Entry is a points-based system that was introduced in 2015 in order to processing a large number of permanent residence applications made by skilled workers. Prior to Express Entry, applications were processed on a first-come, first-served basis. With Express Entry, candidates are invited to apply based on who is most likely to succeed in Canada. In order to measure this, applicants earn a certain number of points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for various factors like age, education, work experience and language test results. Those who score the highest points are determined to be most likely to succeed. The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration will then invite the highest scoring candidates to submit their application for permanent residence. 

Applicants are first required to make an Express Entry profile. In order to be eligible to apply for permanent residence via Express Entry, you must qualify for one of the three Economic Immigration programs:

(See National Occupation Classification website for more information)

(See IRCC website for more information)

Points are then awarded for education, language proficiency, work experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability. As of now, the principal applicant must attain 67 points or more to qualify.

(See IRCC website for more information)

3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

(See National Occupation Classification website for more information)

(See IRCC website for more information)

If you qualify for any of these three streams, you can create an Express Entry profile and you will be placed into a pool with other candidates. Express Entry uses a different point system than the Federal Skilled Worker Program, but the factors are similar. Express Entry also allocates points towards Canadian work experience and provincial nominations. 600 of the 1200 total CRS points that can be earned are simply for receiving a provincial nomination. For a breakdown on the point system, visit the Government of Canada website.

A draw typically happens every two weeks where a number of Invitations to Apply (ITA) are issued to candidates above a cut-off score who can then submit their application for permanent residence. To see the results of previous draws, visit the following link: Latest Express Entry Draw Results.

Express Entry applications typically take up to 6 months to process.

The Express Entry system is catered towards skilled immigrants. Anybody who qualifies under one of the three Economic Immigration Programs listed above should definitely consider applying for permanent residence via Express Entry.

It is possible for an applicant to earn their Permanent Resident Visa in less than a year after making a profile if the Minister selects them in a draw. Other immigration streams may take one year or more to get a Permanent Resident Visa.

Making an Express Entry profile requires an IRCC secure account. Once an account is made, follow the instructions for creating an Express Entry profile. In this profile, it will ask you to enter information such as your date of birth, nationality, education level, language results and work experience. Once your profile is complete, it can be submitted and entered into the Express Entry pool. It is important to ensure that all the information in your profile remains up-to-date.

Your profile also allows you to select which provinces or territories you are interested in living in. If you meet the requirements of one of these provinces or territories, they may send you a Notification of Interest (NOI) where you can apply for a Provincial Nomination from them if you want. If granted, you would add another 600 points to your CRS score. However, only apply for a provincial nomination if you intend to live there.

Your Express Entry profile is valid for up to 12 months. If you have not been selected in those 12 months, your profile will become expired. If you still wish to apply via Express Entry, you will need to create another profile again.

If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence. This application will contain forms and documents which confirm the information you entered in your profile. That is why it is important to keep your profile up-to-date because not doing so may make you inadmissible to Canada for misrepresentation under section 40(1)(a) of the Act.

Once an application for permanent residence via Express Entry has been submitted, an officer will ensure the foreign national meets the requirements for permanent residence in Canada under section 70 of the Regulations. The officer may request other information, if needed. If the officer is satisfied they meet all the requirements for permanent residence, they will issue a Permanent Residence Visa. The foreign national will then present this visa to an officer when they attempt to enter Canada and undergo an examination. If the foreign nationals examination by an officer is successful, they will be granted access into Canada and become a permanent resident.

For more information on Express Entry applications, please visit the Government of Canada website to find out the procedures for applying under Express Entry or book a consultation.

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