Express Entry Canada
What is Express Entry and how does it work?
Express Entry is a points based system used to assess and manage applications from skilled workers who want to migrate to Canada. If you’re successfully selected through the Express Entry program, you’ll be invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Here’s a simple overview of how the Canada Express Entry program works:
- Check your eligibility.
You can apply for Express Entry if you’re eligible under one of the Canadian economic immigration programs. - Gather the supporting documents required.
Learn more about what documents are needed for the application process. - Complete your profile online.
Fill out your online Express Entry profile with personal details including your work experience, academic achievements and connections to Canada. Eligible candidates are then ranked using the points-based CRS system. Check your score using our CRS calculator. - Receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
The top scoring candidates are invited to apply for Canadian permanent resident status. You’ll then have 90 days to complete and submit your application for permanent residence.
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Who is eligible for Express Entry?
There are 3 different routes to entry which fall under the Express Entry program:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
These are economic immigration programs which are designed to welcome skilled workers into Canada, especially in fields where there
may be a shortage of local talent. In general for any of these programs you’ll need university or college level qualifications, and relevant
work experience. You’ll also need a proficiency in English or French — Canada’s official languages.
The minimum requirements to be able to apply for Canadian permanent residence under the Express Entry program
are usually as follows:
- Candidates should have at least the equivalent of one year in the last 10 years of full time work experience in a skilled occupation.
- Candidates must have post secondary education to a recognised international standard.
- Candidates must be able to speak English or French to a minimum of the Canadian Level Benchmark 7 (CLB7).
Applicants who meet these requirements are eligible to apply. All applicants are then ranked on a points basis, with only those exceeding
the minimum benchmark being invited to apply for permanent residence. The benchmark may change over time according to the demand
for skilled workers.
Calculate your Express Entry score and find out how strong your profile is.
How can I apply for Express Entry?
Applying for Express Entry is a straightforward process, although you’ll need to gather supporting documents and evidence for your application. Here’s what you have to do.
Submit your online Express Entry profile. This includes:
- Educational credential assessment report.
- Your passport or other travel document.
- Recent language tests such as IELTS or the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program for English (CELPIP); and/or the Test d’Evaluation de Français (TEF) for French.
- Your occupation classification
- Information about your job offer in Canada (if you have one).
- Provincial nomination (if you have one).
On the basis of the documents above, and further information about your own personal situation, you’ll be placed in the Express Entry pool of candidates. If you then receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence, there are a few other documents you’ll need to supply, including:
- Police clearance certificates.
- Medical examination.
- Proof of funds.
- Reference letters.
- Further identity documents.
How much does Express Entry cost?
Submitting your initial Express Entry profile is free. However, if you’re then invited to apply for permanent residence, there are some fees to pay.
The basic requirements are set out in the table. There may also be additional costs set by the local government if you receive a provincial nomination to support your entry.
| Cost | |
|---|---|
Language tests | Average cost – $300 |
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) | Average cost – $200 |
Biometrics | $85/person |
Government fees | $1,325/adult & $225/child |
Medical examination fees | $450/adult & $250/child |
Police clearance certificates | average cost – $100/country |
How long does Express Entry take?
If you’re one of the top scoring candidates in the Express Entry pool, the route to Canadian PR status can be pretty quick. Moving from submitting your Express Entry profile online to receiving your permanent residence visa may take as little as 6 months.
However, if you’re not immediately successful in the Express Entry pool, your profile will remain valid for 12 months. There are regular
draws to select candidates, and the benchmarks can shift according to demand. That means that even if you’re not successful immediately,
you may get picked in a later draw.
If you’re not picked after 12 months, you can resubmit your Express Entry profile, to try again. There’s no limit on the number of times you
can apply.
Here are the headlines.
- Express Entry profiles stay live in the pool for 12 months.
- If you receive an ITA (invitation to apply), you have 90 days to complete your application including providing supporting documents.
- Your permanent resident visa could be processed in under six months once you submit all the required paperwork.
What is the minimum CRS score to apply for permanent residence?
There is no fixed minimum score or benchmark for CRS. Instead, the cutoff is set periodically to make sure that the number of migrants entering into Canada meets the demand for skilled workers. You’ll be able to find the most recent Express Entry draw results online to give you an idea of the current situation.
It’s worth knowing that CRS scores can change with every Express Entry draw. That means that submitting your application is worthwhile, even if you fall slightly under the most recent benchmark scores.
The other way to boost your chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence is to get a provincial nomination. By being in the Express Entry pool, you’re in a better position to receive this nomination and push up your CRS score significantly.
You can also have a look at ways to improve your CRS score here.
7 ways to increase your CRS score.
If your CRS score is lower than you want it to be, don’t panic. Here are some smart ways to improve your Express Entry points, and havea better chance to receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
1. Get more work experience in your field.
Express Entry programs are designed to welcome skilled workers into Canada. That means that the stronger your skills and experience,
the better chances you have to score highly. Getting some more relevant work experience under your belt can be a big boost to your
CRS points score. It’s also good to know that having experience in Canada is a big bonus. If you have the opportunity to go to Canada
as a temporary worker or as a student for example, doing this before applying for Express Entry may make all the difference.
2. Find a relevant provincial nominee program.
Provincial nominee programs exist to help local authorities address shortages of skilled workers in their specific area. If there’s a provincial
nominee program that suits your skills and location preferences you’ll find yourself with more CRS points. There are separate processes
to apply for the provincial schemes, so doing your research for the province you’re planning to head to is essential.
3. Complete a further educational qualification.
CRS points are awarded based on your educational attainment, which means that taking further higher level qualifications can give a boost
to your score. The number of points you could gain will depend on the type of qualification and its length. For example a post-secondary
degree of three years or more is worth 120 points.
4. Reapply with your spouse.
If you’re planning on heading to Canada with your partner, you can apply either together or separately. Check if a joint application helps
boost your score. Your spouse could also do any of the things set out on this list to get a higher score themselves, and therefore a better
joint CRS score too. It could be retaking a language test, or getting an educational credential assessment (ECA) for any post-secondary
education they have.
5. Improve your language ability.
The highest available score for language proficiency is 150 points on the recognized English and French tests like IELTS, CELPIP and TEF.
By improving your language test scores you could net yourself additional CRS points and improve your chances.
6. Line up a Canadian job offer.
You’ll want a job to pay your way when you’re in Canada - and getting one in advance can improve your chances of passing the CRS benchmark.
Use online job boards and recruitment agencies, and call on your network to give yourself the best possible chance of getting a good role.
7. Score higher if your sibling is in Canada already.
If your sibling, including a sibling through marriage or partnership, is already a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, this can get you
15 extra points. You’ll need to prove your relationship - but if a sibling recently made the move to Canada, now is the time to update your
Express Entry profile.
FAQ about Express Entry.
