What is Express Entry?

 

Express Entry is the application process for skilled workers from Overseas or Canada who want to settle in Canada permanently. This is the fastest and most popular pathway for newcomers seeking a new life in Canada. Interested candidates are required to submit an online application to express their interest by creating an Express Entry (EE) profile and providing information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and some other details.

 

After submitting the profile, candidates get a score to determine their place in the pool using the point-based system called Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS system considers skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other factors (e.g. having a sibling in Canada, Canadian education, or a valid job offer in Canada, etc.) to award points. Highest ranking candidates from the Express Entry pool are regularly invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence. Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs :

 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Express Entry streams of the Provincial Nominee Programs

 

How does Express Entry work?

 

• Create an Express Entry Profile
• Be accepted into the Express Entry Pool and get a score
• Get an invitation to apply (ITA) if your score is above the score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited.)
• Apply for permanent residence online.

 

To complete an Express Entry profile, you must submit valid language test results and Educational Credential Assessments (if your education was completed outside of Canada and you want to receive Comprehensive Ranking System points towards and/or to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program). Express Entry profiles are valid for one (1) year.

If you are invited to apply, you have 60 days to submit an online application for permanent residence.

 

What is an Express Entry Profile?

 

Potential candidates make an expression of interest (EOI) by creating an Express Entry profile and providing information about their education, skills, experience, language ability, and other personal information.

 

Is there a Government fee to create an Express Entry profile?

 

None. Government fee is NOT required to submit an Express Entry profile. The fee is only requested when you are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

 

Can I change the information in my Express Entry profile?

 

Candidates are required to update their profile to reflect any changes in their status, such as in language ability, family composition, work experience, or education credentials.

 

Do I need a job offer for Express Entry?

 

You are not required to have a job offer for Express Entry. Most candidates selected for Express Entry do not have a job offer from a Canadian employer.

 

A job offer from a Canadian employer for a skilled, full-time position can add 50 to 200 points to your Express Entry application. An informal job offer will not award any additional points to your Express Entry profile and should not be mentioned in the application.

 

What is the role of Canadian employers in Express Entry?

 

Canadian employers have a greater and more direct role in Canadian immigration under Express Entry. Candidates in the Express Entry pool may increase their chances of being invited to apply by promoting themselves directly to employers through the Canada Job Bank (As of June 6, 2017, registration in the Job Bank is voluntary).

 

Candidates can obtain 50 or 200 additional points (depending on the level of the job offered) through a job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). Certain work permit holders may be awarded points for an LMIA expect when job offers:

 

• Candidates with a work permit issued under an international agreement (e.g. Canada United States Mexico Agreement)
• Candidates with a work permit are issued under the ‘significant benefits to Canada’ criteria (e.g. Intra-Company Transfers).
• In both above cases, the worker must have been working in Canada for at least one year and the job offer must be made by the same employer named on the work permit.

 

What is the maximum age for Express Entry?

 

There is no maximum age for Express Entry applicants. However, the applicants who are between 20-29 years old, receive the highest points. Applicants who are 45 years or more do not get any points for age factor.

 

Can I apply alone and then bring my family later?

 

Yes, you may choose to immigrate without your spouse and/or children and then sponsor them through a family sponsorship immigration program later. However, you must declare your spouse or partner and children on your application, even if they are not accompanying you. You can indicate in your Express Entry profile that they will not be accompanying.

 

What makes you eligible for this program?

 

• Have a minimum of 1 year of continuous, qualified work experience within the past 10 years;
• Have at least a High school diploma;
• Meet the minimum level of language proficiency;
• For the primary language (English or French), you must score at least the equivalent of CLB 7 in all abilities;
• For the secondary language (English or French), you must score at least the equivalent of CLB 5 in all abilities.
• Sum 67 points in the eligibility grid; and
• Have enough funds available to support you and your family members upon approval.

 

WestSun Immigration Services, Inc. can assess your profile and determine which Canadian Immigration Program is the right fit for you.