Express Entry in Canada
It is important to note that Express Entry is not an immigration program itself. Express Entry is an online system used to manage immigration applications from skilled workers. An eligible EE prospective candidate has a right to register an EE Profile (subject to meeting the program requirements).
The Express Entry covers the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Minimum Requirements
- Meet the required language levels needed for your job
- Have at least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada, in the last 3 years before you apply—you can meet this in a few different ways:
- full-time at 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1 year full-time (1,560 hours)
- equal amount in part-time work: for example 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
- You can work as many part-time jobs as you need to meet this requirement.
- full-time work at more than 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than 1 job = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
- Have gained your work experience by working in Canada while under temporary resident status with authorization to work
Not Eligible for Canadian Experience Class
- Refugee claimants in Canada
- Working without authorization
- Work experience was gained without temporary resident status in Canada
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program, an EE stream in which applicants can submit their application for permanent residency through the Express Entry system. This program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who wish to immigrate to Canada permanently.
This program has minimum requirements for:
- skilled work experience
- language ability
- education
FSW Minimum requirements:
- You must have at least one year, in the last 10 years, of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation (in a NOC TEER category 0, 1, 2 or 3)
- Pass an approved English or French language test with a minimum of CLB 7
- Obtain either a Canadian educational credential or a foreign educational credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- Score at least 67 points under FSW Points Grid (points assigned for age, education, work experience, language skills, job offer if you have one, and for adaptability skills)
- Have enough funds for you and your family to settle in Canada
- Be admissible to Canada
Federal Skilled Trades
The Federal Skilled Trades Program, an EE stream in which applicants can submit their application for permanent residency through the Express Entry system. This program is for skilled workers that possess qualified skilled work experience in the following NOC groups:
- Major Group 72, industrial, electrical and construction trades
- Major Group 73, maintenance and equipment operation trades
- Major Group 82, supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production
- Major Group 92, processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators
- Minor Group 632, chefs and cooks
- Minor Group 633, butchers and bakers
Application Process
- Applicants must have at least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the 5 years prior to applying;
- Meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification, except for needing a certificate of qualification;
- A valid job offer of full-time employment for a total of at least 1 year OR certificate of qualification in a skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority
- Pass an approved English or French language test with a minimum of CLB 5 or NCLC 5
- A completed credential, and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report obtained for immigration purposes from a designated organization
- Proof of funds
Meet minimum eligibility requirements under one of the economic streams
- Each economic stream has its own minimum eligibility requirements. For example, to qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program the candidate has to score minimum 67 out of 100 points of the FSW points grid. For CEC, applicants have to meet specific requirements and demonstrate eligible Canadian work experience. Only after the candidates meet the minimum eligibility criteria under one of the economic streams they are allowed to create an Express Entry Profile.
Create an Express Entry Profile
- Each candidate must create an Express Entry online profile and submit it to the Pool of Candidates. Candidates must have an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) or proof of completion of Canadian studies & a valid language test result to create a profile. The candidate will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score depending on their skills and background.
To create an Express Entry profile an applicant will need to collect a list of documents, including passport, ECA, language test results, etc.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- All profiles in the Pool are ranked by the CRS score. Top candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence if and when IRCC issues a Round of Invitations. A candidate’s Express Entry Profile will remain active for 1 year. If the candidate does not receive an ITA within 1 year, the Profile will automatically expire.
An Invitation to Apply (ITA) allows the candidate to prepare and submit a formal application for permanent residence. ITAs are issued to the candidates with the top CRS scores. In non-pandemic times, IRCC would issue ITAs approximately every 2 weeks to top ranked candidates in the Pool. Each Round of Invitations identifies the minimum qualifying CRS score, the Program (FSW, FST, CEC, or PNP) and the number of ITAs issued in that particular Round of Invitations.
Submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR)
- After the ITA is received, the candidate has 60 calendar days to submit their Electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).
At the eAPR stage, the candidate has to enter detailed personal information and disclose personal history, work history, travel history, and family composition. The candidate’s CRS score must also be confirmed with supporting documents, including Police Certificates, medical exams, proof of education and proof of employment. The candidate then electronically signs and submits the completed eAPR forms and all supporting documents through the Express Entry Profile.
Express Entry Fees
The first step in the process will cost you nothing – it is free to create an Express Entry profile. However, as you begin collecting the necessary supporting documents for your eAPR, expenses will add up quickly. Realistically, preparing and submitting a PR application to Canada will cost you at least between $3,000 to $5,000 CAD. You will need to consider the following minimum expenses, all listed in CAD:
Fees
Express Entry Fees
Educational Credential Assessment
Approximately $200
English/French Language Test
Approximately $350
Police Clearance Certificates
Cost varies from country to country
Medical Exam
Approximately $250
Certified English or French language translation for all supporting documents
Approximately $250
Processing fee
Approximately $800
Principal Applicant and Accompanying Spouse
Biometrics fee
dependents)
- Educational Credential Assessment
- English/French Language Test
- Police Clearance Certificates
- Medical Exam
- Certified English or French language translation for all supporting documents
- Processing fee
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee ($500) for the Principal Applicant and Accompanying Spouse Biometrics fee
- Approximately $200
- Approximately $350
- Cost varies from country to country
- Approximately $250
- Approximately $250
- Approximately $800
-
($500) (There are also fees for child
dependents)
$85
On top of these expenses, candidates for Permanent Residence in Canada must meet the Proof of Funds (POF) requirements. POF are the funds that are readily available to the candidate for settling in Canada. The minimum Proof of Funds requirements change every year and currently range between $13,757 to $36,407 CAD depending on the number of family members accompanying the Principal Applicant to Canada.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Express Entry is an online immigration system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for three federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Eligible candidates create an online profile and are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency through regular draws.
While a valid job offer can add additional points to your CRS score, it is not mandatory for all applicants.
No, there is no age limit for candidates applying through Express Entry. However, older candidates may receive fewer points in the CRS for age
The CRS is a points-based system used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
No, Express Entry is one of the pathways for economic immigration. Other options include Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), family sponsorship, and other immigration streams.
Yes, while a higher level of education can boost your CRS score, it is not mandatory to have a university degree to be eligible for Express Entry.
Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner in your Express Entry application. Their information can contribute to your CRS score.