Express Entry is a system utilized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRRC) to speed up and simplify the immigration process for qualifying candidates. It applies to the following immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, Canadian Experience Class, and some of the Provincial Nominee Programs.

How to Apply for Express Entry

To apply for Express Entry a candidate must be eligible for immigration under one of the above-mentioned federal economic immigration programs. Eligibility is defined by many factors. It is advised that potential candidates check their current eligibility before applying. If eligible, the candidate then submits a profile to IRRC which is used to create a score on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

The ranking is scored on the following factors:

  • Core Human Capital Factors including age, education, work experience and marital status, as well as ability in English and French. If a spouse or common law partner is also applying, then they will be scored too.
  • Skills Transferability Factors including work experience and skills the candidate possesses that may be of benefit to Canada and the community. No points are awarded for an accompanying spouse.
  • Additional Factors such as a standing job offer in Canada, work experience in the country, having studied in Canada and having siblings in the country. Perhaps most notable is the possession of a provincial nomination, whereby the candidate has been recognised as offering skills important to a province.

If a candidate is not currently eligible, there are ways to improve their ranking by way of education and work experience. Applicants who reach the required score are entered into the Express Entry pool, from which candidates are drawn regularly. Those who are drawn will be issued with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) and may submit an official application for permanent residence in Canada.

Improving Ranking

As the highest-scoring candidates are put into the Express Entry pool it is advised that potential applicants improve their scores where possible. This can be done in several ways such as:

  • Improving English and French language skills and taking recognised tests
  • Have foreign credentials assessed to the relevant Canadian standards
  • Should there be medical or criminal records impeding your application, have these dealt with before applying
  • Thoroughly research the many Canadian Provincial Nomination programs as these can be instrumental in your CRS score.
  • Learn more about CRS and how to score highly.
  • Register with Canada’s Job Bank and search thoroughly for viable positions – a job offer in Canada is a way to strengthen your permanent residence application.

Once an ITA Has Been Issued

Once a candidate receives an ITA they are entitled to begin the application process. There is a 60-day deadline to complete the application after which the ITA is considered to have expired. They can then file a new profile and go through the process again.
When the application has been submitted with the relevant documents, the Canadian Government aims to complete the process within 6 months and will advise when the candidate is passed as entitled to take up permanent residence.