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Canada Express Entry
Canada Express Entry is an online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for Permanent Residency (PR) from skilled workers. It is one of the fastest and most popular ways to move to Canada for work and settlement.
Under Express Entry, candidates are ranked based on a points system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The higher your score, the better your chances of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
Main Programs Under Express Entry
Canada Express Entry manages applications for permanent residency through three major immigration programs. Each program is designed for different types of skilled workers. Here’s a breakdown of each:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for skilled professionals with foreign work experience who want to settle permanently in Canada.
Key requirements:
At least 1 year of continuous full time work experience in the last 10 years
Language proficiency in English or French (IELTS or CELPIP)
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove that foreign education is equal to Canadian standards
Minimum of 67 out of 100 points on Canadaโs points grid
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – This program is for people who have experience in a skilled trade and want to become permanent residents.
Key requirements:
At least 2 years of full time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years
A valid job offer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority
Meet basic language requirements
Work experience in NOC TEER 2 or 3 trade occupations
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – This program is for applicants who already have work experience in Canada and want to apply for PR.
Key requirements:
At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years
Must meet language requirements
Experience must be gained under a valid work permit
Steps to Apply for Canada Express Entry Programs
Here are some Important steps for the Canada Express Entry Program:-
Check your eligibility for Express Entry (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC).
Take an approved English or French language test (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
Get your Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if you studied outside Canada.
Create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website.
Receive your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Improve your CRS score if needed (language, job offer, PNP, etc.).
Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during a draw.
Receive your ITA if your CRS score meets the cutoff.
Submit your complete PR application within 60 days.
Upload documents (medical, police clearance, proof of funds, etc.).
Pay the application fee.
Wait for IRCC to process your application (usually within 6 months).
Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) if approved.
Get your PR visa stamped (if outside Canada).
Land in Canada and complete the PR formalities at the border.
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Eligibility and Requirements for Canada Express Entry
To apply for Canada Express Entry, you must meet some basic eligibility criteria. These help the Canadian government choose the best skilled workers to live and work in Canada.
1. Age
You should be between 18 to 45 years old.
Maximum points are given between 20 to 35 years.
2. Education
You must have at least a high school diploma.
For better chances, a bachelorโs degree or higher is preferred.
If you studied outside Canada, get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
3. Language Skills
You must take a language test like IELTS or CELPIP (English) or TEF (French).
You need a minimum CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark) for most programs.
4. Work Experience
You need at least 1 year of full-time skilled work experience in the past 10 years.
Experience must match the National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 jobs.
5. Proof of Funds
- You must show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after moving to Canada (unless you have a valid job offer or are applying under Canadian Experience Class).
6. Health and Police Clearance
You must pass a medical exam.
You must provide a police clearance certificate from each country you lived in for 6+ months since age 18.
7. CRS Score
You will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on your age, education, language, work experience, etc.
Higher score = better chance of getting an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
8. Valid Passport
- You must have a valid passport to create and submit your Express Entry profile.
FAQs
Yes, you can apply for Express Entry while you are inside or outside Canada. If you’re already in Canada on a work or study visa, you can still create your Express Entry profile and apply for Permanent Residency (PR).
You must take a language test in English or French.
For English: IELTS General Training or CELPIP General
For French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada
You need at least CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark) for most programs under Express Entry.
Your Express Entry profile is valid for 12 months from the date you submit it.
If you donโt receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) within a year, you can create a new profile and try again.
An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is a formal invitation from the Canadian government to submit your PR application.
You will get an ITA if your CRS score is high enough in one of the regular Express Entry draws. Once you receive it, you have 60 days to apply for PR.
Both are good options, but it depends on your profile.
Express Entry is faster and doesnโt always require a job offer.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) gives you 600 extra CRS points, which almost guarantees a PR invitation.
If your CRS score is low, PNP can improve your chances.
An Express Entry draw is when the Canadian government selects top-ranked candidates from the Express Entry pool based on their CRS scores.
Draws usually happen every 2 weeks, and candidates with scores above the cut-off get ITAs.
No, at least one year of full-time skilled work experience is required for most Express Entry programs.
Work experience must be under an eligible job in the NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 category.
There is no official age limit, but points for age drop after 30 years and stop at 45 years.
If you’re over 45, you can still apply, but you wonโt get points for age, so you’ll need strong scores in other areas like language, education, or job offer.
