Express Entry: The Fastest Route to Canadian PR

Express Entry program is indeed one of the most popular pathways for skilled workers seeking to immigrate to Canada permanently. One of the main advantages of the Express Entry system is its efficiency in processing applications. Express Entry is favoured for its quick processing times, allowing applicants to secure PR in Canada within a relatively short period. Candidates who receive an ITA can generally complete the permanent residence process within six months, making it a reasonably quick pathway compared to traditional immigration routes.

1. Assess Your Eligibility for Express Entry

To be eligible for Express Entry, you need to qualify for one of the three economic immigration streams:

1. Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program:  For individuals with foreign work experience or advanced education seeking permanent immigration to Canada.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Geared towards skilled tradespersons aspiring to immigrate to Canada.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Designed for foreign nationals who have worked in Canada for at least a year and wish to apply for PR.

IRCC provides a user-friendly online tool to assess your eligibility for immigration programs—answer a few questions to receive your results and a personal reference code, then transfer your information from the tool to your Express Entry profile. You may refer to the comparison table on the Canadian government website to learn about these programs.

2. Create an IRCC account and prepare your Express Entry profile.

When eligible for an Express Entry program, create an account on the IRCC website. Then, submit your profile to enter the Express Entry pool of candidates formally. During this phase, no document uploads are required. However, upon receiving an invitation to apply for PR, you must upload supporting documents based on your profile information.

Preparing EE profile

You need certain documents ready before you start creating an account. Let us find out the essential lists below:

1. NOC code: Find your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code on the government website. The National Occupational Classification (NOC) code aligns with your occupation. It categorizes various jobs according to their required education, skills, and occupational categories designated by the Canadian government.
2. ECA report: Obtain your Education Credential Assessment (ECA) report confirming the equivalence of your foreign education credentials to Canadian standards. Ensure the ECA is specifically for immigration purposes. Include your ECA report and its reference number in your Express Entry profile.
3. Language Proficiency: Canada acknowledges two official languages, English and French. You can submit language test results in either language. These tests assess speaking, reading, listening, and writing skills.

• For English: International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP)
• For French: Test d’évaluation de français (TEF Canada) and Test de connaissance du français (TCF Canada

Ensure your test results are valid and not older than two years at the time of application submission.

3. Evaluate Your Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS)

Canada uses a point system to evaluate immigration applications based on skills, education, language ability, etc. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) generates your score based on responses to several questions. You may check if you have scored the minimum required points from the recent invitation rounds.

Candidates in Express Entry can score up to 1200 points:

• 500 points: Core factors like age, education, language, and Canadian work experience.
• 100 points: Skills from foreign qualifications, work experience, education, and language.
• 600 points: A provincial nomination certificate.
• 50-200 points: Job offer meeting specific criteria

Things to Remember

• Points are awarded for skilled work experience in occupations classified under NOC skill type 0, 1, 2, or 3 based on job duties performed, not titles. Proof of work experience is necessary to claim these points.
• Bonus points may be granted for having a Canadian sibling or studying in Canada, potentially boosting a non-competitive profile.
• Even with a slightly lower score, consider submitting your profile as it may still be selected, primarily through the Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
• There is no fee required to submit an Express Entry profile.

4. Profile submission

Your Express Entry profile places you in a pool of potential candidates for immigration. Once completed and submitted online, you will receive a ranking in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) based on your profile information.

However, submitting an Express Entry profile is a different process compared to applying for Permanent Residence (PR). While everyone interested in immigration submits a profile, only high-ranking candidates are invited to apply for PR. Profiles can stay in the pool for up to a year. If any of your ranking factors change during this time, update your profile accordingly.

Those without a job offer can register with Canada Job Bank. While not mandatory, it is a beneficial platform for connecting with employers and enhancing opportunities in Canada.

During the process of filling out the PR application, each applicant is provided with a personalized document checklist. It is essential to thoroughly review this checklist and the document requirements before submitting.

5. Invitation to Apply (ITA) and PR Application

Express Entry draws happen every few weeks to select the candidates from the pool. The highest-ranked candidates receive an ITA for Canadian PR. Upon receiving an ITA, candidates have 60 days to complete their PR application for Canada. It is crucial to complete application submissions on time as deadlines are not extendable.

Supporting Documents 

When invited to apply, you must submit supporting documents like: 

• Passport or travel document
• ECA report
• Language test results
• Work experience certificates
• Medical test report
• Proof of funds
• Police certificates

IRCC estimates a processing time of approximately six months after submission. So, keeping a copy of your submitted application is advisable.

Initially, the Express Entry process might appear complex. However, utilizing the resources offered by the Canadian government and seeking guidance from authorized immigration lawyers/consultants can significantly assist in realizing your Canadian aspirations. 

The article offers general information and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Seek guidance from a professional advisor for specific assistance. While we aim for accuracy, we cannot guarantee complete precision. Author opinions may change over time. ImmiLaw Global and its affiliates do not explicitly or implicitly endorse third-party advice, opinions, information, products, or services.

Our experienced team comprises proficient immigration lawyers with extensive Canadian laws and regulations expertise. From setting up EE profiles to selecting PNP programs and more, we assist with various immigration needs. Connect with us to begin a brighter future in Canada.

Feel free to contact us for your queries.

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