1. What is the Express Entry system for immigrating to Canada?

The Express Entry system is a points-based system used by the Government of Canada to manage and process applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It was introduced in 2015 and is designed to attract high-skilled foreign workers who can contribute to Canada’s economy.

2. How does the Express Entry system work?

The Express Entry system has three main steps:

1) Create an online profile: Eligible individuals must create an online profile on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The profile includes information such as age, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other factors that determine eligibility for permanent residence.

2) Receive invitation to apply: Based on their profile score, candidates are entered into a pool with other eligible candidates. Those with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws that take place every two weeks.

3) Submit a complete application: Once invited, candidates have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence including all required documents such as medical exams and police certificates.

3. How are points calculated in the Express Entry system?

Points in the Express Entry system are calculated based on a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS takes into account factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency in English or French, and other additional factors such as Canadian job offers or having a sibling living in Canada.

4. What are the benefits of applying through Express Entry?

Some benefits of applying through Express Entry include:

– Faster processing times compared to other immigration programs
– The ability to enter into the pool multiple times if you do not receive an invitation right away
– No quota restrictions – anyone who meets the eligibility requirements can submit an Express Entry profile
– Flexibility to update your profile at any time before receiving an invitation

5. What types of programs fall under Express Entry?

Express Entry manages applications for the following three economic immigration programs:

1) Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): for skilled workers with foreign work experience, education, language proficiency, and other skills to contribute to the Canadian economy.

2) Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): for skilled tradespeople with at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade.

3) Canadian Experience Class (CEC): for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada.

2. Who is eligible to apply for Express Entry?

Express Entry is a pathway to permanent residency in Canada for skilled workers who meet the eligibility criteria for one of the following federal economic immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

In order to apply for Express Entry, applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for at least one of these programs, which include but are not limited to:

– Having at least 1 year of full-time work experience in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A, or B)
– Meeting the language proficiency requirements in either English or French
– Having sufficient funds to support themselves and their family members in Canada
– Meeting the education requirement (equivalent to a Canadian secondary diploma or above)
– Being admissible to Canada from an immigration standpoint (no criminal record, no serious health issues, etc.)

Additionally, eligible candidates must also create an online profile with the Government of Canada’s Express Entry system and obtain a score on the Comprehensive Ranking System based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and other additional points.

It is important to note that meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residency through Express Entry. Candidates with higher CRS scores have a better chance of being issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

3. How do I create an Express Entry profile?

To create an Express Entry profile, follow these steps:

1. Determine your eligibility: Before creating a profile, make sure you are eligible to apply for Express Entry. This includes meeting the requirements of one of the three federal immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class.

2. Gather necessary documents: You will need to gather supporting documents such as language test results, education credentials, and work experience proofs. Make sure these documents meet the requirements set by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

3. Complete an online self-assessment: The Government of Canada has a Come to Canada tool that allows you to check your eligibility and calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score before creating a profile.

4. Create an account: Once you have determined your eligibility and gathered all necessary documents, you can create an Express Entry profile by creating an online account on the official IRCC website.

5. Fill out the profile form: The next step is to fill out the online profile form accurately with all required information such as personal details, education history, work experience, language proficiency etc.

6. Calculate your CRS score: After filling out the profile form, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like age, education level, language skills etc.

7. Submit your profile: If your CRS score is high enough and you meet the minimum entry criteria for one of the three federal immigration programs mentioned above, you can submit your Express Entry profile into the pool of candidates.

8. Wait for an invitation to apply (ITA): IRCC conducts regular draws from the pool of candidates and invites those with high CRS scores to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Your ITA will be sent through your Express Entry account and you will have 60 days to complete and submit your permanent residence application.

9. Apply for permanent residence: Once you have received an ITA, you can submit your application for permanent residence. You will need to provide all required documents and pay the necessary fees.

10. Wait for a decision: After submitting your application, IRCC will review it and make a decision on your permanent residence status. If your application is approved, you will receive confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and can then proceed with making plans to move to Canada.

4. What is a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS. score and how is it calculated?

The Comprehensive Ranking System or CRS score is a points-based system used by the Canadian government to rank and select candidates for the Express Entry program. This program is used to manage and process applications for permanent residency in Canada.

The CRS score is calculated based on different factors including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Candidates can earn a maximum of 600 points for their core human capital factors (age, education, work experience, language proficiency) and an additional 600 points for other factors such as job offers or provincial nominations.

The highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency through regular Express Entry draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The lowest CRS score selected in each draw serves as the cutoff point for that draw. Candidates with scores above that cutoff are then issued invitations to apply for permanent residency.

The minimum CRS score varies from one draw to another depending on the number of candidates in the pool and the specific needs of Canada’s labor market at that time. Generally, higher CRS scores increase your chances of being invited to apply for permanent residency.

5. What are the minimum requirements for applying through the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)?

1. Meet the minimum language requirements: Applicants must provide proof of their proficiency in English or French by taking an approved language test.

2. Educational qualifications: Applicants must have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a designated organization to show that their foreign education credentials are equivalent to Canadian standards.

3. Work experience: Applicants must have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience within the past 10 years in a skilled occupation classified as NOC level 0, A, or B.

4. Meet the minimum points requirement: The FSWP uses a points system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess applicants based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

5. Prove financial stability: Applicants must show that they have enough funds to support themselves and their dependents upon arrival in Canada unless they already have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

6. Pass medical and security exams: All FSWP applicants must pass a medical exam and obtain police clearance certificates from all countries they have lived in for more than six months since turning 18 years old.

7. Have an Express Entry profile: Before applying for the FSWP, applicants must create an online Express Entry profile and be invited to apply for permanent residence based on their CRS score.

6. Can I include my spouse or common-law partner in my application for permanent residency through Express Entry?

Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner in your application for permanent residency through Express Entry. In fact, it is highly recommended to do so as it can increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Including your spouse or common-law partner allows them to also receive points for their education, language proficiency, work experience and other factors that contribute to your overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This can potentially increase the total CRS score for your application and make you more competitive among other candidates in the Express Entry pool.

7. How long does it usually take to be selected from the Express Entry pool?

The time it takes to be selected from the Express Entry pool can vary. Some individuals are selected within a few days or weeks, while others may stay in the pool for months or even a year before being selected. It ultimately depends on a variety of factors, such as your CRS score and the number of candidates in the pool with higher scores. It is also worth noting that being selected from the pool does not guarantee an invitation to apply for permanent residency, as there are additional eligibility criteria that must be met.

8. Are there any quotas or caps on the number of people who can apply through Express Entry?

No, there are no specific quotas or caps on the number of people who can apply through Express Entry. However, there are eligibility criteria and point requirements that candidates must meet in order to be considered for permanent residence. Additionally, the government of Canada sets annual immigration targets which may impact the number of invitations issued through Express Entry.

9. Is there a fee for submitting an application through Express Entry?

Yes, there is a fee associated with submitting an application through Express Entry. The fee for the Federal Skilled Worker Program is currently $1,325 CAD for the principal applicant, plus an additional $1,325 CAD if they have a spouse or common-law partner and $225 CAD for each dependent child. The fees are subject to change and applicants should refer to the official government website for the most up-to-date information.

10. What documents do I need to submit as part of my Express Entry application?

The documents you need to submit as part of your Express Entry application may vary depending on your specific situation and the program you are applying for. However, some common documents that are typically required include:

1. Proof of identity (passport or other government-issued ID)
2. Language test results (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF for French)
3. Educational credentials assessment report
4. Work experience letters or reference letters from previous employers
5. Proof of funds to support yourself and your family members, if applicable
6. Provincial nomination certificate, if you have one
7. Job offer letter from a Canadian employer, if you have one
8. Police certificates from any country where you have lived for more than 6 months since the age of 18
9. Medical exam confirmation document, which can be obtained after completing a medical exam by an approved panel physician
10. Other supporting documents such as marriage certificate, birth certificates of family members, etc.

It is important to carefully review the specific requirements for the program you are applying for and ensure that all required documents are included in your application to avoid processing delays or possible rejection.

11. Can I apply for permanent residency in Canada if I do not have a job offer?

Yes, you can apply for permanent residency in Canada through various immigration programs without a job offer. These include the Express Entry program, Provincial Nominee Programs, and the Canadian Experience Class. However, having a valid job offer can increase your chances of getting selected and may also make you eligible for certain immigration streams.

12. How can I improve my CRS score and increase my chances of being selected from the pool?

There are several ways to improve your CRS score and increase your chances of being selected from the pool:

1. Improve your language skills: The maximum points for language proficiency in the CRS system are 136. By scoring high on language tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF, you can significantly boost your CRS score.

2. Get a job offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can earn you 50-200 points depending on the position and work experience required.

3. Study in Canada: Completing a post-secondary education program in Canada can give you an edge in the CRS system as it awards additional points for Canadian education credentials.

4. Gain more work experience: Work experience is one of the key factors in the CRS system. The more years of relevant work experience you have, the higher your score will be.

5. Look for jobs in high-demand occupations: Some occupations have a higher demand in Canada than others, and having work experience in these fields can earn you additional points.

6. Get a provincial nomination: If you have skills and qualifications that match the needs of a particular province, you may be able to get a nomination from that province through their Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). This nomination can earn you 600 additional CRS points.

7. Increase your age: Age has a significant impact on CRS scores, with younger applicants receiving more points than older applicants. If possible, try to apply before turning 30 to maximize your points for age.

8. Improve your spouse’s profile: If you are applying with your spouse or common-law partner, their language proficiency and education credentials can also affect your overall CRS score.

9. Re-assess yourself frequently: As your circumstances change (such as gaining more work experience or improving language skills), it might be worth reassessing yourself and updating your profile to reflect these changes accurately.

10. Apply through multiple programs: Some provinces and territories in Canada have their own immigration programs, which may have lower CRS score requirements. Consider applying through these programs as well to increase your chances of being selected.

11. Be strategic about the time of year you submit your profile: The number of ITAs (Invitation to Apply) issued in each round varies, so it may be beneficial to analyze previous draws and aim to submit your profile when there are fewer applicants in the pool.

12. Consult with an immigration professional: An experienced immigration consultant can help you analyze your profile and recommend strategies to improve your CRS score and chances of being selected from the pool.

13. Is language proficiency required for applying under the FSWP category of Express Entry?

Yes, language proficiency is a requirement for applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program category of Express Entry. Applicants must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in either English or French through an approved language test. The minimum required score varies depending on the type of occupation being applied for and applicants must also meet the benchmark set by the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).

14. Are there any age restrictions for applying under Express Entry?

Yes, there are no age restrictions for applying under Express Entry. However, in order to be eligible, an applicant must be at least 18 years old and have a valid job offer or meet the eligibility criteria for one of the programs managed by Express Entry. Applicants over the age of 45 may face additional challenges as they may receive fewer points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which is used to rank candidates within Express Entry.

15. Can I choose which province I want to live in if I am selected through Express Entry?

Yes, you can choose to live in any province or territory in Canada if you are selected through the Express Entry system. However, certain provinces may have their own selection criteria and requirements that you must meet in order to be nominated for permanent residency. You can research and explore the different provincial nominee programs to see which province is the best fit for you.

16. Do I need to have a certain amount of money in order to be eligible for permanent residency through Express Entry?

Yes, you need to meet the minimum income requirements for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program. This includes having enough money to support yourself and your family members who are included in your application. The exact amount required may vary depending on the size of your family and where you plan to settle in Canada.

17. Can family members sponsor me under the Family Class category of immigration to Canada?

Yes, family members who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada can sponsor their relatives to immigrate to Canada under the Family Class category.

The following relationships are eligible for sponsorship:

– Spouses, common-law partners, and conjugal partners
– Dependent children
– Parents and grandparents
– Brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren who are orphaned and under 18 years of age
– Another eligible relative if the sponsor does not have any close family members within the above categories

The sponsor must meet certain financial requirements and agree to support the sponsored person financially for a period of time. The sponsored person must also meet certain eligibility requirements and pass medical, criminal, and background checks.

For more information on the specific requirements for sponsoring a family member under the Family Class category, it is recommended to visit the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

18 Do previous work experience and qualifications outside of Canada count towards eligibility under FSWP?

Yes, previous work experience and qualifications outside of Canada are considered towards eligibility under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). To be eligible, applicants must have at least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years. This work experience can be from any country, not just Canada. Additionally, education credentials obtained from outside of Canada can also be assessed and used to fulfill eligibility requirements for FSWP.

19 Can I apply for permanent residency while living in Canada temporarily on a work or study permit?

Yes, it is possible to apply for permanent residency while living in Canada temporarily on a work or study permit. In fact, having lived and worked or studied in Canada can improve your eligibility for permanent residency through the Canadian Experience Class program.

To be eligible for the Canadian Experience Class, you must have at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years. This work experience must have been gained through legal authorization, such as a valid work permit.

If you are applying through the Express Entry system, you will also need to meet the eligibility requirements of one of the economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, or Canadian Experience Class.

Once you have met all the requirements and submitted your application for permanent residency, you may continue to live and work or study in Canada while your application is being processed. If your temporary status expires before a decision is made on your application, you may extend your stay by applying to renew your permit.

It is important to keep in mind that maintaining legal status in Canada and complying with all regulations is crucial when applying for permanent residency. Any violations could affect your eligibility for permanent residency. It is also recommended to seek advice from an immigration professional to ensure that you understand all the requirements and procedures for applying for permanent residency while living in Canada temporarily.

20 Do I need a job offer from a Canadian employer in order to be eligible for permanent residency through FSWP?

No, a job offer is not required for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). However, having a valid job offer may give you additional points and increase your chances of being selected through the Express Entry system.