Express Entry
Who is Eligible for Express Entry?
To be eligible for Canada Immigration through the Express Entry system, the applicant must be eligible for any one of the following federal programs-
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
Eligibility criteria for each of the above pathways are given in the table below.
| Eligibility Requirements | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligibility points | No minimum score required | A score of 67 out of 100 required in the selection factor points | No eligibility score is required |
| Work Experience | One year of Canadian work experience in the last 3 years | One year of foreign or Canadian work experience in the last 10 years | Two years of work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years |
| NOC TEER Level | TEER 0 TEER 1 TEER 2 TEER 3 | TEER 0 TEER 1 TEER 2 TEER 3 | Eligible Skilled Trades within TEER 2 and TEER 3 |
| Canadian Job Offer | Not Mandatory | Not Mandatory | A valid full-time job offer for a minimum of one year OR A valid qualification certificate |
| Language Test Score | CLB 7/NCLC 7 – If your primary occupation is in TEER 0 or TEER 1. CLB 5/NCLC 5 – If the primary job is in TEER 2 or TEER 3 | CLB 7/ NCLC 7 | CLB 5/NCLC 5 for speaking and listening CLB 4/NCLC 4 for reading and writing. |
| Academic Proficiency | Not required unless you aim to get points in the CRS calculator | Secondary education is mandatory | Not required unless you aim to get points in the CRS calculator |
| Proof of Funds | Not required | Required if you do not have a job offer | Required if you do not have a job offer |
How Does the Express Entry Work?
Applying for Canada PR through the Express Entry includes the following steps:
- Confirm you are eligible for Express Entry programs
- Create an Express Entry Profile
- Get a CRS score in the Comprehensive Ranking System
- Be in the Express Entry pool
- Get an ITA or Invitation to Apply in Express Entry Draws
- Apply for Canada PR
1. Confirming Eligibility
The first step to be eligible for Express Entry is to meet the requirements of any one of the Express Entry programs.
Each of the three immigration programs managed by Express Entry has distinct requirements. The IRCC has an Express Entry eligibility questionnaire that asks questions about:
- Canadian province or territory you plan to live in
- The language test you have taken for the first official language. IRCC accepts PTE, CELPIP, and IELTS for English language proficiency. TEF and TCF are accepted for French proficiency. Exact date and test score. This determines the validity of the language test. The test score should not be older than 2 years.
- Language test, date, and score for the second official language (if applicable)
- Skilled work experience in the last three years and its TEER level.
Once you have finished the questionnaire, a personal reference code will be given that is valid for two months.
Creating an Express Entry Profile
Once you have confirmed eligibility for Express Entry, the next step is to create a profile.
- Sign in with GCKey and create an Express Entry profile
- Be eligible for one of the federal immigration pathways
- Get an Express Entry profile number and a Job Seeker Validation code
- Get a score out of 1200 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System according to the information provided while creating the profile
- Enter the Express Entry pool.
You will not be required to upload documents or make any payments while creating an Express Entry profile. However, you will need to provide the language test report number and ECA report number during the process.
Get a CRS score in the Comprehensive Ranking System
As soon as you successfully create the Express Entry profile, the Comprehensive Ranking System will assign you a score out of 1,200 points. The points breakdown is as follows:
| Core or Human Capital Factors – 500 | ||
| Factors | Score with a spouse or partner | Score without a spouse or partner |
| Age | 100 | 110 |
| Education | 140 | 150 |
| Language Proficiency | 150 | 160 |
| Canadian Work Experience | 70 | 80 |
| Spousal Factors | 40 | – |
| Skilled Transferability Factors – 100 | ||
| Additional Points such as provincial nomination, Canadian connection, etc – 600 | ||
The Express Entry profile is added to the federal pool of eligible profiles. A profile remains in the pool for a year. Any changes or updates made to the profile will impact its eligibility and CRS score.
Get an ITA or Invitation to Apply in Draws
The Express Entry draws are conducted to invite profiles that have a CRS score equal to or greater than the CRS cut-off. Once you receive an ITA in the round of invitations, you must apply for Canada PR within 60 days. Getting an ITA does not guarantee Canada PR. It is just an invitation by IRCC to apply for Canada Immigration through the Express Entry system.
Apply for Canada PR
This is the stage when you will need to upload and submit all the mandatory documents and pay the application fee. After submission, IRCC will assess the application for completion and send a request for biometrics for which you will be given 30 days to submit. Once your application is reviewed successfully, you will get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a Permanent Resident visa if applicable.
Proof of Funds
Proof of funds demonstrates that you are financially stable to settle in Canada and support your family, if they are accompanying you in the new country. The minimum proof of funds mandatory for Express Entry is given below.
| Number of family members | Proof of Funds |
|---|---|
| 01 | $13,757 |
| 02 | $17,127 |
| 03 | $21,055 |
| 04 | $25,564 |
| 05 | $28,994 |
| 06 | $32,700 |
| 07 | $36,407 |
| For each additional member | $3,706 |
You will not be required to submit proof of funds if:
- You are applying through the Canadian Experience Class
- You have a valid job offer
Documents Checklist
You can apply for Canada PR through the Express Entry after getting an ITA in the draws. At this stage, you will need to upload all the documents to substantiate your score in the Comprehensive Ranking System. Below is a list of documents mandatory for Express Entry.
- A Passport or Travel Document
- Language Test results – these should not be older than two years. You can submit TEF or TCF test scores for the French Language proficiency. CELPIP, IELTS, and PTE are accepted for English language proficiency.
- ECA report if you are applying through the FSWP or want to get points for education in the CRS points calculator. The ECA report is valid for 5 years.
- Proof of work experience – this includes reference letters from your employer that include your designation, salary, working hours, job responsibilities and duration, and company information.
- Proof of Funds
- Qualification certificate in a trade occupation from a Canadian province or territory. (in the case of FSTP)
- Job Offer (if applicable)
- Provincial Nomination (if applicable)
- Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
- Immigration Medical Exam (IME) – Express Entry applicants do not need to submit a Medical Exam while submitting their PR application. The IRCC will instruct you when to take the exam. You will have 30 days after being asked for the IME.
All documents must be submitted either in English or in French. In case they are in any other language, they must be translated into either of the two official languages. The translation must be:
- Stamped by a certified translator
- The translator must also stamp the photocopies of the original documents to state that they are the source of their translation
- If the translation is not by a certified translator, it must include an affidavit from the translator.
Processing Time of Express Entry Programs
The current IRCC processing time as of 12 September 2024 of Express Entry programs are listed below:
| Express Entry Program | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker Program | 5 months |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | – |
| Canadian Experience Class | 5 months |
The processing time for Express Entry depends upon various factors such as:
- Application type
- If the application is complete and updated information
- If the information is easily verifiable
- Your promptness in replying to any questions
- Number of applications received by the IRCC
How much does Express Entry Cost?
Express Entry profile creation is completely free. However, you will need to pay a non-refundable processing fee after submitting your application for Canada PR. The approximate expenditure while applying for Canada Immigration through the Express Entry system is tabulated below
| Expenses | Cost (approximate) |
|---|---|
| CELPIP | ₹12,500 |
| IELTS | ₹17,000 |
| PTE | ₹17,000 |
| TEF | ₹24,780 |
| TCF | ₹21,476 |
| ECA | ₹12,216.57 (varies according to institutions) |
| Police Clearance Certificate | ₹2,180.66 |
| Medical Exam | ₹8,000- ₹9,000 (approximately) |
| Canada PR processing fee | $850 (₹51,920.06) |
| Right of Permanent Residence fee | $515 (₹31,457.45) |
Note: These are not fixed expenses and are subject to change without prior information.
Latest Changes to Express Entry
Express Entry has constantly been updated and enhanced to make it more sensitive to Canadian labor market needs. Recently, there have been significant changes to Express Entry.
- Temporary Policy for Physicians – Foreign national physicians who had a job offer have become eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) even if their offer is not continuous and is of less than one year. Through this job offer, the foreign physicians will be able to earn CRS points as well as score in the 67-points calculator.
- Introduction of the Category-based selection– The most significant change to the Express Entry system was the introduction of Category-Based selection on 31st May 2023. This selection was announced to enable Express Entry to support Canada’s present and future economic needs. The general or all-program Express Entry draws issue ITAs based on the CRS cut-off. On the other hand, the program-specific draws invite applicants eligible for any one of the three federal programs, as well as the CRS score cut-off. The category-based draws will invite applicants under the following six categories:
- STEM occupations
- Healthcare occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
- Trade occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- French language proficiency
How long does it take to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry?
Express Entry is known to be the fastest immigration pathway to Canada with as little processing time as 2 months. However, the processing time varies with the type of application submitted. For example, applications for the Canadian Experience Class are processed faster than the FSWP and FSTP. Moreover, the submission of a complete application increases the chances of faster immigration to Canada. Hiring an immigration consultant can also lead to faster immigration. An immigration representative is professionally equipped to submit a complete PR application and leaves little room for any delays.
Is Express Entry the same as PR?
Express Entry is not the same as PR but is one of the ten immigration pathways offered by the IRCC. It is often used synonymously with Canada PR owing to its popularity among immigrants.
Besides Express Entry, other popular immigration programs include the Provincial Nomination Program, Atlantic Immigration Program, Family Sponsorship, Quebec Selected Skilled Worker, etc.
Is IELTS required for Express Entry?
Yes, IELTS is required. IRCC accepts IELTS, CELPIP, and PTE tests for English language proficiency. Therefore, you can take any one of the three language tests. The test score must not be older than 2 years.
What is the IELTS score required for Canada Express Entry?
The IELTS score required for Express Entry is tabulated below
| Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | |||||
| Canadian Language Benchmark | IELTS Band Score | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
| CLB 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | |||||
| CLB 7 if the occupation is in TEER 0 and 1 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| CLB 5 if the occupation is in TEER 2 and 3 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| Federal Skilled Trades Program | |||||
| CLB 5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | – | – |
| CLB 4 | 4.0 | – | – | 3.5 | 4.0 |
What is the Age limit for Express Entry?
There is no age limit for applying to Canada PR through Express Entry. However, you must be at least 18 years old to be eligible. Even though there is no age limit, applicants get the highest CRS points if their age is between 20 – 29 years. As you get older, the points in the Comprehensive Ranking System begin to decline. Individuals above the age of 45 years do not receive any CRS points for age.
Is Express Entry Hard?
It is not hard but is competitive. Since it is the most known immigration pathway, it is the first choice for most applicants. You must have a high CRS score to improve your chances of getting an ITA in the draws. Getting help from an immigration consultant makes Express Entry relatively easier and increases your chances of successfully getting a Canada PR.
What is a valid job offer for Express Entry?
A valid job offer for Express Entry must:
- Be for at least one year after getting Canada PR
- Should be paid
- Should be continuous
- Must be full-time (30 hours/week)
- Be in TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the case of FSWP and CEC. If you are applying through the FSTP, it must be in eligible trades within TEER 2 or 3
- The job offer must not be seasonal.
- Should not be offered by an embassy, consulate, or high commission.
Who is not eligible for Express Entry?
You can determine your eligibility while creating an Express Entry profile. You must be eligible for either the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or the Canadian Experience Class. Even if an applicant meets all mandatory requirements, they will become ineligible for Express Entry if:
- You are inadmissible
- Your health poses a threat to the country.
Is 420 a good CRS score for Express Entry?
A 420 CRS score is decent for Express Entry. Since the launch of the category-based draws, the CRS score cut-off has varied significantly. Even though a general draw has a higher CRS cut-off, category-based selections, and program-specific draws announce relatively low cut-offs. Contact Canviza to improve and get the highest CRS score possible.
Is 450 points enough for Express Entry?
Yes, a 450 CRS score has a good chance of getting an ITA in category-based and program-specific draws.
What are the 600 points for Express Entry?
Applicants get 600 additional points in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) if they get a provincial nomination certificate from one of the Canadian provinces. Getting 600 points almost guarantees an ITA in the Express Entry round of invitations.
What is the minimum score for Express Entry?
You must score 67 out of 100 eligibility points to be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. There is no minimum CRS score for Express Entry. A higher CRS score simply increases your chances of getting an ITA.
Is Express Entry permanent?
Getting a PR through Express Entry is permanent unless you are found guilty of forgery or discrepancy in your application. Moreover, hiring unauthorized immigration consultants will also lead to the cancellation of your PR status.
Can I move to Canada without Express Entry?
Yes. Express Entry is one of the ten immigration pathways for Canada. You can apply for Canada PR through
- Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
- Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)
- Quebec-selected skilled workers
- Family Sponsorship
- Caregivers
- Start-up visa
- Self-employed
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
- Agri-Food Pilot
Is Express Entry open for Canada 2024?
Yes, Express Entry is open for Canada in 2024. IRCC is announcing regular draws and has already issued 19,390 ITAs till now. There are at least 90,000 more ITAs that are left to be issued. This is the best time to create an Express Entry profile and be in the federal pool.
Which consultancy is best for Canada Immigration?
Canviza has the highest success rate in Canadian Immigration and has also been awarded as the Best Immigration Company in India. We are among the few CICC-licensed immigration consultancies in the country that prioritize safe and legal immigration.
How do I choose a good immigration consultant?
Before hiring an immigration consultant, you must ensure that they are:
- Authorized by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants
- Completely transparent in their procedure
- Provide you with a clear understanding of your profile and your chances of success.
- Do not guarantee a Canadian job, IELTS score, or success in Canada PR
- Never ask for any hidden charges
- Never suggest or encourage illegal shortcuts or alternatives.
How much money do you need for Express Entry Canada?
To immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, you need to spend on several documents and processes:
- PR Application (processing fee & right of permanent residence fee)- CAN $1,365
- Educational Credential Assessment- CAN $215-$300
- Language test- CAN $165-$290
- Biometrics- CAN $85
- Medical Exam- CAN $140-$160
- Police Clearance Certificate- CAN $8
Immigrating through Express Entry is a transparent points-based system with almost no human intervention. However, it is crucial to seek a licensed and certified immigration consultant to ensure that you score the highest CRS score and have the maximum chance of receiving an Invitation to apply. Canviza is an immigration consultancy firm that ensures you are equipped with all factors that will land you a Canada PR.