Express Entry
Express Entry is the immigration process that allows skilled immigrants to migrate to Canada permanently. It is an online system that is used to manage immigration applications from foreign skilled workers. It works by feeding information about yourself into the system, then getting accepted into a pool of candidates & given a CRS score.
Before creating an Express Entry profile, candidates must –
- take a designated language test
- have their education credentials assessed by a designated organization against Canadian standards (if educated outside of Canada), and
- find out whether their work experience falls within a qualifying skill type as per the Government of Canada job classification system (NOC)
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you decide to fill out an Express Entry profile, you will need documents such as language test results and Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to show you’re eligible for Express Entry. Some documents take a long time to get, so you must start the process of getting them ready early.
There are 3 immigration programs managed through the Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program – This is a program for skilled workers with foreign work experience
- Federal Skilled Trades Program – This is a program for skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade
- Canadian Experience Class – this is for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience
If you are eligible for one of the above programs, you can also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program. If you’re nominated, you’ll get extra points so you can be invited to apply quickly.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
If you’re eligible for one or more of the Express Entry programs and submit your profile, you’ll be ranked in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The CRS is a points-based system used to –
- assess and score your profile based on various factors such as age, education, work experience (both Canadian and/or foreign), language ability, spousal factors, job offer, etc., and
- rank your profile in the Express Entry pool
To be invited to apply for Permanent Residence (PR), you need to have a score above the minimum points score for your round of invitations. Every 2 weeks, IRCC conducts “Rounds of Invitations” to invite candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. If you are invited to apply, you will have 60 days to submit your PR application to IRCC.
If your application is approved, you will receive a –
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), and
- a Permanent Resident Visa (if you are from a country that requires a visa
Quebec-selected skilled workers
For skilled worker applicants who want to become permanent residents in Canada & live in Quebec, they must first apply to the Government of Quebec to be accepted as an immigrant.
Quebec has a special agreement on immigration with the Government of Canada. The province has its own rules for choosing foreign skilled workers.
To immigrate to Canada as a Quebec-selected skilled worker, you must apply in the following 2 stages:
- Apply to the Government of Quebec for a “Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ)”. Your application will be assessed based on the immigration rules prevailing in Quebec at that point in time. The CSQ is proof that the province of Quebec has accepted you as an immigrant.
- Once you receive a CSQ, you must apply to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for your Permanent Residence in Canada.
Contact us to know if you are eligible.
