If you’re considering immigrating to Canada, you’ve probably heard of the Express Entry system. This system is designed to make the immigration process faster and more efficient for skilled workers who want to live and work in Canada. However, navigating the Express Entry system can be confusing and overwhelming, especially if you’re not familiar with the Canadian immigration process.
That’s why we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help you understand how the Express Entry system works and how you can increase your chances of being selected for permanent residency in Canada. So, let’s get started!
Express Entry Overview
Let’s start our journey with an Express Entry overview. What exactly is this system, you ask? Well, think of it as Canada’s way of rolling out the welcome mat to skilled workers from around the world. It’s like an exclusive invitation to join the Canadian family.
You see, Canada’s Express Entry system is like a finely-tuned machine, designed to streamline the immigration process. It’s all about efficiency, making it easier for qualified individuals like you to become permanent residents. But how does it all work?
Read: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Visas
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is a Canadian immigration system that was introduced by the government of Canada in 2015 to manage the applications for permanent residence through economic immigration programs. It is a points-based system designed to select candidates who are likely to succeed economically in Canada.
The key economic immigration programs managed through Express Entry include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
How Does Express Entry Work?
Express Entry is a comprehensive and points-based system designed to manage the immigration applications of skilled workers who want to become permanent residents of Canada. The process involves several key steps:
Eligibility Assessment:
- Programs: Determine eligibility for one of the three main economic immigration programs managed through Express Entry: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Requirements: Ensure you meet the specific requirements for the chosen program, including work experience, education, language proficiency, and other criteria.
Language Proficiency and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA):
- Language Test: Take an approved language proficiency test (English or French) and obtain the required minimum scores.
- Educational Credential Assessment: If educated outside of Canada, get your credentials assessed to confirm their equivalence to Canadian standards.
Create an Express Entry Profile:
- Online Profile: Create a profile on the Express Entry system, providing detailed information about your skills, work experience, language proficiency, education, and other relevant factors.
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): The system assigns a CRS score based on the information provided.
Ranking in the Express Entry Pool:
- Regular Draws: Periodically, the government conducts draws from the Express Entry pool, inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence.
- CRS Cutoff: The CRS cutoff score is the minimum score required to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Job Bank Registration (Optional):
- Job Seeker Validation Code: If eligible, candidates can register with the Job Bank and receive a Job Seeker Validation Code, which can be included in the Express Entry profile to connect with potential employers.
Provincial Nomination (Optional):
- Nomination by a Province: Some provinces and territories in Canada have their own immigration programs. If nominated by a province through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), candidates receive additional CRS points.
Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
- Express Entry Draws: Candidates with CRS scores above the cutoff in a particular draw receive an ITA.
- ITA Validity: Once issued an ITA, candidates typically have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
Submission of Permanent Residence Application:
- Online Application: Submit a complete application for permanent residence through the online system, including supporting documents.
- Biometrics and Medical Exam: Complete necessary biometrics and medical examinations.
Processing and Final Decision:
- Background Check: The application undergoes a thorough background check by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Decision: If everything is in order, and the applicant meets all criteria, IRCC makes a final decision on granting permanent residence.
Landing in Canada:
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR): Upon approval, applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
- Travel to Canada: Use the COPR to travel to Canada and complete the landing process.
Express Entry is known for its efficiency in processing applications and selecting candidates with the skills and attributes needed to contribute to the Canadian economy. The system is dynamic, and candidates can take steps to improve their CRS scores to enhance their chances of receiving an ITA.
What are targeted Express Entry draws?
Targeted Express Entry draws, also known as program-specific draws, are a variation of the regular Express Entry draws conducted by the Canadian government. In these draws, the government specifically targets candidates with certain characteristics or qualifications that align with the needs of particular provinces, territories, or employers in Canada. The goal is to address specific labour market or economic priorities and attract individuals who possess skills or experience in high-demand sectors.
Here’s how targeted Express Entry draws work:
Identification of Specific Criteria:
- Before a targeted draw, the government identifies specific criteria or qualifications that align with the current economic or labour market needs of a particular province, territory, or employer.
Inviting Candidates Meeting Specific Criteria:
- During the draw, candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet the identified criteria are invited to apply for permanent residence.
- The criteria may include occupation-specific skills, experience in a particular industry, proficiency in a specific language, or other qualifications.
Focused Selection:
- Unlike regular draws, where candidates are selected based on their overall Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores, targeted draws focus on specific attributes or qualifications deemed valuable by the targeted province, territory, or employer.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs):
- Targeted draws are often associated with Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), where provinces and territories nominate candidates directly from the Express Entry pool who meet their specific needs.
- A provincial nomination comes with additional CRS points, significantly increasing a candidate’s chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a subsequent Express Entry draw.
Employer-Specific Draws:
- In some cases, targeted draws may be initiated to address the needs of specific employers in Canada. Express Entry candidates with job offers from these employers may be invited to apply.
Enhanced Provincial Nomination Streams:
- Some provinces have enhanced Provincial Nomination Streams within their PNP, which allow them to directly select candidates from the Express Entry pool who meet certain criteria.
Benefits for Candidates:
- Candidates selected in targeted draws benefit from a streamlined immigration process, as their qualifications closely match the specific needs of the province, territory, or employer.
Flexibility in Criteria:
- The criteria for targeted draws can vary, and they may change based on the evolving economic priorities of different regions or industries in Canada.
Targeted Express Entry draws enhance the adaptability of the immigration system, allowing it to respond to changing economic demands. These draws align with the Canadian government’s strategy to attract skilled workers who can contribute directly to the growth and development of specific regions and industries within the country.
Read: How to Build Credit Abroad as a New Immigrant
How long does the Express Entry process take?
The Express Entry process can take anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the complexity of your application and the current immigration processing timesWhat are the pros and cons of Express Entry?
Every coin has two sides, and so does the Express Entry system. So, what are the pros and cons you should be aware of? On the positive side, it’s a straightforward process that doesn’t always require a job offer.
Plus, it offers access to various Canadian provinces. On the flip side, it’s a competitive process, and the application fees can add up. Knowing these pros and cons helps you make an informed decision.
161 comments
I love canada
good day sir my name is benedito tiago sitoe I would love to work in Canada 🇨🇦
I am car technician patrol and diesel any vehicle
yes I am
i love canada
I love canada
job
yes
yes im
I work in Saudi Arabia and need a work visa
Accept Invitation ✅
do you have job As Barista coffee maker
Am ready to work with you in canada
I am experience electric job plumber job
accept visa
yes I love Canada
Need to Canada migrant job
I’m interested in Canada job because i believe I can provide my childrens needs. And I believe that what ever work that is I will accept it and work hard for it
Interested
yes i love canada please help me to get job there im muhsin alan from malawi
Work in canada
Good day Sir or Madam
I am Andile Mpande from South Africa I would like to know how can I be an immigrant to UK or Canada.
I am interested to work abroad.
hlw sir or medam,
how can i do
i got visa please help mh
& contact with me.
sir be kind of me
it”s every boys dream country.
i can do any work.
please be kind of me.
& give me work visa canada
Goodday im interested how can l be helped mmangethe25@gmail.com
Yes am in
working
yes I’m interested
I m electronic building maintenance UAE experience 16 years
Dear sir/ Madam,
I’m accepted Canada job,
I’m waiting for the visa, please send me quickly.
thanks
Muneer
accept visa for Canada
I need job in Canada
I hope to travel to canada
i would like to work in Canada
I’m driver Bahrain experience 14year and a/c technician 15year experience
Dear sir /Madam
I am Trevor Tawanda Chikomo i need job in Canada
that’s good
yes yes, it’s me Ashenafi, I need job,visa and work permit in Canada 🇨🇦
How can i get this viza
please I’m egree in interested from Canada please help me I’m track Driver my contract no 0565956162 I’m current job in.uae
I want to join the job
please I really want to fasten the process thank you
interested
I need to work as team house manager in Canada 🇨🇦
I’m ready
thank doyr
work
hi, kinzanza landu Heritier from DRCongo, looking for a job in Canada 🇨🇦, I’m working as security here in South Africa for 7years , I can also work as General maintenance worker, still on my field interested, here is my +27641400803 for more information about me, thanks in advance, waiting to hear from you.
thank you
I’m ready
I would love to work in Cananda help me apply
I am interested how can I get the visa
i need a jobs and visa
i need resturent job
Hi, I’m Kashif Ali live in Saudi Arabia after 16yeir.i want work on canida.canida is very safe beautiful cantry
i want to stay and work abroad so I’m looking for work permit and permanent residency
I am Interested this work
I am an electrician and maintenance engineer in government technical college lagos Nigeria
I like to work so help me apply
hi
I like
I want to apply but how it possible
I need job as a car mechinic in caneda
yes
Hi sir
আমার নাম মিল্লত আমার দেশ বাংলাদেশ
I’m interested tha job
please help me to get a job in Canada
yes i need good job
I wana go to Canada for my best future
I love Canada and I will like to work there please
I am living in Brazil and I would like to work and live in Canada..Could you help me,please ?
no comment
i’m ready
if it’s genuine am ready anytime
yes, I’m ready to work
anytime
si acepto Estoi listo para trabajar
please I really want come need help
im interested in Canada migrant job please
I am from Ethiopia and I wan work and live in canada
I need one visa from Canada I am driving
I’m honestly ready, to travel to Canada 🇨🇦or UK what ever abroad countries and happy to work hard and stay safe.
best visa add
I want Canada work visa I know work aircond duckting
Greetings, I’m kinzanza landu Heritier from DRCongo, currently in South Africa, looking for job in Canada, could you please help me with visa, and work permit in Canada 🇨🇦, Canada express system so that, I can come to work in Canada 🇨🇦, interested +27641400803, waiting to hear from you …best regards kinzanza landu Heritier.
good
interested
Ready to work, ma’am, in Canada and live there? How is the correct application?
i love to have working visa at canada im a mobile crane operator here at saudi arabia for almost 2years
I am Happy indeed surprisingly to work in Canada 🇨🇦 and I am very excited hopping this is really true that I am one of those people who you choose to me. thank you so much.
Sincerely yours:
Gina
truck driver
yes I am agree
job visa Canada Iam FOR Bangladesh
I want Canada work visa I know work Bangladesh md SONIRUL Islam
Hi I’m from Phillipines but Working here in Saudi Arabia I want to work in Canada.
i want job work parmet visa
We specialize in agriculture in general, cranes, forklifts, excavator machines, drive pickup screens, cleaning in general, chickens, grazing, cows, we specialize in any of these jobs for those who want to travel to Canada, very interested I will give all travel expenses 💯/ 💯 💯Salam Ali, Mustapha Baba Ali from Morocco, Institute dated 2/15/1977, unmarried. I’m looking for a work visa thank you for helping me I’ve paid a lot of applications and I haven’t found anything else. WhatsApp +212608107919 Babaalimustapha15@gmail.com
I would like to work in Canada
because this country more safe
i would like to work in Canada
so I say thank you for accepting my request
need job
Assalamu alaikum dear sir,How are you? i hope you are well. alhamdulillah I’m also fine.please sir i need a help. i want go to Canada for visit. so i need entry permit. please give me a visa.
i hope i get good a visa.
Good job good visa.
I am in Saudi Arabia and 12 years salesman shall company and driver
nice
I need work parmit visa
please I will like to get visa approval to work in Canada
i need to welding job
i need to welding job in Canada
l liked canada
mdmehedihassanbgd@gmail.com
I want a job in Canada but I need a free visa.
I need a visa to Canada, I need a free visa, I also need a work permit.
I need type of job including building construction
hi who are you for you can help me please for imigred in the big country wiht my Familys in canada , i need a job for change my Life . i know this country is better for live .
Thanks you so much 🙏🙏
Sir I need job fou candan
am living oman 🇴🇲 muscat
working company Recycling
my name waqasali country pakistan 🇵🇰
so I need job fou candan please help me
i love canada
Am going to Canada to work
hello sir i am from dubai i really want to go to canada and i really need a job i don’t have any such job in dubai
i have working in Saudi Arabia food company ,I have posting machine operator 8 years experience this company ,I have intrested in hard work I need job UK and canada plz help me
sir I need the job of Canada please help me
28yr old man looking for a mechanic or truck driving job with a Zimbabwean license class 2. 6yr matured licence 0672545864 very interested hard worker
I’m Paula from Egypt
I have experience in the hotels
hello My name is uwitonze Charlotte from Rwanda African I,m interested
I need it
work
i need working
Love to work and study in the UK or Canada
assalamoalikum dear sir/mam my name is Muhammad Jamshid am from Pakistan but at this Time am in Saudi Arabia I have batchlor in science digree I have experience in marketing,ac technician, electric maintenance, plumber maintenance I want to go Canada please give me visa paper of canada I will be thankful to you
With due respect I’m so happy to express my best respects and I would like to nominate myself in ECA.
thanks
I need the job
i would like to work in Canada
Reply
I need job
work permit
confirmed.
Good day sir/ma’m how to apply to Canada I’m very interested and I’m working here in saudi arabia
I need a working
painter job
yes
I need the job in Canada
I would like to work in Canada or UK because those countries are safe
And I want to have visa ,I wish
I think, I will get a good visa
Hello sir I am looking job UK Canada I need visa
I would like to work in Canada
ok thanks
waiting
I’m one of the interested applicants of Job Vacancies in Canada and want to be part of this year 2025 . And want to thanks you guys for your help with my Visa.
hello
hi
hello ma’am/sir I’m interested in Canada job because I really need to provide my childrens needs.
ma in interested in working in Canada as a health care professionals, please help me
I need a job
trailer truck driver
I’m a Nigerian male, studied in Italy, a skilled worker into Electrical/Electronic Engineering Expert in health and safety. install/maintain Fire detection and Burglar detection Alarm systems. I have over 30 years driving Long truck vehicles such as Iveco, DAF; M.A.N; Scannia; Mitsubishi; Fiat; Mercedes etc. my desire to relocate to Canada or any country in Europe is as a result of my wife experience in the core area of my specialty and to play a formidable role in the improvement of such country’s economy.
I have interest
alright thanks
okay I will Love that
I need a job
good morning my love 💓 give me visa 💋 Canada 🇨🇦 😘
yes in canada
I am a professional tradesman who have been working with two Gold minine here in Papua new guinea for
19 yeari experience. I am a highly motivated experience
person who a willing to work with your establishment.
I want to inform you that, currently I do not have a visa card, passport and a work permit to apply and fill up the
application form.
Right now I am waiting for you to get more information from you.
Regards Jude malio.