Canada Immigration; Express Entry Canada
Express Entry is an online system created by the Canadian government to manage the immigration application process, it is not an immigration program.
Skilled foreigners who satisfy the eligibility criteria submit an online profile known as an Expression of interest (EOI), under one of 3 government Canada migration programs or provincial nominee program.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a point-based system that awards points to candidates’ profiles. Applicant’s profiles are ranked against each other, and the candidates with the highest CRS points will be considered for an invitation to apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence. Candidates who are issued an ITA are required to pay processing fees and submit a full application within a 90-days period. The processing time is usually a half year.
It is important to note that the Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) is allotted to candidates based on the following; age, educational qualification, adaptability, and language experience.
Candidates can also earn additional points if they received an offer of employment from a Canadian employer and a nomination from a province.
Every two weeks, candidates with the highest CRS points are issued an ITA for permanent residence.
Upon receiving an ITA, candidates are required to complete the application process for permanent residence within 90 days under one of the federal immigration programs or PNP.
The issued ITA will become invalid if the candidate fails to meet the 90 days deadline.
How to Apply for PR Through The Express Entry
1. Decide Eligibility: Potential candidates should be qualified under the economic immigration streams.
The Federal Skilled Worker Class (FSWC); The Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and The Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC).
A segment of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are lined up with Express Entry, however, applicants actually should be qualified under one of the three government programs to enter the Express Entry pool.
All candidates are required to have at least one year of skilled work experience and proficiency in either English or French, despite the different eligibility requirements for each of the Express Entry-aligned immigration programs.
Applicants under the Express Entry are screened for medical issues and criminal history, and failure in these screenings could render the individual inadmissible to Canada.
2. Make an Express Entry profile: Applicants who are eligible for the Express Entry must submit their profile to the Express Entry pool. The profile serves as an Expression of Interest (EOI). CRS points will be allotted to candidates based on their profile and they will be ranked against different applicants in the pool.
The Express Entry is a point-based system and the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) awards points out of a possible 1,200 points. By taking steps to improve their CRS score, candidates can improve their ranking in the pool. The higher a candidate’s CRS score, the higher the probability they will get an Invitation to Apply (ITA),
The CRS score is the cut-off point in Express Entry draws, and it is intended to project the probability of candidates being an economic immigrant in Canada. Different candidates are ranked based on their work history, language abilities, educational qualification, and whether they have been issued an offer of employment or received a nomination from a Canadian province.
