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Since 2015, Express Entry has been the major economic immigration program in Canada for foreign skilled workers. Express Entry Canada rationalized three permanent residence (PR) programs into one – the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canada Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) manage the Express Entry system as an application database for registered candidates who are willing to obtain Canada PR. These candidates are evaluated based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which factors in age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Express Entry Canada Round of Invitations
During an Express Entry invitation round, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) employs a points-based system known as the comprehensive ranking system (CRS) to assess candidates in the pool.
In this process, IRCC:
- Selects the draw format,
- Determines the quantity of candidates to be chosen,
- Identifies the top-ranking candidates, and
- Extends invitations for them to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Express Entry Draw intervals
Express Entry draws usually happen every two weeks on Wednesdays. The timing, frequency, and CRS score cut-off for these draws are determined by IRCC and may vary based on factors such as the Canadian economy, labor market conditions, and the immigration targets outlined in Canada.
The Lowest and Highest CRS cut-off score
Here’s a summary of the lowest and highest CRS cut-off scores for Express Entry draws in recent years:
How does Express Entry work?
Express Entry consists of two main stages and is very easy to use. The first significant step involves individuals who meet the requirements for Express Entry expressing to the Canadian government their desire to become permanent residents of Canada. During the second phase of immigration, the Canadian government organizes “draws” or rounds of invitations, wherein the top-scoring individuals are invited to apply for immigration to Canada.
Express Entry comprises three distinct draw types:
- General rounds of invitation: IRCC invites individuals with the highest-ranking CRS scores to apply for permanent residence.
- Program-specific rounds of invitation: IRCC invites individuals with the highest-ranking CRS scores who are eligible for a particular Express Entry program.
- Category-based rounds of invitation: IRCC invites individuals with the highest-ranking CRS scores who qualify for specific categories designated by IRCC, aimed at promoting particular economic goals.
To immigrate to Canada, follow these steps to submit your Express Entry profile and get a permanent residence visa:
Step 1: Determine if you qualify for Express Entry. You must meet the eligibility criteria for at least one of the Express Entry programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Step 2: Undertake language testing and, if necessary, obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
Step 3: Complete and submit your profile on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
Step 4: Await an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence from the IRCC.
Step 5: Submit your completed Application for Permanent Residence (APR) to IRCC along with the required fees within the specified timeframe. This step includes providing your medical exam and police certificates. Upon submission, IRCC will issue an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).
Step 6: Provide your biometrics when requested by the IRCC.
Step 7: Await the IRCC’s final decision on your APR. IRCC aims to process applications within 6 months or less. Upon approval, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if applicable, a permanent resident visa (for citizens of countries requiring one) to facilitate travel to Canada for your landing process.
It is recommended to contact a licensed consultant like CanApprove to help you throughout the process.
Your best-case scenario to be considered for the Express Entry selection would be:
- Age: preferably between 25-33 years old
- Work Experience: Minimum 3 years of work experience, not necessarily in Canada.
- Education Qualification: Graduate level and above have a good chance of receiving Canada PR.
- Language Proficiency: Proven ability in English or French through tests like IELTS can help you qualify for Canada PR.
- A prior provincial nomination from any Canada PNP stream may guarantee an invitation to apply (ITA) for Canada PR.
- If the profile fits into any of the specified categories outlined by the IRCC.
Here are some benefits of choosing the Express Entry Canada system for obtaining permanent residence:
- No job offer is required to register an online profile in the federal pool.
- No work experience is required in Canada. (except CEC)
- Easy human capital score requirements and less stringent than Canada PNP streams.
- Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2024–2026 aims to welcome nearly 1.5 million newcomers over the next three years. Consequently, we can expect the number of Express Entry invitations to continue rising.
Based on our 25+ years of experience in immigration, legal and overseas education consultancy, we can see a big pull for professionals working in the IT sector, engineering field, good experience in Finance/Accounting, medical practitioner or in any senior managerial position to get invited under Express Entry for Canada PR.
As Canada is also gives equal importance to family immigration programs, you can migrate to Canada with your family. Ask our consultants to check all the prospects based on your work profile.
CanApprove is a licensed immigration advisor and registered consultant with the Immigration Consultants of Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC). By virtue of it, you are protected under the national regulatory body against fraud prevention, if you choose to avail of any immigration services to Canada.
Reserve your free appointment with our senior immigration advisor and check your prospects of Canadian immigration in 2024.
