Canada has different immigration programs to welcome skilled workers from all around the world. Express entry is one of the most famous and popular ones as you can receive Canada permanent residency after a short time. You need to work on your situation and reach the eligibility principles, and the future is guaranteed in Canada.
This article will explain who is eligible for express entry, the requirements, eligibility principles, and more you need to know.
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ToggleWhat is the express entry program?
Canada express entry is an online immigration process among the many programs the Federal government has introduced. People from all around the world can move to Canada based on their skills. The program enables Canada to attract as many skilled workers as it needs annually.
The Express Entry program is to attract and bring skilled workers to Canada from all over the world.
How does Canada express entry work?
The process is online, and you have to apply through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. It’s the Federal government’s official website for immigration and citizenship.
You have to submit all of your documents to the IRCC;
- Type of skill you have, truck drivers
- Education
- Employment background
- Language proficiency certificate
- Financial independence proof
By your features, the IRCC evaluates your applications and gives you points. The CRS is the system that evaluates candidates and gives them points. You need to reach the standard point each year to be eligible for express entry.
People who get the most points receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
The express entry program enables applicants to move to Canada, work as regular citizens and apply for citizenship once being eligible.
Different types of Canada express entry programs
The Canadian government has introduced different programs within the express entry to attract skilled workers worldwide. The programs are also get called economic immigration programs. The people moving to Canada through express entry boost the Canadian economy. The programs are as follows;
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The programs are different in the requirements you have to provide. You need work experience, language proficiency skills, and qualifications to be eligible for each one of them.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canadian provinces can attract foreign people based on their needs and situation through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The programs enable provinces to bring students, skilled workers, and business people to the country. The type of immigrants they invite depends on their needs. Remember that Quebec and Nunavut don’t use PNP and have their own immigration program. The point is that through the PNP, you can only live and work in that particular province that invites you. You can not move to another province.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Federal government introduced the Canadian Experience Class for people who have work experience inside Canada. These people can apply for permanent residency inside the country. English or French language proficiency level five or seven is essential for applicants. The job you want to work must be in:
- Management jobs,
- Professional jobs,
- Technical jobs
Remember that having at least one year of work experience in Canada is a must to apply for CEC.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Canadian government announces the type and number of required skilled workers. If you qualify, you submit your documents and wait to receive an invitation to apply for the visa. The Federal Skilled Trades Program process is a bit like a lottery. However, you are likely to get an invitation to apply for the visa if you are eligible.
You need to have English or French language proficiency, have at least two years of work experience in the latest five years, and a college or university degree. Having a job offer from a Canadian employer that needs your skill is also a must.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Canadian government introduced the Federal Skilled Worker Program to attract the most skilled and qualified workers to Canada worldwide. You need to have a language proficiency certificate, a job that falls into the verified fields;
- Management jobs,
- Professional jobs that need a university education
- Technical jobs
- Trades that demand a college diploma or apprenticeships.
You also need to have at least one year of constant work experience in the latest ten years. Holding a job offer from a Canadian employer and proof of having enough funds are the other eligibility principles.
If you are a teacher and want to immigrate to Canada, read this article.
Canada Express Entry application process
The application process for express entry is a bit different for each program. However, the FSWP, FSTP, and CEC applications have some similarities. The PNP application process is different. You can go through the left sidebar to learn how to apply for the PNP and each program’s details.
The application process for the three mentioned programs is as follows;
Step 1. Are you eligible or not?
The first thing you need to do is to find out whether you are eligible for the express entry or not. Canadian officials are strict about the rules, and there are no exceptions. Besides, millions of people are applying for the express entry program, and the competition is tight. You would better know the details and prepare as much evidence and information as you can.
Remember that express entry is a point-based system. You need to reach the standard point by the authorities, and then they choose the candidates based on their situation. The criteria you need to get points in are as follows;
- Nationality
- Age
- Language proficiency
- Family members
- Education
- Work experience (inside or outside Canada)
- Details on any job offer
Each item gives you a defined point. Bear in mind that each standard is different for programs. You need to check the express entry program details to know if you are eligible or not.
Besides the mentioned points, IRCC has an online tool that tells whether you are eligible or not.
When you are sure to be eligible for the program, go through the following procedures;
Step 2. Prepare the requirements
The general list of requirements you need to provide is as follows;
Passport
Your passport must be valid at the time of application. Remember that as the express entry process takes a bit long, it must be valid when you enter Canada.
Language proficiency test result
English or language proficiency test results with the least approved test. Remember that you can receive an additional 50 scores by learning French if it’s your second language.
CELPIP and IELTS are the approved test for express entry, but the IELTS must be general, not academic. The rule is true with the CELPIP test, and you have to take a general test, not the General-LS test. The accepted test for French is the CEF.
Job offer
You need a valid written job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer must receive the required documents for the job offer and contract.
Education certificates
Provide proof that you have studied in Canada and received your certificate from this country. If not, you need an Educational Credential Assessment report. The ECA is only necessary if you are applying for the FSWP or increasing your points for the education you received.
Medical examination certificate
A verified doctor examines your health to know if you are healthy or not. You mustn’t have a disease that’s a threat to the public.
Proof of having enough funds
The financial capability must be proved through bank statements, ownership proof, or whatever source of income you have.
Note; the provided list of requirements is not complete, and it’s just a general one. The express entry program has details and further required supporting documents. Visit the Visa Library articles for the specific type of requirements for each program.
Pharmacists who want to immigrate to Canada can read this article.
Step 3. Submit the required documents
When you have prepared the full list of requirements, open an account on the IRCC website. There is a questionnaire you need to complete, as explained, which proves you are eligible. After completing it and being eligible, the website gives you a code that you use to open the account. You also need to answer the questions on your profile.
In the questionnaire on your profile, you need to provide all details about your:
- Age
- Nationality
- Education
- Work experience
- Job offer
Remember that you have two months to work on your profile and submit the documents. Missing the deadline, you have to start it all over again.
When you submit the profile, it gives you a score and enters the pool of candidates. The process of choosing candidates takes a bit long time. It’s over six months. In the meantime, you can work on your profile to update it and get higher points. For instance, you can take another first language test to get a higher score or learn a second language.
You could also search through the following websites to get a job offer in Canada;
- monster.ca
- ziprectuiter.ca
- eluta.ca
- jobbank.gc.ca
- careerbuilder.ca
- ca.indeed.com
- indeed.com
- hotjobscanada.ca
- simplyhired.ca
- jobs.ca
Step 4. Apply for a residence permit
When the officials approve your application, they will invite you to apply for a Permanent Residency. You need to provide the required documents in 90 days. Remember that Canadian officials will process the application that is complete in six months or less.
If you don’t like the program, you can refuse it and apply for another one.
If you receive the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR), you can enter Canada on June 21st, 2021, and make your first landing. Applicants whose COPR’s credibility has been terminated need to be issued again. However, they don’t have to apply the whole process again.
Note; For further details about each program, go through the left sidebar to learn how to apply for each one f them.
Doctors who want to immigrate to Canada can use express entry to do so.
How can you increase your chance of express entry?
The express entry program is a point-based system. You could work on your status and improve it to raise the possibility of being picked. The following factors could boost your chance;
- A higher score in English or French language proficiency
- Learning a second language, either French or English
- Getting higher education like a Ph.D.
- Having work or educational experience in Canada.
- A close family member inside Canada.
- Job offer from a Canadian employer.
Let’s sum up…
Express entry is one of the most well-known Canadian immigration programs. It divides into different categories; PNP, FSWP, FSTP, and CEC.
The article explained who is eligible for the program, the requirements, and the application process. To learn more about each program, go through the left sidebar and enter the category of the program.
If you have experience or knowledge about express entry or its categories, share them with us. You will help others to avoid mistakes and have a successful application.
In case you have any questions, you are kindly requested to write them in the comment section below. The Visa Library team will respond as soon as possible.
- Published by
- Max-B.
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