Express Entry Programs for Immigrating to Canada

Express Entry is a system set up by the Canadian government to replace the first-come-first-serve process used for immigration selection. The design of this process makes it possible to build a strong labour force throughout the different provinces and territories of Canada.

This system is operated completely through an electronic process that allows the federal government, provincial governments, and employers throughout Canada to work together from the same platform.

Purpose of the Express Entry System

The Express Entry system was first utilized in January 2015. The process works by the governments establishing how many individuals will be allowed entry through the system in a given calendar year period. The period runs from January 1 through December 31 of the stated year.

The concept of this system was designed to give preferential consideration to foreign nationals wishing to relocate to Canada that have the knowledge and education in specific skilled trades and industries. By allowing individuals to gain permanent residency when they meet certain admissibility criteria provided Canada with the means to build its economy. At the same time, the country as a whole found the ability to build the workforce necessary to keep up with the growing areas of technology, medicine, education, and other such industries.

Processing Time

Foreign nationals that wish to enter Canada through one of the Express Entry programs will need to first submit an electronic application. Normal visa and permit applications can take as much as a year or longer to process. Through one of the Express Entry programs, applications are processed in a faster time frame. Most people will find that they are either granted permission to enter the country or receive denial within a 6-month period from their date of filing.

Express Entry Eligibility

While the programs offered through the Express Entry system look at the education and experience a person possesses within a specific trade, there are strict eligibility requirements that each candidate must meet. These requirements include the following:

• Receive a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
• Be nominated by a Canadian province or territory
• Possess preferential consideration based on your education, skills and experience
• Complete testing assessments for English and/or French language skills
• Provide proof of financial capabilities to support yourself and each dependent when relocating to Canada
• Provide medical documentation to support your claims of being fit
• Receive a Comprehensive Ranking System score of 67 points or higher

Express Entry Program Options

Foreign nationals that wish to gain entry to Canada through the Express Entry system have three different programs that they can choose from. These programs include the following:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System

When filling out an application for Express Entry consideration, you go through a comprehensive ranking system (CRS). This system provides you with points for specific factors such as:

• Foreign work experience
• English and/or French language skills
• Age
• Education
• Previous work experience in Canada

To be considered for Express Entry, an applicant must receive a score of 67 points or higher. Those that do not meet these point requirements will be deemed inadmissible.

Receiving an Invitation to Apply

An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is offered to foreign nationals that have a high-ranking Express Entry profile. This invitation allows you to submit to one of the Express Entry programs available. When accepted, you are provided with the ability to gain permanent residency status to Canada. To be considered, you must complete an online profile and application. It is important to accept the invitation in the allotted time so you don’t lose consideration through this system.

Should you have any questions or concerns related to the Express Entry system or one of its programs, you are encouraged to contact Canadian Immigration Group. We have immigration specialists on staff that can walk you through the Express Entry system. They will also work closely with you to ensure that you submit complete applications that are free of errors and have all necessary documentation in place.