Express Entry Program

Canada’s Express Entry system offers a fast and efficient pathway for skilled immigrants. Launched in 2015, Express Entry is a points-based immigration system designed to match skilled workers with the needs of Canada’s labor market.
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Express Entry Program

At Immigration Nation – Immigration Consultant Services in Edmonton, we specialize in helping individuals and families navigate Canada’s Express Entry system, one of the most popular immigration pathways for skilled workers seeking to settle in Canada. Express Entry is an online immigration system launched by the Government of Canada in 2015. It is designed to manage and process applications for permanent residence from skilled workers efficiently and transparently, matching applicants to Canada’s labor market needs.

Are you looking to settle in Canada as a skilled worker and become a permanent resident? Canada’s Express Entry system offers a fast and efficient pathway for skilled immigrants. Launched in 2015, Express Entry is a points-based immigration system designed to match skilled workers with the needs of Canada’s labor market. This system is used to manage applications for three federal economic immigration programs:

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), candidates are assessed based on various factors, such as age, education, work experience, and language skills, and placed in a pool. The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency through Invitation to Apply (ITA) rounds. At Immigration Nation – Immigration Consultant Services in Edmonton, we specialize in helping clients navigate the Express Entry process, increase their CRS scores, and secure permanent residency in Canada.

 

How Express Entry Works

The Express Entry system is an online immigration system that uses the CRS to rank candidates. Here’s how it works:

  1. Create an Express Entry Profile
    Candidates must first create an online profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal. In this profile, candidates provide details about their:
    • Age
    • Education
    • Work experience
    • Language proficiency in English or French (through approved language tests like IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
    • Job offer (if applicable)
    • Provincial or Territorial Nomination (if applicable)
  2. Enter the Express Entry Pool
    Once the profile is completed, candidates are entered into the Express Entry pool. The CRS assigns points based on the information provided. Candidates are then ranked against others in the pool based on their CRS score.
  3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
    In regular rounds of invitations, the Canadian government invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residency. These draws typically take place every two weeks. Candidates who receive an ITA have 60 days to submit their complete application for permanent residency.
  4. Processing Time
    Once an application is submitted, the IRCC aims to process it within six months or less. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria and provide complete documentation are then granted permanent residency.

 

Increasing Your CRS Score

To maximize your chances of receiving an ITA, it’s crucial to work on improving your CRS score. Here are some strategies that can help you boost your score while you’re in the Express Entry pool:

Improve Your Language Scores

Language proficiency is one of the most significant factors in determining your CRS score. Candidates can earn up to 260 points for language skills alone. Achieving a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of 9 or higher in all four language abilities (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) can significantly improve your score.

Consider taking an IELTS or TEF preparation course to increase your chances of achieving higher scores. Additionally, if you’re proficient in both English and French, taking tests in both languages can earn you additional points.

Boost Your Education Credentials

Your education is another critical factor in the CRS score. To gain more points, you can:

  • Earn an additional qualification: Completing a post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate while in the pool can add to your score. A Canadian educational credential is particularly valuable.
  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Ensure that all your foreign education is assessed and recognized by an approved ECA body. You can submit multiple degrees for assessment, and doing so might increase your score if your second or third qualification is recognized more favorably.

Gain Additional Work Experience

More years of skilled work experience, whether in Canada or abroad, can improve your CRS score. You can gain points for up to three years of foreign experience or up to five years of Canadian experience. It’s also essential to ensure that you correctly choose your National Occupational Classification (NOC) code to reflect your duties accurately and maximize your points.

Secure a Job Offer in Canada

A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can add 50 to 200 points to your CRS score. The job offer must be for at least one year and supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) unless it falls under an LMIA-exempt category.

Get a Provincial Nomination

Obtaining a Provincial Nomination through one of Canada’s Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) can boost your CRS score by 600 points. Many provinces have PNP streams aligned with Express Entry, and candidates who meet the province’s specific labor market needs can apply for nomination. This is one of the most effective ways to receive an ITA.

Apply with Your Spouse or Partner

If you’re applying with a spouse or common-law partner, you may be able to improve your CRS score in several ways:

  • Choose the principal applicant wisely: Assess which partner has the higher CRS score when applying as the principal applicant.
  • Spousal language and education: Your spouse can contribute up to 40 points if they improve their language skills, gain Canadian work experience, or have their educational credentials assessed.

 

Category-Based Selection in Express Entry

As of 2023, Canada introduced category-based selection in Express Entry to better meet the country’s labor market needs. The Minister of Immigration announces specific economic categories, and candidates who meet the criteria for these categories may be invited to apply for permanent residency even if they don’t have the highest CRS scores.

Key Categories for 2024:

  1. French-Language Proficiency
    Candidates with strong French language skills can receive an invitation through the French-language proficiency category. A minimum score of CLB 7 in all four language abilities is required.
  2. Healthcare Occupations
    Healthcare professionals are in high demand across Canada. Occupations like nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals fall under this category. To qualify, candidates must have at least six months of continuous, full-time work experience in their respective healthcare occupation.
  3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Occupations
    Canada is actively looking to fill gaps in the STEM sectors. Professionals in fields like software development, data science, engineering, and more may qualify for a category-based draw if they meet the criteria.
  4. Trade Occupations
    Skilled trades are crucial to Canada’s growing economy. Tradespeople like electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and HVAC mechanics are eligible for this category if they have relevant work experience.
  5. Transport Occupations
    Canada’s transport industry needs skilled workers in occupations such as aircraft mechanics, truck drivers, and air traffic controllers. Candidates with at least six months of work experience in these roles are prioritized.
  6. Agriculture and Agri-Food Occupations
    With the growing importance of food security and agricultural development, Canada seeks workers in this sector. Roles like farm supervisors, agricultural service contractors, and butchers are eligible under this category.

 

How to Qualify for Category-Based Selection

To be eligible for an invitation through category-based rounds, you must:

  • Meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry (eligible for FSWP, FSTP, or CEC).
  • Meet the specific requirements of the category, such as language proficiency, work experience, or education.

 

Why Choose Immigration Nation?

At Immigration Nation – Immigration Consultant Services in Edmonton, we provide personalized services to help you navigate the complex Express Entry system. Whether you’re looking to increase your CRS score, apply through a Provincial Nominee Program, or qualify for category-based selection, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our expert consultants ensure that your profile stands out and maximizes your chances of securing an ITA.

 

Contact Us

Ready to start your immigration journey to Canada? Contact us at Immigration Nation today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can assist you in achieving your Canadian dream.

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