Express Entry

The Canada’s Express Entry Program is a points based immigration program for professionals looking to settle in Canada. It awards points to professionals based on skills, experience, and Canadian employment status and provincial/territorial nomination. The higher your points, the greater your chances of receiving an invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residency in Canada. The system manages three main federal economic programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTC)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

How Express Entry points are calculated?

The eligibility requirement for the Federal Skilled Worker (Express Entry) is 67 points out of 100. You will need to score at least 67 points under various eligibility criteria to apply for your PR visa.  The Express Entry eligibility points calculator is based on the following criteria:

• Age: You can score the maximum points if you are between 18-35 years. Those above this age will gain lesser points.
• Education: Your minimum educational qualification must be equal to the higher secondary education level in Canada. A higher level of educational qualification means more points.
• Work experience: To score the minimum points you should have at least one year of work experience. If you have more years of work experience you will gain more points.
• Language ability: You must have at least 6 bands in your IELTS equivalent to CLB 7 to be eligible to apply and score the minimum points. Higher scores mean more points.
• Adaptability:You can score ten points on the adaptability factor if your family members or close relatives are living in Canada and will be able to support you when you move in there. You can also gain points if your spouse or legal partner is ready to migrate with you to Canada.
• Arranged employment: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer entitles you for ten points.

You need to have a minimum of 67 points out of 100 to be eligible to apply under the Express Entry program.

Steps to apply for the Express Entry Program

Step 1: Complete your ECA

If you have done your education outside Canada, you should get your Educational Credentials Assessment or ECA. The ECA proves that your educational qualifications are equal to those recognized in the Canadian educational system.

Step 2: Complete your language ability tests

The next step is completing the required English language proficiency tests. The minimum score is 6 bands in each module of IELTS test equivalent to CLB 7 for Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class (CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A, CLB 5 for NOC B), Federal Skilled Trades Program ( CLB5 in Listening, Speaking, CLB4 in Reading, Writing). Your test score should be less than 2 years old at the time of application.

You will have an edge over other applicants if you know French. French language test like the Test de evaluation de Francians (TEF) will prove your proficiency in the language.

Step 3: Create your Express Entry profile

You will have to first create your online Express Entry profile. The profile should include details about your age, work experience, education, language skills, etc.  You will be given a score base on these details.

If you qualify by getting the required points, you can submit your profile. This will be included in the Express Entry pool.

 Step 4: Calculate your CRS score

If your profile makes it to the Express Entry pool, it is ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Criteria such as age, work experience, adaptability, etc. determine your CRS score. Your profile gets included in the Express Entry pool if you have the required CRS score.

Step 5: Get your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your profile gets selected from the Express Entry pool, you will get an ITA from the Canadian government after which you can start the documentation for your PR visa.

Once you receive an ITA, you will have to submit a complete and correct application for which you will be given 60 days. If you fail to do so within 60 days, then your invitation will become null and void. So, you should make the best use of this time to submit an accurate application.