Express Entry

The Express Entry system is a Canadian immigration program designed to manage applications for permanent residency in Canada. It is a point-based system that evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability. The express entry system manages three immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.
It’s important to note that meeting the eligibility requirements and having a high CRS score does not guarantee an ITA or permanent residency. The Express Entry system is designed to select candidates with the highest potential to contribute to the Canadian economy and society.
Here is a general overview of the Express Entry process:
Expression of Interest (Express Entry Pool)

Eligible candidates create an online profile in the Express Entry system and provide information about their skills, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant details. Each profile is given a score based on the CRS, which considers factors such as age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability.

Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Candidates with the highest CRS scores (in most cases) receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency. They have 60 days to submit a complete application, including supporting documents. Recently, the IRCC began issuing TEER (NOC) specific draws where Canada prioritizes ITA for the occupations in demand to meet Canada’s economic demand.

Application Submission

Candidates must provide accurate and truthful information along with supporting documents to prove their eligibility. This includes documents related to education, work experience, language proficiency tests, and other requirements. In case a specific document is not available, one may request an extension from the IRCC by providing a detailed explanation.

Permanent Residency Decision

The IRCC will review the application based on the criteria of the draw and eligibility. Applicants must undergo medical examinations and background checks for security. After the process, the IRCC will issue the final decision. If approved, they will be issued a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document. The PR card will come in the mail later after landing is complete.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a program under the Canadian immigration system that allows individuals who have already gained work experience in Canada to apply for permanent residency. It is specifically designed for temporary foreign workers and international students who have completed their studies in Canada and have gained Canadian work experience.
To be eligible for the CEC, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least one year of full time or equal amount of part time skilled work experience in Canada within the past three years. The applicant needs to meet language proficiency requirements, and have gained their work experience legally. Additionally, applicants must plan to live outside the province of Quebec, as Quebec has its own selection process for skilled workers.
The CEC is a popular pathway to permanent residency for foreign workers and international students who have integrated into Canadian society and have established valuable connections and experience in the country. It offers a streamlined application process and shorter processing times compared to other immigration programs.
Successful applicants under the CEC receive permanent residency status in Canada, which grants them various benefits, including access to healthcare and social services, the ability to live and work anywhere in Canada, and the opportunity to apply for Canadian citizenship in the future.

You can combine multiple NOC/TEER for your skilled experience in Canada. All Canadian experience must be within the past three years before application submission.

Experience during studies or coop will not count. Remote working experience while being outside of Canada will not count. IRCC does not count work over 30 hours per week towards the experience.

Federal Skilled Workers Class (FSW)

The Federal Skilled Workers Class (FSW) is a category of the Canadian immigration program designed for skilled workers who wish to become permanent residents of Canada. The FSW program assesses applicants based on various factors, such as their age, education, language proficiency, skilled work experience, and adaptability. To qualify for the FSW program, criteria include having at least one year of continuous full-time work experience in a skilled occupation, meeting the language proficiency requirements in English or French, and having a certain level of education. The applicant must score at least 67 points on the six selection factors criteria.
Applicants are also assessed based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points to various factors, such as age, education, language skills, work experience, and adaptability. The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency through regular draws conducted by the Canadian government, except for program specific draws.

Any full time or equal amount of part time paid work experience counts. One can also count the experience even during their studies as long as it was skilled, paid and continuous.

Must be continuous experience with no breaks. Also, all experience must be within the same NOC that is the applicant’s primary NOC/TEER in the express entry profile. IRCC does not count work over 30 hours per week towards the experience.

Federal Skilled Trades Class (FST)

The Federal Skilled Trades Class (FST) is designed for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada and have experience in a skilled trade occupation. To be eligible for the FST program, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade occupation (the last five years), meeting the language requirements, and having a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification in their trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
Applicants are also required to meet the minimum requirements for education, work experience, language proficiency, and settlement funds. The selection process is based on a points system, where candidates are awarded points based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability. If an applicant meets the eligibility requirements and earns enough points, they may be invited to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the FST program via express entry. Successful applicants will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can then proceed with the necessary steps to become a permanent resident of Canada.

To gain FST experience, the applicant must be qualified for independent practice in the selected trade occupation. Further, the applicant must either have a full-time job offer for at least one year or have a certificate of qualification from Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority.

Factors to increase success chances in Express Entry:

  • Younger age
  • High language scores
  • Skilled experience in Canada and/or overseas
  • Close family member in Canada
  • Arranged employment (if applicable)
  • STEM experience that aligns with the program specific draws

Express Entry Canada – Fast-Track Your Path to Canadian Permanent Residency

Are you dreaming of a new life in Canada? Express Entry is one of the fastest and most popular immigration pathways to Canadian permanent residency. Designed for skilled workers who meet specific requirements, Express Entry is Canada’s invitation-based immigration system, allowing you to build your future in a country known for its high quality of life, diversity, and economic opportunities.

At YCI, we know the Express Entry Canada process can feel complex. We are here to simplify each step, from creating your Express Entry profile to understanding eligibility, scoring, and documentation, so you can submit a strong application and maximize your chances of receiving an invitation.

What is Express Entry Canada?

Express Entry is an online immigration system managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is tailored to skilled workers who want to apply for permanent residency (PR) in Canada. Unlike traditional immigration programs, Express Entry uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to score and rank applicants based on their skills, work experience, education, language abilities, and other factors.

If you meet the requirements, Express Entry can be your express route to Canada. Each step matters, from creating your profile to understanding how the Express Entry score system works. YCI’s experienced consultants help guide you through the application process, ensuring every detail is handled professionally.

How Does Express Entry Work?

The Express Entry system operates by managing applications for three main immigration programs:

  1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Designed for individuals with foreign work experience and skills suitable for Canada’s job market.
  2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Tailored for skilled tradespeople with job experience in Canada or abroad.
  3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with Canadian work experience who want to transition to permanent residency.

Eligible applicants submit their Express Entry profile to the IRCC, where they are entered into a pool of candidates. Based on the CRS score, candidates are ranked, and regular Express Entry draws are held, where top-ranked applicants receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Express Entry Eligibility Criteria

To enter the Express Entry pool, you must meet the eligibility requirements of at least one of the three programs under Express Entry. These requirements include:

  • Work Experience: Relevant work experience in a skilled occupation (usually within the last 10 years).
  • Education: Educational qualifications that meet Canadian standards, often verified through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
  • Language Proficiency: High scores in English or French (through exams like IELTS or CELPIP or PTE) are essential. The higher your language scores, the better your CRS score.
  • Proof of Funds: You will need to show proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada. Funds requirements are waived under some conditions.

With these factors impacting your eligibility and score, YCI assists in optimizing your profile for the best possible outcomes.

Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Your Express Entry profile receives a CRS score based on factors such as:

  • Age: Younger adult applicants score higher.
  • Education: Higher levels of education result in a higher score.
  • Language Skills: Strong English or French skills are rewarded with more points.
  • Work Experience: More skilled work experience can enhance your score.
  • Canadian Connections: Canadian work or study experience, as well as family connections, can boost your score.

The better your profile matches Canada’s immigration needs, the higher your score, which increases your chances of receiving an ITA. YCI provides expert guidance to ensure your profile is complete, correct, and competitive.

How to Create an Express Entry Profile

Creating your Express Entry profile is the first step in the process. It is essential to complete this accurately and truthfully. Here is a brief look at the steps involved:

  1. Gather Required Documents: These include language test results, proof of work experience, educational documents, and identification.
  2. Submit an Online Profile: This profile provides IRCC with the information needed to assess your eligibility.
  3. Wait for CRS Results: Based on the information provided, IRCC will score your profile.

If your CRS score meets the cut-off during an Express Entry draw, you will receive an ITA. With YCI’s help, you can be confident that your profile accurately reflects your skills and maximizes your score potential.

Proof of Funds for Express Entry

One critical aspect of the Express Entry process is providing proof of funds to show that you have the financial means to support yourself and your family when you arrive in Canada. The amount required depends on the size of your family and is updated annually.

For instance, as of 2024, a single applicant may need around $15,000 CAD, while a family of four may need closer to $29,000 CAD. Exceptions apply if you are applying through the Canadian Experience Class or have a valid job offer in Canada.

Express Entry Draw History and Trends

The Express Entry draw history provides insight into recent CRS score cut-offs, helping you understand how competitive your score is. Draws are usually held every two weeks, with cut-off scores varying based on immigration targets and applicant profiles in the pool.

For example, recent draws have seen CRS cut-offs over 500, depending on the specific program. If you are unsure about your competitiveness, YCI can help review your CRS score and explore ways to improve it.

Provincial Nominee Programs and Express Entry

In addition to federal programs, some provinces have their own Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that align with Express Entry. For example, Alberta Express Entry offers a pathway to those with ties to Alberta or skills that match the province’s economic needs. If nominated by a province, you can receive an additional 600 CRS points, practically guaranteeing an ITA.

Why Choose YCI for Your Express Entry Canada Journey?

YCI specializes in Canadian immigration and Express Entry, offering personalized support to help you achieve your goal of living and working in Canada. Here is why YCI is the ideal choice:

  1. Experienced Consultants: With in-depth knowledge of the Express Entry system, YCI provides expert advice tailored to your unique profile.
  2. Profile Optimization: We help improve your CRS score by advising on key factors like language test scores, education, and experience.
  3. Continuous Updates: Our team keeps you informed about draw results, changes in CRS score trends, and other critical updates.

Frequently Asked Questions About Express Entry

Q: How long does the Express Entry process take?
A: The Express Entry application process generally takes 4-8 months from the date you receive an ITA. Processing times vary based on application volume and other factors.

Q: What if my CRS score is too low?
A: There are ways to improve your CRS score, such as boosting language test scores, gaining additional education or work experience, or applying for a provincial nomination.

Q: Can I apply for Express Entry without a job offer?
A: Yes, a job offer is not mandatory for Express Entry. However, having a valid job offer can improve your CRS score, making it easier to get an ITA.

Ready to Apply for Express Entry Canada? Start with YCI

Your journey to Canadian permanent residency does not have to be complicated. With YCI’s guidance, you can submit a strong Express Entry profile, avoid common mistakes, and maximize your chances of receiving an ITA. Whether you are seeking clarity on proof of funds, CRS scores, or eligibility, YCI is here to support you every step of the way.

If you are ready to begin your Express Entry journey, contact YCI today, and let us help you take your first step toward a new life in Canada.