Express Entry to Canada
Canada Express Entry has ushered Canadian Immigration System into a new era. Canadian Express Entry (EE) was first introduced in January 2015 with the aim of meeting Canada's future labour market needs to maintain economic growth in the long term. Families and individuals from around the globe can immigrate to Canada within a few months with the Express Entry immigration selection system. Since its introduction in 2015, Express Entry has become the main driver of skilled worker immigration to Canada and one of the most popular immigration systems globally.
Under the 2021-2023 Canada Immigration Levels Plan, more than 100,000 people will obtain Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry annually. Even though pandemic travel restrictions persist, Canada is accepting and processing Express Entry applications. In fact, Canada has outlined its new immigration goals for the next three years, promising to welcome over 1.2 million newcomers by 2023.
There are several unique characteristics of the new system and it has influenced the way the Canadian government chooses skilled immigrants for entry into Canada. IRCC does not process applications passively. Instead, it chooses the immigrants it wants in the country from a pool of aspiring immigrants competing for a place in the last batch of qualified applicants
What is Express Entry Program?
Canadian Express Entry Program (EE) is a fast track immigration pathway for skilled workers to gain permanent residency in Canada. Express Entry is not an immigration program, but rather an online application tool used by the Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications of prospect skilled workers wanting to immigrate to Canada as permanent residents.
The Express Entry Pool is open to applicants who meet eligibility criteria under one of the federal Canada immigration programs or a participating provincial immigration program. Applications are submitted by creating an online profile and submitting an expression of interest (EOI). Candidate profiles are ranked using a points-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The candidates with the highest rankings will be invited to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Once an ITA is received, the recipient must submit a complete application and pay the processing fees within 60 days. The federal government boasts efficient processing times, with 80% of applications being completed within six months.
Immigration Programs Associated with Express Entry
The purpose of Express Entry System is to facilitate the migration of skilled workers to Canada "who will be most likely to succeed economically". Despite the widespread misconception regarding Express Entry that anyone can apply, regardless of their age, education or skills, the truth is that you must qualify for one of the three Express Entry programs in order to gain entry into the pool.
Federal Skilled Worker Program - FSWP
Federal skilled worker program is one of the most popular immigration programs aimed at providing permanent residence for individuals, based on their education, experience, and language proficiency. A skilled worker's processing time is determined solely by his or her ability to become economically established in Canada upon immigration.
Federal Skilled Trades Program - FSTP
The Federal Skilled Trade program is an immigration program designed to bring skilled workers into Canada based on their qualifications and experience in a skilled trade. Although there is no particular education requirement, an applicant holding a degree or diploma will be given more points in the selection process. The majority of complete applications are processed within six months.
Canadian Experience Class - CEC
Canada's Canadian Experience Class is a program aimed at foreign nationals with work experience in Canada and who have adapted to living in Canada. The program is also open to international graduates of Canadian universities or other educational institutions in Canada on PGWP (Post-Graduation Work Permit).
How to apply for Express Entry
This section of our website is devoted to helping potential immigrants apply for their visas in a timely and trouble-free manner to live and work in Canada. Our team of highly skilled in-house Canadian visa consultants is composed of CICC members and Immigration lawyers who can help you with all your Canadian Immigration needs.
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Documents Required
Canada Visa documentation is a significant part of the application process. Below are some examples of the documents that may be required to apply for a visa. Documents below do not represent a complete list of all documents required and are subject to change. Nonetheless, they are a provisional set of documents which are predicted to be required when applying for a Canada Visa.