Express entry is one of the fastest and most popular routes for newcomers to Canada. Express Entry manages and processes applications for people who want to immigrate to Canada and get Canadian permanent residency.
How do I apply for Express Entry?
Applying for an express entry is a two-step process. The first step is to submit your profile which requires the following documents:
- Language test results
- Educational Credential Assessment Report
- A passport or travel document
When you submit your profile and receive an invitation to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence, you will need to submit a more important application that includes a letter of reference, additional identification documents, a police clearance certificate, and a medical examination result.
Who is eligible for Express Entry?
Candidates with skilled work experience in English and/or French and a university or college degree with moderate proficiency are ideal candidates. Eligible candidates for the following programs are also eligible to submit applications under the Express Entry Program:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trade (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
What is required for express entry?
In general, to be able to apply for express entry as a skilled worker, you must:
- Have at least one full-time (or equivalent part-time) experience in a skilled profession over the past 10 years
- Be able to appear on at least seven Canadian language benchmarks (CLB) approved language tests in English or French
- Complete post-secondary education that is assessed against Canadian standards with an educational credential assessment
These are the minimum requirements to implement express entry as a skilled worker. Meeting these requirements does not mean that you will be invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Candidates with strong profiles will always be selected on candidates who meet the minimum requirement.
What is the ideal candidate for Express Entry?
There is no one-size-fits-all type of profile that is eligible for express entry. Candidates entering the pool receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Those who rank higher are invited to apply. Selection factors that can affect your CRS score are language proficiency, age, work experience, education, and Canadian contacts.
Express Entry candidates will fulfill the following conditions:
- Be less than 30 years old
- At least two bachelor’s degrees or a master’s degree
- Be able to demonstrate medium to high English and / or French language proficiency (Canadian language benchmark [CLB] level eight or higher)
- Have at least three years of skilled work experience
- Other factors that can really boost your CRS score include:
- Proficiency in English and / or French
- Linguistics in French and English
- A master’s degree or Ph.D. Education
- Canadian work or educational experience
- A Canadian brother or sister is currently living in Canada
- Employment offered by a Canadian company
- Nomination from a Provincial Nomination Program