Express Entry (Permanent Resident Visa)

The Express Entry system is designed to attract skilled immigrants who can contribute to Canada's economy. Here are the key features of the Express Entry system:

• Points-Based System: The Express Entry system uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence in regular Express Entry draws.
• Fast Processing Times: One of the major advantages of Express Entry is its fast processing times. The goal is to process most complete applications within six months from the date of submission.
• Three Economic Immigration Programs: Express Entry manages applications for three main programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
• Regular Draws and Invitations to Apply (ITA): Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts regular draws (usually every two weeks) to invite the highest-ranked candidates to apply for permanent residence.
• Pathway to Permanent Residence: Successful Express Entry candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Once approved, they become permanent residents of Canada with the right to live, work, and study anywhere in the country.
• Flexibility and Adaptability: The Express Entry system is dynamic, allowing candidates to improve their CRS scores while in the pool by obtaining additional qualifications, improving language skills, or securing a job offer from a Canadian employer.

Programs Under the Express Entry System

The Express Entry system manages applications for three main economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience who meet specific education, language proficiency, and work experience requirements. The FSWP is designed for individuals with managerial, professional, or technical occupations.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For skilled tradespeople with qualifications and experience in specific trades, such as construction, maintenance, manufacturing, or agriculture. The FSTP is designed for individuals with a job offer or certification from a Canadian authority in their trade.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada. The CEC is designed for temporary foreign workers and international graduates who have gained Canadian work experience and wish to transition to permanent residence.

Eligibility Requirements for Express Entry

Each program under the Express Entry system has its own eligibility requirements. However, there are some common criteria that all applicants must meet to be considered for Express Entry:

• Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a language test approved by IRCC (such as IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF). The minimum required score depends on the program but typically ranges from Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 5 to 7.
• Educational Qualifications: Applicants must have their foreign education credentials assessed by a designated organization to ensure they are equivalent to Canadian standards. This is known as an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Work Experience: Applicants must have a certain amount of skilled work experience, depending on the program. For example, FSWP requires at least one year of continuous full-time work experience in a skilled occupation, while CEC requires at least one year of Canadian work experience.
• Proof of Funds: Applicants must demonstrate that they have enough money to support themselves and their family members after arriving in Canada, unless they are already working in Canada or have a valid job offer.
• Admissibility: Applicants must be admissible to Canada, which means they must have no criminal record and pose no security or health risks.
• Additional Criteria: Each program has specific criteria that applicants must meet, such as age, adaptability, and ability to settle in Canada. It is essential to meet these criteria to qualify for Express Entry.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points-based system used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. The CRS score is based on several factors, including:

• Core Human Capital Factors: Age, education, work experience, and language proficiency in English or French.
• Skill Transferability Factors: A combination of education and Canadian work experience, or foreign work experience and language proficiency.
• Additional Factors: A valid job offer, a nomination from a Canadian province or territory, Canadian education credentials, a sibling living in Canada, and proficiency in both English and French.

The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence in regular Express Entry draws conducted by IRCC.

Application Process for Express Entry

The application process for Express Entry involves several steps, which must be carefully followed to increase the chances of success. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before applying, candidates should determine whether they meet the eligibility requirements for one of the Express Entry programs (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC). Candidates can use the IRCC’s online eligibility tool or consult with an immigration expert to assess their eligibility.

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile

Candidates must create an Express Entry profile online through the IRCC website. The profile requires information about the candidate’s age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other personal details. Candidates must also provide supporting documents, such as language test results and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

Step 3: Enter the Express Entry Pool

Once the profile is created and submitted, the candidate enters the Express Entry pool. All eligible candidates are ranked against each other using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS score is based on the candidate’s human capital factors, skill transferability, and additional factors.

Step 4: Improve CRS Score (if needed)

While in the pool, candidates can take steps to improve their CRS score. This may include obtaining a higher language test score, gaining additional work experience, pursuing further education, or securing a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. Candidates can remain in the pool for up to 12 months.

Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool, usually every two weeks. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence. Once a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA), they have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.

Step 6: Submit a Complete Application for Permanent Residence

After receiving an ITA, the candidate must submit a complete application for permanent residence through the IRCC online portal. This includes providing all required documents, such as police clearance certificates, medical exam results, proof of funds, and any other documentation specified in the ITA.

Step 7: Pay Application Fees

The application fees for Express Entry include the processing fee for the principal applicant (currently CAD 825), a right of permanent residence fee (CAD 500), and fees for accompanying family members. Additional costs may include medical exams, police certificates, and language tests.

Step 8: Wait for Application Processing

IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within six months from the date of submission. During this time, the IRCC will review the application, verify the information, and conduct background checks. Candidates can check their application status online through their IRCC account.

Step 9: Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

If the application is approved, the candidate will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a Permanent Resident Visa (if applicable). The COPR is used to confirm the candidate’s status as a permanent resident upon arrival in Canada.

Step 10: Arrive in Canada and Activate Permanent Residence

Upon arrival in Canada, the candidate must present the COPR, passport, and any other requested documents to a Canadian border services officer. The officer will verify the information and officially activate the candidate’s permanent resident status.

How Facts Immigration Consulting Processes Express Entry Applications

At Facts Immigration Consulting, we provide comprehensive support to candidates throughout the entire process of applying for permanent residence through Express Entry. Here’s how we assist our clients:

Initial Consultation

We begin with an initial consultation to assess the client’s eligibility for Express Entry and determine the best immigration program (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC) based on their qualifications and goals. We provide an overview of the Express Entry process, including CRS scoring, documentation, and potential pathways to improve the candidate’s score.

Profile Creation and CRS Optimization

Our team assists clients in creating their Express Entry profile, ensuring that all information is accurate and complete. We help clients identify opportunities to maximize their CRS score, such as improving language test results, obtaining a job offer, or securing a provincial nomination. We provide guidance on obtaining additional qualifications or credentials to enhance the client’s profile.

Document Preparation

We assist clients in gathering and preparing all necessary documents, ensuring that each document meets IRCC standards and is complete and accurate. Our team provides templates, checklists, and detailed guidance to make sure nothing is overlooked.

Application Submission

Once a client receives an ITA, we guide them through the process of submitting a complete application for permanent residence. We help fill out the forms correctly, pay the required fees, and submit all supporting documents in a timely manner to avoid delays.

Follow-Up and Status Updates

Our team monitors the application status and provides regular updates to the client. We communicate with IRCC on behalf of the client to address any issues or requests for additional documentation. We ensure that all deadlines are met and provide ongoing support throughout the process.

Pre-Arrival and Settlement Guidance

Once the application is approved, we provide pre-arrival guidance, including advice on travel arrangements, packing, and preparing for arrival in Canada. We also offer settlement services, such as assistance with finding housing, registering for healthcare, and accessing community resources to help clients settle smoothly in Canada.

Conclusion

The Express Entry system is one of the most efficient and popular pathways to permanent residence in Canada. The application process involves several steps, from creating an Express Entry profile to submitting a complete application for permanent residence. At Facts Immigration Consulting, we provide end-to-end support to ensure a smooth and successful application process, helping our clients achieve their goal of becoming permanent residents in Canada with confidence and peace of mind.