If you have your eyes set on becoming a permanent resident of Canada, then, you will find this Express Entry System guide useful. Every year, Canada welcomes immigrants from different parts of the world. These immigrants go on to become part of the Canadian community, many are currently permanent residents while some are even citizens.
Becoming a permanent resident of Canada is a great achievement, it comes with great privileges and benefits, if you desire to become one, many immigration pathways can lead you to becoming a Canadian permanent resident, one of these immigration pathways is the Express Entry program.
What is the Express Entry System?
The Express Entry System is Canada’s flagship immigration management system, it was introduced in January 2015 and designed to attract skilled workers from around the world, and it has since its inception revolutionized the way Canada selects candidates for immigration.
Before its implementation, the immigration process was often criticized for being slow and cumbersome. The Express Entry System was conceived as a dynamic solution, it introduced the point system that not only streamlined the process but also made sure that Canada could proactively select candidates who align with the country’s economic needs.
The system ranks applicants based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Key Components of the Express Entry System
Below are the programs that you will find under the Express Entry system.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This program is designed for individuals with the skills and experience needed to contribute to the Canadian economy.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): This one targets skilled workers in specific trades. The program aims to address the demand for tradespeople in Canada.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This particular program is for individuals with Canadian work experience, the CEC is a pathway to permanent residence.
How the Express Entry system works
Unlike traditional immigration processes, the Express Entry System operates on a proactive basis. Here is what we mean, rather than responding to applications as they are received, the system allows Canada to actively search for and invite individuals who possess the skills and qualifications that the country is looking for at the moment.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the engine that handles this process. It gives points to candidates based on a variety of factors, so the system is continually updated. This system has not only made the process faster but has also made sure that candidates with the most to offer in terms of skills, experience, and adaptability are prioritized.
Since the inception of the Express Entry System, it has undergone several refinements to enhance its effectiveness. There have been regular updates to the CRS, adjustments to eligibility criteria, and the addition of new programs.
How the Points System Works
As an applicant, you will be awarded points based on various factors, including:
- Age
- Educational background
- Work experience
- Language proficiency (English and French)
- Adaptability
If you get a high point score, it will increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Express Entry Application Process
If you want to apply for the Express Entry system, follow the steps below:
Assess your eligibility
Before entering the Express Entry pool, make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three programs mentioned earlier. To check your eligibility criteria, you need to check your qualifications, language skills, and work experience. If you are eligible for at least one of the programs under the Express Entry, then you can proceed with your application.
Language proficiency test
If you are not from an English or French-speaking nation, you need to take an approved language test (IELTS for English, TEF for French). And make sure you get the required minimum scores.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If your education was obtained outside Canada, you need to do an ECA, it helps to confirm that your qualifications are equivalent to Canadian standards.
Creating an Express Entry profile
If your qualification matches Canadian standards, you can proceed to create an online profile, during the profile creation process, you need to enter your information. Submit information about your skills, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant details.
Entering the Express Entry pool
Once your profile is complete, you will enter the Express Entry pool, where you are ranked against other candidates based on your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
Receive an invitation to apply (ITA)
If you are among the candidates with the highest CRS scores, you will be issued ITAs (together with others) during regular draws conducted by Immigration. Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Submit your permanent residence application
After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residence. Once you submit it, it will be checked and everything is complete. You will be granted permanent residency in Canada.
Benefits of the Express Entry System
- Economic contribution: The system focuses on attracting individuals who are not only employable but who can also contribute significantly to Canada’s economy.
- Reduced processing times: One of the most significant advantages of the Express Entry System is that it is fast. The points-based system makes the whole process fast, reducing the time you will spend waiting for a decision.
- Proactive candidate selection: The system allows Canada to select candidates from the Express Entry pool based on the CRS ranking. This allows the country to address specific labor market needs promptly.
- Permanent residency pathways: The three main programs under the Express Entry System — Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) give you multiple options for permanent residency.
If you are interested in becoming a permanent resident of Canada, this program is one of the best PR pathways in Canada. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria currently, you can take the following action to increase your chances.
- Improve your language proficiency skill
- get more educational qualifications
- Gain additional work experience
- And boost your adaptability factors.
These steps will increase your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada through the Express Entry program.
CHECK THESE OUT:
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- Canada Express Entry Programs – Apply for Express Entry into Canada at canada.ca
