Express Entry Canada: Your Pathway to Permanent Residence

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What is Express Entry program?

The Express Entry program is an immigration system implemented by the Canadian government to manage and process applications for permanent residence from skilled foreign workers who want to move to Canada. t applies to three federal economic immigration programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) And Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

To apply through the Express Entry system, candidates create an online profile and provide information about their skills, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other relevant details. Based on this information, candidates are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which considers factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability.

V. Sharma Immigration Services Inc may offer services such as evaluating candidates’ eligibility for the Express Entry program, assisting with the creation and submission of the online profile, providing guidance on improving CRS scores, helping gather and prepare supporting documents, and offering support throughout the application process.

To get in touch with us for assistance with the Express Entry program, you can fill out the contact form.

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    Benefits of using Express Entry

    Using the Express Entry program for immigration to Canada offers numerous benefits for skilled foreign workers. Here are some key advantages:

    1. Efficient and Streamlined Process: Express Entry is designed to expedite the immigration process. It allows candidates to create an online profile and enter the pool of applicants, where they are ranked based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency, resulting in faster processing times compared to traditional immigration programs.
    2. Merit-Based Selection: Express Entry follows a merit-based system, which means that candidates are selected based on their skills, work experience, language proficiency, education, and other factors that indicate their potential to contribute to the Canadian economy. This ensures a fair and transparent selection process that focuses on the qualifications and abilities of applicants.
    3. Access to Job Opportunities: Express Entry gives candidates access to a wide range of employment opportunities in Canada. Candidates who receive a job offer from a Canadian employer or have a valid provincial nomination can earn additional CRS points, increasing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
    4. Flexibility in Provincial Nomination: Express Entry works in collaboration with various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Provinces and territories in Canada have the ability to select candidates from the Express Entry pool through their respective PNPs. Being nominated by a province can provide additional CRS points and a higher chance of receiving an ITA.
    5. Inclusion of the Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The Canadian Experience Class is a category within the Express Entry system that allows candidates with Canadian work experience to transition to permanent residency. This is beneficial for individuals who have already gained valuable work experience in Canada through temporary work permits.
    6. Spousal and Family Sponsorship: Express Entry allows applicants to include their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in their application. If eligible, family members can also receive permanent residency, allowing for family reunification in Canada.
    7. Access to Social Benefits and Services: Once granted permanent residency through Express Entry, candidates can enjoy the social benefits and services available to Canadian residents. These include access to healthcare, education, social security, and various government programs.

    It’s important to note that the specific benefits and eligibility requirements of the Express Entry program may be subject to change. It is advisable to regularly refer to the official Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

    Express Entry Programs

    Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

    This program is for skilled workers who possess the necessary education, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors to contribute to the Canadian economy.

    Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

    This program is for skilled tradespeople who have work experience in specific occupations and meet the requirements set by the Canadian government.

    Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

    This program is for individuals who have gained skilled work experience in Canada through temporary work permits and wish to transition to permanent residence.

    Eligibility Criteria For  Express Entry

    Here are the eligibility criteria for each of the three programs within the Express Entry.

    Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) Eligibility Criteria:

    1. Work Experience:
    • At least one year (1,560 hours) of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years.
    • The work experience must be at skill level 0, A, or B of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
    1. Language Proficiency:
    • Meet the minimum language requirements in English or French, assessed through approved language tests (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
    • Must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
    1. Education:
    • Provide proof of education, such as a Canadian secondary or post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree; or an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report if educated outside of Canada.
    1. Adaptability Factors:
    • Meet the minimum score requirement for adaptability factors, which include factors like previous work or study experience in Canada, arranged employment, or having a sibling living in Canada who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
    1. Proof of Funds:
    • Show sufficient funds to support yourself and your family members after arriving in Canada unless you have a valid job offer or are currently working in Canada.

    Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) Eligibility Criteria:

    1. Skilled Trade Work Experience:
    • At least two years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time experience) in a skilled trade within the last five years before applying.
    • The work experience must be in a skilled trade listed in the NOC skill level B.
    1. Language Proficiency:
    • Meet the minimum language requirements in English or French, assessed through approved language tests (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
    • Must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
    1. Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification:
    • Have either a valid job offer of at least one year in Canada or a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority.
    1. Proof of Funds:
    • Show sufficient funds to support yourself and your family members after arriving in Canada unless you have a valid job offer or are currently working in Canada.

    Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Eligibility Criteria:

    1. Canadian Work Experience:
    • Have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equivalent amount in part-time) skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years before applying.
    • The work experience must be in a skilled occupation listed in the NOC skill levels 0, A, or B.
    1. Language Proficiency:
    • Meet the minimum language requirements in English or French, assessed through approved language tests (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
    • Must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
    1. Intent to Reside Outside Quebec:
    • Plan to live outside the province of Quebec.
    • The province of Quebec has its own immigration programs separate from the Express Entry system.
    1. Proof of Funds:
    • Show sufficient funds to support yourself and your family members after arriving in Canada, unless you have a valid job offer or are currently working in Canada.

    How to Create express Entry Profile?

    Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility Review the eligibility criteria for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Ensure you meet the minimum requirements related to work experience, language proficiency, education, and other factors.

    Step 2: Gather Required Documents Collect all the necessary documents to complete your profile, such as your passport, language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF), Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report (if applicable), and any other relevant documents supporting your work experience, education, and identity.

    Step 3: Create an Online Account Visit the official Government of Canada website and create an online account. Provide your personal information, including your name, contact details, and email address. You will receive a confirmation email with a unique identification number.

    Step 4: Complete the Personal Information Section Log in to your online account and complete the personal information section. This includes details about your date of birth, nationality, marital status, and family members who will accompany you to Canada, if applicable.

    Step 5: Enter Work Experience Enter your work experience details, including the job title, duties, start and end dates, employer’s name and address, and the number of hours worked per week. Ensure that your work experience matches the requirements of the program you are applying for.

    Step 6: Add Educational Information Provide information about your education, including the names of the institutions you attended, the location, dates of attendance, and the degrees or diplomas obtained. If you completed your education outside of Canada, you may need to submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report.

    Step 7: Complete Language Proficiency Indicate your language proficiency in English and/or French by selecting the relevant language test (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF) and entering your test results. Ensure you meet the minimum language requirements for the program you are applying for.

    Step 8: Calculate Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score After entering all the required information, the Express Entry system will calculate your CRS score based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other additional points you may be eligible for (such as provincial nominations or job offers).

    Step 9: Review and Submit Your Profile Carefully review all the information you have entered in your Express Entry profile. Make sure there are no errors or omissions. Once you are satisfied with your profile, submit it. Once submitted, you cannot make changes to your profile, so double-check all the details before submitting.

    Step 10: Receive Your Express Entry Profile Number After submitting your profile, you will receive an Express Entry profile number. Make a note of this number as it will be required for future reference and communication with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

    Once your profile is submitted, you will be placed in the Express Entry pool of candidates, and your profile will be valid for one year or until you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

    What is Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)?

    The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used by the Canadian government to rank and select candidates in the Express Entry pool. The CRS assesses the eligibility of candidates based on various factors and assigns them a score. The higher the CRS score, the better the candidate’s chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

    The CRS is composed of four main categories, each with its own maximum points:

    1. Core Human Capital Factors: This category evaluates factors such as age, level of education, official language proficiency (English or French), and Canadian work experience. It awards a maximum of 500 points.
    2. Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors: If applicable, the spouse or common-law partner’s factors are assessed, including language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience. It awards a maximum of 40 points.
    3. Skill Transferability Factors: These factors assess a candidate’s ability to transfer their skills to the Canadian labor market. It takes into account factors such as education and language proficiency. It awards a maximum of 100 points.
    4. Additional Factors: Additional points can be earned through a variety of factors, such as having a provincial nomination, a valid job offer, or Canadian education. It awards a maximum of 600 points.

    The total maximum CRS score is 1,200.

    Candidates with higher CRS scores are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during the regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). However, it’s important to note that the CRS cutoff scores can vary for each draw, depending on the number of candidates in the pool and the specific program’s requirements.

    Candidates who receive an ITA have a limited time frame (usually 60 days) to submit a complete application for permanent residency.

    Core Human Capital Factors: Maximum 500 Points

    Factor Points Breakdown
    Age Maximum 110 points
    Education Maximum 150 points
    Official Language Proficiency (English or French) Maximum 170 points
    Canadian Work Experience Maximum 80 points

     

    Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors: Maximum 40 Points

    Factor Points Breakdown
    Education Maximum 10 points
    Official Language Proficiency (English or French) Maximum 20 points
    Canadian Work Experience Maximum 10 points

     

    Skill Transferability Factors: Maximum 100 Points

    Factor Points Breakdown
    Education and Canadian Work Experience Maximum 50 points
    Foreign Work Experience and Language Proficiency Maximum 50 points

     

    Additional Factors: Maximum 600 Points

    Factor Points Breakdown
    Provincial Nomination Maximum 600 points
    Arranged Employment Maximum 200 points
    Canadian Education Credentials Maximum 30 points
    French Language Proficiency Maximum 30 points
    Sibling in Canada (citizen or permanent resident) Maximum 15 points

     

    Invitation to Apply (ITA) and Application Process

    After creating your Express Entry profile and entering the pool of candidates, you will have the opportunity to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. Here’s an overview of the ITA and application process:

    1. Receiving the Invitation to Apply (ITA)

    • The Canadian government regularly conducts draws from the Express Entry pool.
    • Candidates with higher Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores are prioritized and more likely to receive an ITA.
    • When you receive an ITA, you will be notified through your online account and by email.

    2. Accepting the Invitation

    • Upon receiving an ITA, you must formally accept the invitation within the given timeframe (usually 60 days).
    • Failure to accept the ITA within the specified period will result in the invitation expiring, and you will need to wait for a new invitation in a subsequent draw.

    3. Gather Required Documents

    • Once you have accepted the ITA, you will need to gather all the necessary documents for your permanent residency application.
    • These documents may include identity documents, passports, language test results, Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report (if applicable), work experience letters, police certificates, medical examination results, and other supporting documents as per the program requirements.

    4. Complete the Application Form

    • Fill out the required application forms accurately and completely.
    • The forms typically include personal information, contact details, education history, work experience, and other relevant details.
    • Double-check the forms for any errors or omissions before submitting.

    5. Pay the Application Fees

    • Pay the necessary application fees, which may include the processing fee, right of permanent residence fee (RPRF), biometrics fee, and other applicable fees.
    • Payment can usually be made online through the designated payment portal.

    Application fees for Express Entry include:

    1. Processing Fee: CAD 850 per adult applicant , CAD 250 per dependent child
    1. Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD 515 per adult applicant (not required for dependent children)

    The fees must be paid online at the time of submitting the application.

    6. Submit the Application

    • Once all the forms are completed and the fees are paid, submit your application electronically through your online account.
    • Ensure that all required supporting documents are included in your application.
    • Submit the application within the specified timeframe after accepting the ITA.

    7. Application Processing

    • After submitting your application, it will undergo a thorough review by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
    • IRCC will assess your eligibility, conduct background checks, verify documents, and ensure that you meet all the requirements.
    • This process may take several months, and you may be requested to provide additional information or attend an interview.

    8. Medical Examination and Police Certificates

    • As part of the application process, you will need to undergo a medical examination by an authorized panel physician.
    • You may also be required to obtain police certificates from each country or territory where you have lived for a certain period, demonstrating good character and security.

    9. Decision and Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR)

    • Once your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residency (COPR) document.
    • The COPR confirms your status as a permanent resident of Canada.
    • You will need to present this document to Canadian authorities when you arrive in Canada.

    10. Travel to Canada and Becoming a Permanent Resident

    • Make travel arrangements to move to Canada within the validity period of your COPR.
    • Upon arrival, present your COPR to a Canadian border officer who will finalize your permanent resident status.
    • You will receive a permanent resident card, which is the official proof of your permanent residency in Canada.

    It’s important to note that the application process may vary depending on individual circumstances, program changes, and any updates to the immigration policies.

     

    Trust V. Sharma Immigration services Inc for Your Express Entry Success

    At V. Sharma Immigration services Inc, we offer comprehensive services tailored to your specific needs throughout the Express Entry journey. Our team of experienced immigration consultants is dedicated to providing you with expert guidance and support at every step of the application process.

    1. Eligibility Assessment: Our qualified consultants will assess your eligibility for the Express Entry program based on your qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant factors. We will provide you with a clear understanding of your chances of success and recommend strategies to enhance your eligibility if needed.
    2. Profile Creation and Optimization: We will assist you in creating a strong Express Entry profile that showcases your skills, qualifications, and experiences in a way that maximizes your CRS score. Our experts will guide you in presenting your profile in the best possible light, highlighting your unique strengths to increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
    3. Document Preparation and Application Support: Our dedicated team will meticulously prepare and review all the required supporting documents for your Express Entry application. We will ensure that your documents meet the stringent requirements of the Canadian immigration authorities, minimizing the risk of delays or rejections. We will also guide you through the completion of the online application forms accurately and efficiently.
    4. CRS Score Enhancement Strategies: We will work closely with you to identify strategies for improving your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This may include language test preparation, educational credential assessment guidance, and maximizing your work experience documentation. We will explore additional avenues, such as provincial nomination programs or valid job offers, to further boost your CRS score.
    5. Application Monitoring and Representation: Throughout the application process, we will monitor the status of your application, promptly respond to any requests from immigration authorities, and address any concerns or inquiries that arise. Our experienced consultants will represent you and communicate with immigration officials on your behalf, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.

    Why Choose Us:

    1. Our team of immigration consultants possesses in-depth knowledge and expertise in the Express Entry program.
    2. We provide personalized attention and tailor our services to meet your unique needs.
    3. We have a proven track record of success, helping numerous clients achieve their dream of Canadian permanent residency.
    4. We stay up-to-date with the latest immigration regulations and trends to ensure the highest quality of service.
    5. Client satisfaction is our top priority, and we are committed to guiding you through a smooth and successful Express Entry journey.