IMMIGRATION

The Express Entry System

Express Entry

Canada has one of the most positive immigration policies in the world and welcomes more than 200,000 new immigrants each year. According to an international survey conducted recently, 53 per cent of adults in the world’s 24 leading countries said they would immigrate to Canada. While Canada offers a great choice of both Federal and Provincial immigration programs, immigration to Canada has become increasingly popular due to main driver of the Canadian immigration system – Express Entry. Express Entry applicants receive priority processing and increased accessibility for candidates from a broader range of occupations. Without a cap on the number of applications being accepted for processing, applicants can apply to Express Entry at any time without being concerned that the program will close or fill up before their application is completed.

All immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system have different  eligibility criteria. The programs are: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class.  Thus ability to qualify under one of these categories is the first requirement under Express Entry.

The Express Entry involves two steps: 1. Complete an online Express Entry profile,  be placed in pool of candidates and 2. Receive invitation to apply for permanent residence from IRCC. Candidates in the pool are raked using a point-based system (CSR).Getting into Express Entry doesn’t guarantee invitation to apply, since applicants have to meet all eligible and admissibility requirements. Upon entering the pool, candidates are assigned a CRS score based on factors including  education, work experience, language ability, and other criteria. Highest-ranking candidates are regularly selected from draw and invited to apply for permanent residence. Results and previous rounds of invitations can be found at www.cic.gc.ca/english/express-entry/past-rounds.asp.

In order to be in a position to receive an invitation to apply in Express Entry draw, candidates are first required to meet the eligibility criteria of one of the three immigration programs managed through the Express Entry system: FSW, FST and CEC. Eligibility criteria include language ability;  education, work experience, arranged employment, provincial nomination and etc. If you are married, use the person with the highest education and language skills as the main applicant. This tool helps you to calculate score based on the answers you provide www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp.

Everyone’s path to Canada is very unique based on variety of immigration categories. We’re inviting you to book a free virtual consultation, if you’re interested in applying for Express Entry or one of Canadian immigration programs.

Please note that you have only one attempt to submit application package. Given the long application processing times, it is critical to avoid any errors that can cause further delays or in some cases refusals. Save the time – hire a licensed Immigration Consultant who will be there to help and guide you through the process. 

Federal Skilled Worker

Federal Skilled Worker Class has traditionally been the most popular category. For applicants meeting the minimum criteria, Federal Worker Skilled Class utilizes a point system to determine the applicant’s ability to become economically established in Canada. Applicants need at least 67 points to be eligible to apply. Skilled workers are chosen as permanent residents based on their education, work experience, English/French language skills, and other factors.  If you score 67 or higher (out of 100), you may qualify to immigrate to Canada as a federal skilled worker. If you score lower, than the pass mark of 67 points, you won’t qualify to immigrate to Canada as a federal skilled worker. In addition to selection criteria, applicant should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds available for resettlement in Canada. Once IRCC has determined that an applicant is a member of the Federal Skilled Worker Class, both the principal applicant and their family members, whether accompanying or not, must complete medical examinations if required, and pass criminal and security checks.

Please note Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) require that applicants submit government application processing fees for most of applications. As of January 1, 2015 foreign nationals will be selected through Express Entry System and must receive invitation before they may apply. Under Express Entry, Federal Skilled Workers across 347 eligible occupations who meet minimum entry criteria, submit an expression of interest profile to the Express Entry Pool.

To be considered for Federal Skilled Worker program candidates require to meet minimum requirements such as:

Work experience

  • in the same type of job as your primary NOC
  • within the last 10 years
  • paid work (volunteer work, unpaid internships don’t count)
  • at skill type 0, or skill levels A or B of the 2011 National Occupational Classification (NOC)
  • at least 1 year (1,560 hours total / 30 hours per week), continuous:
    • full-time at 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
    • equal amount in part-time: 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
    • full-time at more than 1 job: 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than 1 job = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
  • You must show that you performed the duties set out in the occupational description in the NOC.

Education

If you went to school in Canada, you must have a certificate, diploma or degree from a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary school. If you have foreign education, you must have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an approved agency showing that your foreign education is equal to a completed certificate, diploma or degree  from a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary school.

Language Ability

You must take an approved language test in English or French that shows you meet the level for writing, reading, listening and speaking and get a minimum score of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four abilities. Your test results must not be more than two years old on the day you apply for permanent residence.

Find out, if you’re eligible to proceed with Federal Skilled Worker application under Express Entry by booking a Consultation.

 

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a permanent resident category for individuals who had already established themselves as skilled workers in Canada. CEC  program opens the door to Canada for foreign students and foreign workers. For many international graduates, Canadian Experience Class may be fastest option for achieving Canadian permanent residence. One of the objectives of the CEC is to increase the supply of skilled workers in Canada. Please note that any work experience acquired in Canada without valid work authorization will not be considered. Self-employment and work experience gained while you were a full-time student (such as on a co-op work term) doesn’t count under this program.  CEC application will take some time to process. If you are currently working in Canada and you have applied for permanent residence under CEC class, you may be eligible for a bridging open work permit if your work permit will expire in four months or less. This means you can keep working while IRCC makes a decision on your permanent resident application.  

As of January 1, 2015 foreign nationals will be selected through Express Entry System and must receive invitation before they may apply.  Applicants can remain in Canada throughout the application process. However, the Canadian Experience Class is also open to individuals who are no longer in Canada, if they submit their application within three years of leaving their job in Canada. 

To qualify for the CEC through Express Entry, you must have:

  • at least 12 months of skilled work experience in Canada, in the last three years (before you apply). The work was: full-time OR an equal amount in part-time
  • gained your work experience in Canada with the proper authorization
  • take approved language test and meet minimum requirements
  • planned to live outside the province of Quebec


To be eligible for the CEC, you need to have Canadian skilled work experience within three years of applying. According to the  Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC), skilled work experience means:

  • Managerial jobs (NOC skill level 0)
  • Professional jobs (NOC skill type A)
  • Technical jobs and skilled trades (NOC skill type B)

Your experience must be at least

  • 12 months of full-time work: 30 hours/week for 12 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours), OR
  • equal amount in part-time hours, such as:
    • 15 hours/week for 24 months = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
    • 30 hours/week for 12 months at more than one job = 1 year full time (1,560 hours)
  • If you  your experience doesn’t meet the duty and job description requirements set in the NOC, IRCC may not accept your application.

Please note Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) require that applicants submit government application processing fees for most of applications.

Find out, if you’re eligible to proceed with CEC application under Express Entry or a bridging open work permit by booking a  Consultation.

Self Employed

The Self-employed Persons Program allows people to immigrate to Canada permanently as a self-employed person.

If you’re interested in this program, you must:

  • have relevant experience in cultural activities or athletics and
  • be willing and able to make a significant contribution to the cultural or athletic life of Canada

Relevant experience for a self-employed person means at least two years of experience.

It must be during the period starting 5 years before the day you apply and ending on the day we make a decision on your application.

You can get more points if you have 3, 4, or 5 years of experience.

At a minimum, your experience must be:

  • for cultural activities:
    1. 2 one-year periods being self-employed in cultural activities, or
    2. 2 one-year periods participating at a world-class level in cultural activities, or
    3. a combination of a one-year period described in (a), and a one-year period described in (b)
  • for athletics:
    1. 2 one-year periods being self-employed in athletics, or
    2. 2 one-year periods participating at a world class level in athletics, or
    3. a combination of a one-year period described in (a) above, and a one-year period described in (b) above

Selection criteria

We assess you on selection criteria that include your:

  • experience
  • education
  • age
  • language abilities
  • adaptability

Medical, security checks and other requirements

You and your family members must have a medical exam and get police certificates.

You must also show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family after you get to Canada.

 

 

Ontario Nominee Program

With a population of more than 13.5 million, Ontario is the most multicultural province in Canada, where 40 % of the approximately 250,000 new immigrants  each year choose to settle and call new home. Toronto has been called the most multicultural city in the world, where more than 100 languages and dialects are spoken. If you are planning to move to Ontario, this section provides information on the immigration process and options. Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program  is an immigration program through which Ontario nominates individuals and their families for permanent resident status based on its labour market and economic development priorities. Some streams under this program  may target skilled workers, others students or businesses.

Applying to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident under the provincial programs is a two-step process:  applicants will receive a PNP nomination first, which can be used to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry.

Ontario offers an opportunity to live and work permanently in the province to:

  • English-speaking skilled workers
  • French-speaking skilled workers
  • Master’s Degree graduates in ON
  • PhD graduates in ON
  • Foreign Workers with Job Offer
  • International Students with Job Offer
  • Applicants applying to the Masters Graduate Stream and  PhD Graduate Stream can apply without job offer. While skilled worker must have the required education, skilled work experience, demonstrate language ability, and other characteristics which will help them successfully establish and integrate into Ontario’s labour market and communities.
  • Ontario Nominee Program also helps employers meet their human resource needs for workers, by offers enabling them to recruit foreign workers and international students. Skilled foreign workers with a full-time job offer from Ontario employer have opportunity to apply to work and live permanently in the province. Recently Ontario Nominee Program opened new stream focused on in-demand occupations  in the agricultural and construction sectors.
  • Please note Province of Ontario charges a $1,500 application fee, which covers the cost of processing your application and is non-refundable once you submit your application.
Other Provincial Nominee Programs

This program is for workers who:

  • have the skills, education and work experience to contribute to the economy of a specific province or territory
  • want to live in that province, and
  • want to become permanent residents of Canada

Each province and territory has its own “streams” (immigration programs that target certain groups) and requirements. For example, in a program stream, provinces and territories may target:

  • students
  • business people
  • skilled workers
  • semi-skilled workers

Understand the application options

How you will apply depends on which Provincial Nominee Program stream you’re applying to. You might need to apply using the paper-based process, or by the online process through Express Entry.

As part of the process, you will have to pass a medical exam and get a police check (certificate). Everyone must have these checks, no matter where they plan to live in Canada.

Paper-based process

In the paper-based process:

  • You apply to the province or territory for nomination under a non-Express Entry stream.
  • You need to meet the eligibility requirements of the province that nominates you.
  • Once you have been nominated, you submit a paper application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.
  • You have to pass a medical exam and get a police check (certificate). Everyone must have these checks, no matter where you plan to live in Canada.
  • Application processing times are longer than through Express Entry.

How to apply through the paper-based process

Express Entry process

In the online Express Entry process, there are 2 ways to apply:

  • You contact the province or territory and apply for a nomination under an Express Entry stream.
  • If the province or territory agrees to nominate you, you create an Express Entry profile (or update your profile if you already have one) and show you have been nominated.

OR

  • You create an Express Entry profile and show the provinces and territories you’re interested in.
  • If a province or territory sends you a “notification of interest” to your account, you contact them directly.
  • You apply to their Express Entry stream:
    • If you’re nominated, the province will offer it to you through your account, and you accept it electronically.

In both cases:

  • You must meet the eligibility requirements of the province or territory. And,
  • You must submit an Express Entry profile and show that you meet the minimum criteria for Express Entry, including being eligible for one of the immigration programs it covers.
  • If you are invited to apply, you submit an electronic application to IRCC.