Canada’s Express Entry System: A Comprehensive Overview
Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the most efficient and popular pathways for skilled workers aiming to achieve permanent residency. It streamlines the application process for three major federal economic immigration programs:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Designed for professionals with relevant work experience, education, and skills suited to Canada’s labor market.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Tailored for skilled tradespeople in fields like construction, manufacturing, and maintenance.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Focused on individuals with skilled Canadian work experience.
Through its Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), Express Entry evaluates candidates based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. This ensures that Canada selects the most qualified and capable individuals.
What Makes Express Entry So Effective?
• Efficiency: Regular draws (approximately every two weeks) invite high-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency.
• Speed: Most applications are processed within six months or less.
• Family Opportunities: Successful applicants can include spouses and dependent children in their application.
• Pathway to Citizenship: Permanent residency through Express Entry leads to Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements.
Who Can Apply for Express Entry?
Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three programs:
A. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Work Experience: At least one year of continuous, full-time skilled work experience within the past 10 years in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in English or French.
• Education: Educational credential assessed as equivalent to at least a Canadian high school diploma.
• Points Grid: Minimum 67 out of 100 points based on factors like age, education, language skills, work experience, and adaptability.
B. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years.
• Job Offer or Certification: A valid job offer in Canada (at least one year) or a certificate of qualification issued by a provincial or territorial authority.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
C. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Work Experience: At least one year of skilled Canadian work experience within the past three years.
• Must have been gained legally on temporary resident status with work authorization.
• Self-employment and work experience gained while studying full-time do not qualify.
• Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs and CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
Proof of Funds
• Required for FSWP and FSTP applicants but not for CEC applicants or those with a valid job offer.
• 2025 Minimum Proof of Funds (based on family size):
• 1 person: CAD 13,757
• 2 people: CAD 17,127
• 3 people: CAD 21,055
• Add CAD 4,000 for each additional family member.
Express Entry Costs (2025)
1. Principal Applicant Fees
• Application Fee: CAD 1,525
• Includes:
• Processing Fee: CAD 1,050
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD 515
2. Fees for Family Members
• Spouse/Common-Law Partner: CAD 1,525
• Includes:
• Processing Fee: CAD 1,050
• RPRF: CAD 515
• Dependent Child: CAD 260 per child
3. Additional Fees
• Language Test: CAD 250–330
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): CAD 200–300
• Biometrics:
• CAD 85 per person
• CAD 170 for a family of two or more
• Medical Exam: CAD 150–300
• Police Certificates: CAD 20–100 per certificate
• Translation of Documents (if applicable): CAD 20–50 per page
The Express Entry Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
• Use IRCC’s online tool to check eligibility for FSWP, FSTP, or CEC.
Step 2: Take Language Tests
• Approved Tests:
• English: IELTS (General Training) or CELPIP (General)
• French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada
• Validity: Test results must be less than two years old at the time of application.
Step 3: Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• Required for applicants with foreign education unless applying under CEC without claiming education points.
• Approved Providers: WES, ICES, IQAS, and others.
Step 4: Create an Express Entry Profile
• Enter details about education, work experience, language test results, and other factors.
• Receive a CRS score upon profile submission.
Step 5: Enter the Express Entry Pool
• Candidates are ranked against others in the pool based on their CRS scores.
Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
• Invitations are issued to top-ranking candidates during bi-weekly IRCC draws.
• A provincial nomination (PNP) or job offer can add up to 600 points, almost guaranteeing an ITA.
Step 7: Submit a PR Application
• Submit your complete PR application within 60 days of receiving an ITA.
• Required documents:
• Language test results
• ECA (if applicable)
• Police clearance certificates
• Proof of funds (if applicable)
• Medical exam results
• Processing time: 6 months or less for 80% of applications.
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
• Aligned Streams: Provinces like Ontario, Alberta, BC, and Saskatchewan have PNP streams linked to Express Entry.
• Benefits: A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, significantly boosting your profile.
Post-Arrival Integration
• Healthcare: Register for provincial health insurance immediately.
• Housing: Research affordable options through platforms like Kijiji and Realtor.ca.
• Job Search: Update your resume to Canadian standards and network through LinkedIn or newcomer job fairs.
• Settlement Services: Access free services like language training and employment support through local organizations.
conclusion
At Hejazineia Immigration Corporation, we understand that every immigration journey is
unique, and navigating the path to Canada can be complex. That’s why our dedicated consultants
are here to provide personalized guidance tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking advice
on visas, permanent residency, or specialized immigration programs, our experts are ready to
assist you every step of the way. Speak to our experienced consultants today and take the first
confident step toward making Canada your new home.
