Express Entry

Express Entry is an online application system for Immigration in Canada.

Express Entry is an electronic system used to manage the applications of skilled workers who wish to become permanent residents of Canada.

Once an interested candidate submits an online profile, the federal government determines if the candidate is eligible for a program managed by Express Entry. Eligible candidates are accepted into the Express Entry pool and are ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS is a points-based system used by the government to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. The CRS score is calculated based on a candidate’s age, education, work experience, language skills, as well as other factors.

Approximately every two weeks, the Canadian government selects the highest-scoring candidates from the Express Entry pool and provides them with an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Canada is holding Express Entry draws regularly throughout the coronavirus pandemic and is inviting the highest levels of immigrants since Express Entry was launched in 2015. The high levels of Express Entry invitations is due to Canada’s steadfast commitment to immigration. Canada needs high levels of skilled workers to build a new life in the country to support a healthy economy and society. Express Entry immigration is set to grow even further in 2021, 2022, and 2023. In late-2020, Canada released a historic 2021-2023 Immigration Levels Plan. The plan calls for the highest levels of immigration in Canadian history as the country will aim to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants per year. Most of these new immigrants will arrive as skilled workers, with Express Entry being the main way that Canada will manage their applications. In 2021, 2022, and 2023, Canada will aim to welcome around 110,000 Express Entry immigrants each year. You are welcome to go ahead with the Express Entry and Canadian immigration process during the coronavirus pandemic.

Express Entry is very simple and contains two major stages. In the first major stage, candidates who are eligible for Express Entry indicate to the Canadian government their expression of interest in obtaining Canadian permanent resident status. In the second major stage, the Canadian government invites the highest-scoring candidates to immigrate to Canada.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to submit your Express Entry profile and obtain a permanent residence visa to immigrate to Canada:

Step 1: Find out if you are eligible for Express Entry.

Step 2: Complete your language testing and obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

Step 3: Submit your profile on the website of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 4: Wait to see if you receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence from IRCC.

Step 5: Submit your completed Application for Permanent Residence (APR) to IRCC and pay your fees within the specified deadline. You need to include your medical exam and police certificates as part of this step. IRCC will then provide you with an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).

Step 6: Submit your biometrics once IRCC asks you to do so.

Step 7: Wait for IRCC to make a final decision on your APR. IRCC aims to finalize applications in 6 months or less. Once your application is approved you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if you are from a country that requires a visa) so you can travel to Canada and complete your landing.