Canada offers several immigration pathways for immigrants willing to migrate and settle in the country with a permanent residence status. According to the recent immigration levels plan 2024-2026, Canada is planning to invite 1.5 million PRs by 2026. Immigrants looking for an easy immigration pathway can apply for the Canadian Express Entry system. The Express Entry program is the fastest and most efficient pathway for obtaining a Canada PR.
The Express Entry program is an online immigration pathway used by Canada to manage immigration applications from skilled immigrants. The program was first launched in 2015, and since then, it has become the most popular immigration pathway among skilled workers willing to migrate and settle in Canada. The Express Entry manages three immigration programs which include:
Note: Candidates eligible for any one of the above-mentioned programs can also apply through the Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program. Nominated candidates can get additional points under the Express Entry system.
The benefits of applying through the Express Entry program are listed below:
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada is the department of the Canadian government that manages and lays down immigration policies for Canada immigration. The department has specified certain eligibility requirements for immigrants to apply for the Express Entry program. The eligibility and requirements for the Express Entry program are discussed below:
The Express Entry program makes use of a points-based system to assess and determine the eligibility of candidates. The minimum score to be eligible for the Express Entry program is 67 points. Candidates with high eligibility points have greater chances of being selected for the program.
You would be eligible for the Express Entry program if you:
It is essential to meet the eligibility requirements specified for the Express Entry program as it determines your chances of being selected. Canada offers easy immigration policies for immigrants, but the Canadian authorities are very strict with the policies in place. Candidates must strictly adhere to the eligibility criteria to ensure the highest chances of being selected.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a merit-based points system used by Canada to assess the eligibility of the applicants. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of six main factors, which include:
Express Entry applicants are allotted scores on the basis of the factors mentioned. You must score at least 67 points under the CRS Score calculator to be eligible to apply for the Express Entry program.
Candidates willing to apply for the Express Entry program must check their eligibility via the Canada CRS score calculator. The CRS score calculator evaluates the candidates based on the factors mentioned above. Canada uses the CRS Score Calculator to ensure that candidates are not discriminated against on the basis of gender, nationality, or other discriminatory factors. Candidates fulfilling the eligibility criteria can obtain maximum scores for each factor in the CRS score calculator.
The table below provides details about the maximum CRS points that can be acquired under these factors:
Factors | Maximum CRS Points |
Age | 12 points |
Education | 25 points |
Work Experience | 15 points |
Language Skills (English or French) | 28 points |
LMIA Approved Arranged Employment | 10 points |
Adaptability | 10 points |
Regular draws are held by IRCC to invite candidates to apply for Canada PR. If you have a score higher than the minimum CRS points required, then you can create an Express Entry profile to enter the Express Entry pool of candidates. IRCC evaluates and selects candidates having the highest CRS scores and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to selected candidates.
The Express Entry program is completely dependent on the comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) for the selection of candidates. The highest-ranking candidates have the highest chances of getting selected for the program. Therefore, it is extremely important for candidates to improve their CRS to increase their chances of receiving an ITA.
Here are some tips to improve your CRS score:
Candidates willing to apply for Express Entry must check their eligibility according to the stream chosen. The application process for Canada Express Entry starts with creating an Express Entry profile through the official website of IRCC.
Applicants must create an Express Entry profile to enter the Express Entry pool of candidates. This profile acts as an Expression of Interest (EOI) and eligible applicants are assessed on the basis of the information provided on this profile.
It is extremely important to create a good Express Entry profile as candidates are judged and evaluated against their profiles. The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) takes the Express Entry profile into consideration while ranking other candidates in the pool. Higher-ranking applicants are more likely to receive an ITA.
The following are the steps to create an Express Entry profile:
Step 1: Fill out the online application form from the IRCC website
Step 2: Arrange all the documents required
Step 3: Complete the fee payment
Step 4: Submit your complete application along with the documents
Step 5: Wait for ITA to be issued
Step 6: Fly to Canada
The Express Entry program invites candidates with a good CRS score. Avoiding mistakes while creating your profile will increase your chances of receiving an ITA. Here are some tips to keep in mind while creating your Express Entry profile:
Once you have submitted your Express Entry profile, your application will be assessed and compared to other profiles based on the CRS score you have been awarded. You must wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to be issued by the IRCC. Here are certain things to do while waiting for your ITA to be issued:
Once you have entered the Express Entry pool, you can boost your CRS score to increase your chances of receiving an ITA. Here are some strategies to improve your CRS score:
The two most commonly used languages in Canada are English and French. Immigrants willing to migrate and settle in Canada must meet the specific language requirements for either of the two languages. Proficiency in one of the two languages is a requirement for applying for several immigration programs, including the Express Entry program.
The following are the language tests accepted in Canada:
Language | Type of test | Minimum proficiency level |
English |
IELTS |
CLB7 |
CELPIP | ||
PTE Core | ||
French |
TEF Canada |
NCLC 7 |
TCF Canada |
The following are the benefits of language proficiency while migrating to Canada:
The Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holds regular draws to invite skilled immigrants to Canada. Express Entry draws are usually held on Wednesdays of every alternate week. Depending on the labor market requirement, IRCC can conduct a general, category-based, or program-specific draw to invite candidates for Canada PR.
Draw No. | Date | Category | No. of ITAs issued | CRS score |
#329 | 03.12.2024 | French Language Proficiency | 800 | 466 |
#328 | 02.12.2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 676 | 705 |
#327 | 20.11.2024 | Healthcare Occupations | 3000 | 463 |
#326 | 19.11.2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
#325 | 18.11.2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 174 | 816 |
#324 | 15.11.2024 | French Language Proficiency | 800 | 478 |
#323 | 13.11.2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 547 |
#322 | 12.11.2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 733 | 812 |
#321 | 23.10.2024 | Trade occupations | 1,800 | 433 |
#320 | 22.10.2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 400 | 539 |
#319 | 21.10.2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 648 | 791 |
#318 | 10.10.2024 | French Language Proficiency | 1,000 | 444 |
#317 | 09.10.2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 500 | 539 |
#316 | 07.10.2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,613 | 743 |
#315 | 19.09.2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 4,000 | 509 |
#314 | 13.09.2024 | French Language Proficiency | 1000 | 446 |
#313 | 09.09.2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 911 | 732 |
#312 | 27.08.2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,300 | 507 |
#311 | 26.08.2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,121 | 694 |
#310 | 15.08.2024 | French Language Proficiency | 2,000 | 394 |
#309 | 14.08.2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,200 | 509 |
#308 | 13.08.2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 763 | 690 |
#307 | 31.07.2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 5,000 | 510 |
#306 | 30.07.2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 964 | 686 |
#305 | 18.07.2024 | French Language Proficiency | 1,800 | 400 |
#304 | 17.07.2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 6,300 | 515 |
#303 | 16.07.2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,391 | 670 |
#302 | 08.07.2024 | French Language Proficiency | 3,200 | 420 |
#301 | 05.07.2024 | Healthcare Occupations | 3,750 | 445 |
#300 | 04.07.2024 | Trade occupations | 1,800 | 436 |
#299 | 02.07.2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 920 | 739 |
#298 | 19.06.2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 1,499 | 663 |
#297 | 31.05.2024 | Canadian Experience Class | 3,000 | 522 |
#296 | 30.05.2024 | Provincial Nominee Program | 2,985 | 676 |
#295 | 24.04.2024 | French Language Proficiency | 1,400 | 410 |
#294 | 23.04.2024 | All-program draw | 2,095 | 529 |
#293 | 11.04.2024 | STEM occupations | 4,500 | 491 |
#292 | 10.04.2024 | All-program draw | 1,280 | 549 |
#291 | 26.03.2024 | French Language Proficiency | 1,500 | 388 |
#290 | 25.03.2024 | All-program draw | 1,980 | 524 |
#289 | 13.03.2024 | Transport Occupations | 975 | 430 |
#288 | 12.03.2024 | All-program draw | 2,850 | 525 |
#287 | 29.02.2024 | French Language Proficiency | 2,500 | 336 |
#286 | 28.02.2024 | All-program draw | 1,470 | 534 |
#285 | 16.02.2024 | Agriculture and Agri-food Occupations | 150 | 437 |
#284 | 14.02.2024 | Healthcare Occupations | 3,500 | 422 |
#283 | 13.02.2024 | All-program draw | 1,490 | 535 |
#282 | 01.02.2024 | French Language Proficiency | 7,000 | 365 |
#281 | 31.01.2024 | All-program draw | 730 | 541 |
#280 | 23.01.2024 | All-program draw | 1,040 | 543 |
#279 | 10.01.2024 | All-program draw | 1,510 | 546 |
Canada holds Express Entry draws for the three immigration programs under the Express Entry system. The draws are also known as Rounds of Invitations, during which IRCC extends Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to eligible candidates. In these draws, the Express Entry profiles are ranked against each other on the basis of their CRS score.
Every draw has a specific cut-off score, which depends on the following factors:
Candidates with the potential to contribute to the Canadian economy and can meet the specific labor market requirements are issued an Invitation to Apply for Canada PR. Applicants must keep an eye on the updates and recent announcements made by IRCC to stay updated about their application.
IRCC typically conducts draws at regular intervals, approximately once in two weeks. An Express Entry draw is held to meet the current labour market requirements and fill job vacancies across in-demand sectors in Canada.
The three types of Express Entry Draws are:
Note: According to a recent announcement, IRCC has notified that it will be conducting more category-based Express Entry draws to fill up labour shortages in Canada.
After you have been issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will be given a 60-day period to gather all your documents and apply for Canada PR via an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR). This application should be submitted through the official IRCC website along with your supporting documents.
Canadian Immigration Officers might require certain additional documents while your application is under review. Therefore, it is advised to check your mails for further updates.
Candidates who have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC are eligible to apply for permanent residency in Canada. Canada PR applications via Express Entry are typically processed within 6 months while applications via PNP may take around 12 months to receive Canada PR. The ITA must be accepted within 60 days of receiving it so as to apply for Canada PR.
Receiving an ITA to applying for Canada PR involves a three-step process. The time allotted to candidates after receiving an ITA is 60 days. Therefore, candidates are advised to prepare all documents and reports well in advance to avoid delays and errors while applying for PR.
The steps to apply for Canada PR after receiving an ITA are listed below:
Step 1: Accept the ITA within the given time-period
Step 2: Fill out the online application for Canada PR
Step 3: Apply for Canada PR along with the documents required
The following are the documents required for Canada PR:
No. of Family Members | Required Amount |
1 | CAD 14,690 |
2 | CAD 18,288 |
3 | CAD 22,483 |
4 | CAD 27,297 |
5 | CAD 30,690 |
6 | CAD 34,917 |
7 | CAD 38,875 |
>7 | CAD 3,958 (for each additional member) |
The table below has the breakdown of the costs involved for Express Entry applicants:
Type of Fee | Amount in CAD |
Processing Fee | $850 |
Right of Permanent Residence Fee | $515 |
Biometric Fee | $85 |
Note: If you are applying with your family, you would be required to pay an additional fee of CAD 230 (per person) along with the biometric fee of CAD 170.
The federation of Canada consists of ten provinces and three territories. Among them, only ten provinces have their own provincial nominee program to nominate candidates for Canada PR. The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows immigrants to migrate and settle in that particular province or territory with a permanent resident status.
The following are the PNP pathways in Canada:
Both immigration pathways have their own advantages and disadvantages for immigrants willing to migrate to Canada. The table below lists the differences between PNP and the Express Entry program:
Factors | Express Entry Program | Provincial Nominee Program |
Requirement |
|
|
Score requirement | At least 67 points | Depends on the province you are applying for |
Processing time | 6 months | 12-19 months |
Processing fees | Approximately CAD 1365 | Approximately CAD 1500 |
Selection Criteria | CRS score | CRS score and labour market needs |
Frequency of draws | Once every two weeks | Depends on the province you are applying for |
Mobility | Can settle anywhere in Canada | Have to settle in the province you have applied for |
If you have received a provincial nomination from any of the Canadian provinces or territories, then you would be eligible to claim an additional 600 points under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This will virtually guarantee your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC. After receiving an ITA, you must apply for Canada PR and intend to settle in the Canadian province you have chosen for PNP.
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