Express Entry

 

Introduction

Are you dreaming of building a future in Canada as a skilled worker? Express Entry is Canada’s primary pathway for economic immigration, welcoming individuals with the skills and experience needed to contribute to its growing economy. This streamlined online system is designed to efficiently process applications for permanent residence from qualified candidates worldwide.

Understanding Express Entry is your first step toward achieving your Canadian immigration goals. At Waymark Immigration, based in Delta, British Columbia, we specialize in simplifying this process for skilled individuals and families. This guide will help kickstart your journey.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is not a standalone immigration program but an online application management system operated by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It oversees applications for three key federal economic immigration programs:

  1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with foreign work experience seeking permanent residency.
  2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For individuals qualified in specific skilled trades.
  3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those with skilled work experience gained in Canada.

How Does Express Entry Work?

A Step-by-Step Guide

The Express Entry process follows these key steps:

  1. Determine Eligibility: Verify if you meet the criteria for at least one of the three federal programs (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC). Eligibility factors include work experience, language proficiency, education, and more.
  2. Create Your Profile: Submit an online Express Entry profile with details about your age, education, language proficiency (English and/or French), work experience, and other personal information.
  3. Receive Your CRS Score: Your profile is assessed and ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points based on your qualifications.
  4. Enter the Pool: Eligible profiles are added to the Express Entry pool and remain valid for 12 months.
  5. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): IRCC regularly conducts draws, inviting candidates with CRS scores meeting or exceeding the cut-off. Some draws may target specific programs or categories.
  6. Submit Your PR Application: After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR), including all required documents. IRCC aims to process most applications within six months.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Simplified

The CRS is a points-based system used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded for:

  • Core Human Capital Factors: Age, education level, language skills, and Canadian work experience.
  • Spouse/Common-law Partner Factors: Their education, language abilities, and Canadian work experience (if applicable).
  • Skill Transferability: Combinations of education, language skills, and work experience.
  • Additional Points: Awarded for factors like a Provincial Nomination, valid job offers, Canadian study experience, French language proficiency, or having siblings in Canada.

Maximizing your CRS score is essential to improving your chances of receiving an ITA.

The Advantage of Provincial Nomination (PNP)

Several Canadian provinces, including British Columbia, offer "enhanced" Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) streams aligned with Express Entry. A provincial nomination grants an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw. Streams like the BC PNP Skills Immigration program are designed to help meet provincial labor needs while supporting your immigration journey.

Category-Based Selection Draws

IRCC also conducts category-based selection draws to target candidates with specific qualifications critical to Canada’s economic priorities, such as:

  • French language proficiency.
  • Work experience in high-demand sectors such as Healthcare, STEM, Trades, Transport, or Agriculture/Agri-food.

These draws create opportunities for candidates with niche skills, even if their overall CRS scores are not the highest in the pool.

Tips for Express Entry Success

  • Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you meet the minimum program requirements before creating a profile.
  • Maximize Language Scores: Prepare thoroughly for language tests like IELTS, CELPIP (English), or TEF, TCF (French) to boost your CRS score.
  • Get an ECA: Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education to claim points accurately.
  • Classify Work Experience: Use the correct National Occupational Classification (NOC)/TEER codes for your work history.
  • Explore Job Offers & PNPs: Research options to secure a Canadian job offer or apply for a relevant PNP stream, such as BC PNP.
  • Keep Your Profile Up-to-Date: Regularly update your profile with new achievements like improved language scores, additional education, or work experience.

Why Choose Waymark Immigration?

The Express Entry system is dynamic, with changing policies and score requirements. Waymark Immigration offers expert guidance every step of the way:

  • Eligibility Assessments: We help you determine which program(s) you qualify for.
  • Profile Creation & Optimization: Maximize your CRS score with a strong, accurate Express Entry profile.
  • Strategic Planning: Receive tailored advice on boosting your score through language tests, education, or PNP pathways.
  • Support After ITA: Assistance with gathering documents and submitting a complete and timely application for permanent residence.
  • Handling Complexities: Expert assistance with unique cases, refusals, or navigating category-based draws.
  • Local Expertise: Insights tailored to individuals planning to settle in British Columbia.

Take the first step toward your Canadian permanent residence today. Contact Waymark Immigration for a personalized assessment and expert guidance!