Canada Express Entry Step by Step Process 2024

Canada is a great place to live and it’s one of the most welcoming countries for immigrants.

If you are a skilled worker, the Express Entry system is the best way to begin the immigration process.

The Express Entry program is a points-based system that has been designed to make Canadian immigration faster and easier for skilled workers.

Skilled workers can apply under one of three programs, depending on which they qualify for.

Once you determine which program to apply for, gather your documents and submit your online application, and, if you are accepted, you will be invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency.

In this post, I will take you through the Canada Express Entry step by step process so you will know what to expect when applying to immigrate to Canada.

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What is a Canada Express Entry Visa?

The Canada Express Entry Visa is a points-based system that was introduced in 2015. The Canadian government uses this system to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers.

To be eligible for the Express Entry program, you must first meet the criteria for one of the three programs:

•        The Federal Skilled Worker Program 

•        The Federal Skilled Trades Program

•        The Canadian Experience Class

If you are eligible for one of these programs, you will be given a score based on the information in your profile. Your score will be used to determine your place in the Express Entry pool.

The highest-scoring candidates in the pool will be invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

Who is Eligible for Express Entry?

Eligibility requirements are slightly different for each of the three Express Entry programs, however all candidates are required to have

•          at least one year of continuous full-time skilled work experience
•          proficiency on an approved language test in either English or French

Specific details about the eligibility requirements for each program can be found here:

•          The Federal Skilled Worker Program  
•          The Federal Skilled Trades Program
•          The Canadian Experience Class

How can I apply for Express Entry?

The application for Express Entry is a two-step process; first, submit an online profile, and then, if you are chosen, you will be invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

The first step of the Express Entry process is to create an online profile. This will include your personal information, as well as your education, work experience, language skills, and other details.

You will also need to provide proof that you meet the eligibility requirements for one of the Express Entry programs.

Once you have completed your profile, you will be given a score based on the information you have provided. 

The highest-scoring candidates in the pool will be invited to apply.

The second step is to be invited to apply for permanent residence. This requires another application to be submitted and you will have 60 days to complete this.

If it’s not completed within 60 days, it is assumed that you have decided not to immigrate to Canada, so be sure to complete the application promptly.

When you receive your invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you will need to submit another application with additional documents, such as reference letters, identity documents, and police clearance certificates.

Each step of the Canada Express Entry step by step process is outlined below, so you will know what to expect when applying for Canadian permanent residency.

Canada Express Entry Step by Step Process

Step 1: Check Your National Occupation Classification for Eligibility

The first step is to determine whether you are eligible to apply under one of the three programs managed by Express Entry.

To do this, you will need to check your National Occupation Classification (NOC) for eligibility.

The NOC is a system to classify jobs based on the type of work a person does, as well as the duties required for the position. There is a 4 digit NOC for every occupation in the Canadian labour market.

If you want to apply as a skilled worker, you can find your NOC code here, which will tell you if you are eligible to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.

Step 2: Get Your Educational Credential Assessment

If you are eligible to apply as a skilled worker, the next step is to get your Educational Credential Assessment.

You will need to have your degree, diploma, or certificate assessed by an authorized organization in order to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker.

If you are applying under the Skilled Trades Program or Experience Class, you won’t need to get an Educational Credentials Assessment. But you can gain extra points for your application if you have an Educational Credential Assessment. These points will help with your overall profile ranking.

More information on the points are outlined in Step 5 below.

It’s not necessary to get an assessment for any education that was completed in Canada.

Step 3: Take English or French Language Tests

All three programs under Express Entry require a language test, however the minimum requirements for the language test are different for each program.

There are 4 tests that are approved by IRCC; two are in English and two are in French:

•          CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program
•          IELTS: International English Language Testing System
•          TEF Canada: Test d’evaluation de francais
•          TCF: Test de connaissance du francais

The test results must be less than two years old when you complete your Express Entry profile and the results must still be valid when you apply for permanent residence.

Step 4: Check Your Eligibility for Economic Immigration Programs

The next step is to see if you are eligible for any of the economic immigration programs managed by Express Entry. You will need to know your language test results, as well as your NOC code.

This is crucial, as you will need to meet the eligibility requirements of at least one program in order to create an Express Entry profile.

There are three immigration programs managed by Express Entry and each has different requirements, including education, language skills, type and amount of work experience, and whether a job offer is required. For example, a job offer is required to apply under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, but is not required for the other two programs.

Specific information for each program can be found through the links below:

• The Federal Skilled Worker Program
• The Federal Skilled Trades Program
• The Canadian Experience Class

Step 5: Check Your Comprehensive Ranking System Score

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system that is used to assess and score your profile and rank it in the Express Entry pool.

Your CRS score will be based on the information you provide in your profile, including your age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors.

You can estimate your CRS score here.

Step 6: Prepare Your Documents

Now that you know which program(s) you may be eligible for and have an idea of your CRS score, you can begin preparing the documents that are required to create your Express Entry profile.

While you won’t need to upload these documents to submit a profile, you will need information from some or all of these documents, so it’s best to have them ready ahead of time.

The documents you may need include:

•          A valid passport or travel document
•          Language test results 
•          An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for a degree, diploma, or certificate earned outside of Canada
•          Proof of funds to support yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada
•          Written job offer from an employer in Canada, proof of work experience, and certificate of qualification in a trade occupation (if you have one)

If you are invited to apply for permanent residence, you will need to upload the above documents, as well as:

•          Police certificates
•          Medical exams

And depending on your situation, you may be required to provide:

•          Birth certificate (if you applying with dependent children)
•          Representative form (if you have hired a representative)
•          Marriage certificate, common-law union form, divorce certificate, or death certificate (depending how you declare your marital status)
•          Adoption certificate (required when a dependent child is listed as adopted)

You may be asked for other documents during the application process. When you are invited to apply, you will be given a personalized document checklist.

Step 8: Fill Out Your Express Entry Profile to Get in the Pool

Now that you have all the information and documents you need, you’re ready to fill out your Express Entry profile.

First, you’ll need to answer a few questions to see if you’re eligible for Express Entry. Based on the answers, you will find out which programs you may be eligible for.

This should take about 15 minutes. You will be asked questions about your nationality, age, education,work experience, language ability, family members and whether you have a valid job offer.

You’ll be given a personal reference code at the end and this number will move your information from the questions to your Express Entry profile.

Next, you’ll create your Express Entry profile. This profile gives you a score and places you in the pool with other applicants.

To complete your profile you will need the documents listed in Step 5, as well as your National Occupational Classification from Step 1.

You have 60 days to complete and submit your Express Entry profile. After 60 days, you will have to start again.

Step 9: Wait for Your Invitation to Apply

Once you have submitted your Express Entry profile, you will be placed in the Express Entry pool with all the other candidates.

Once every two weeks, the Express Entry draw takes place, where the highest-ranking candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.

While you are waiting for your invitation, it’s a good idea to get your documents (see Step 6) ready and make sure your language test results are valid.

You can start your job search while you are waiting. This isn’t necessary, but it will help your application if you receive a job offer.

Job Bank is a database that can help you find a valid job offer. You will need the Job Seeker validation code that you received when you submitted your profile.

There are plenty of industries and job opportunities in Canada, but many are location-specific and obtaining a job offer will help you determine where you might want to settle in the country.

If you do get a valid job offer, this can increase your chances of being invited to apply. Be sure to update this information in your Express Entry profile.

In order to get CRS points on your profile though, the job offer has to be considered valid. The job offer must be in writing, less than one year old and include details of the job you are being offered.

There are several conditions for a job offer, including being full-time for a minimum of one year and supported by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA), or exempt from needing one. The LMIA is obtained by the employer before they are able to extend a job offer to a foreign worker.

Throughout this process, be sure to keep your profile up to date. You can add information to your profile at any time.

It’s important to make sure that the information in your profile is accurate at all times.

If the information is not up to date, your application can be refused. 

If anything in your situation changes, such as work experience, marital status, dependent children, or a new language test, you must update this information in your profile.

Step 10: Apply Within 60 Days

If you are invited to apply, you will receive information on which Express Entry program you’ve been invited to apply for, as well as the next steps you will need to take to attain permanent residence in Canada. 

You will need to complete an online application and submit it, along with all the required supporting documents.

These documents show proof of the information that you submitted in your Express Entry application. 

It’s important to note that you will only have 60 days to complete this application for permanent residency.

Once you’ve submitted your application, all communication on what you need to do and what will happen next, will occur through your online account.

You will be able to check on the status of your application through the online account as well.

Most applications will be processed within 6 months, as long as all the supporting documents have been submitted.

If You Are Accepted, then….

Step 11: Get Your Acknowledgement of Receipt

Once your application is received, you will be sent an Acknowledgement of Receipt, or AOR. This is an official document confirming that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has received your application and a file number has been created for you.

This document contains important information, such as your file number and contact information for the office processing your application.

You should keep this document in a safe place, as you will need it for any future correspondence with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Step 12: Get Your Passport Request

After you receive the AOR, you will receive a passport request. This is the final stage of the Express Entry program.

The passport request will be sent through your online account and you will be given further instructions on what to do next. This will depend on whether you are applying from a visa-exempt or visa-required country. 

You can track the status of your passport request online using the IRCC website or through your account. Processing times vary, but typically take about 4-6 weeks to receive the passport.

Step 13: Moving to Canada

After your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence.

You will need both the Confirmation of Permanent Residence and your passport to board your flight to Canada. The Confirmation of Permanent Residence cannot be extended, so be sure to use it before it expires.

Once you arrive in Canada, an immigration officer will stamp your CoPR and validate your arrival in Canada.

Congratulations! ! You have completed the Canada Express Entry step by step process and are now a permanent resident of Canada.

Now you just have to decide which area of Canada to live in, as the cost of living varies between provinces. 

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FAQs:

How much does Express Entry cost?

The online application for Express Entry is free to begin but a processing fee of $850 and a right of permanent residence fee of $515 is required for both you and your spouse, as well as a fee of $230 per dependent child.

If biometrics are required (only from certain countries), there is an additional $85 fee per person.

How long does Express Entry take?

Most Express Entry applications are processed within 6 months, as long as all documents are submitted with the application

Do I need a job offer for Express Entry?

No. A job offer is not required in order to apply for either the Canadian Experience Class or the Federal Skilled Worker program.

However a job offer may be necessary to apply for the Federal Skilled Trades program unless you have a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian authority, or if you do not have enough money to support yourself and your family in Canada.

Is Express Entry the same as permanent residency?

No. Express Entry is the first step towards immigrating to Canada, but it is not the same as permanent residency.

Express Entry is the online system through which you can apply for permanent residency.

If you are successful, permanent residency may be granted.

However, submitting an application through the Express Entry program does not guarantee that you will become a permanent resident.

What is the maximum age for Express Entry?

There is no maximum age for Express Entry. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements, you may apply regardless of your age.

However, age is a factor in the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and will affect your score. If you are over 45 years of age, no points will be given towards your CRS score.

Applicants in the 25-35 age range generally receive the highest amount of points, but education and other factors will also improve your score.

What do you need to create your Express Entry profile?

To create your Express Entry profile, you will need an internet connection to begin the process.

It’s an online application, so you will need access to the internet to submit your profile, as well as to check on the status of your application.

To complete the application, you will need to upload several documents, such as a passport, language test results, and proof of income.

These documents must be submitted online.

A list of documents needed can be found above in Step 6.

How many points do you need to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry?

A minimum of 67 points (out of 100) is needed to be eligible for the Express Entry program.

Can I apply to Express Entry twice?

You may only have one Express Entry application or current profile at a time. Applying more than once will not increase your chances of being chosen. 

However, if your application was denied or if your profile is about to expire, you are free to reapply. 

What’s better: Provincial Nominee Programs or Express Entry?

Express Entry is considered the better immigration program for a few reasons:

• The processing time is usually under 6 months, compared to up to 21 months under the Provincial Nominee
• Applicants are free to live and work in any province in Canada, compared to the Provincial Nominee Program where the applicant is required to live and work in that particular province.

Conclusion: Moving to Canada with an Express Entry Visa

Moving to Canada with an Express Entry Visa is a great way to start a new chapter in your life.

You will be able to choose the best city in Canada to live in, as you will be free to settle anywhere in the country.

The process, while it may seem daunting at first, is actually pretty straightforward once you break it down into steps.

First, check to ensure you are eligible for one of the Express Entry programs and find out your NOC classification.

Then, get your education credentials and language skills assessed, and gather the documents needed to complete the online application.

Once your application is complete, it will be placed in the Express Entry pool. During this time, you can begin looking for a job in Canada.

If your application is chosen from the pool, you will have 60 days to apply for permanent residence.

After this application is approved, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Receipt and a passport request.

Once you have received your new passport and Confirmation of Permanent Residence card, you are free to move to Canada.

Be sure to have all your documents in order before you apply, which will minimize the processing time and you’ll be on your way to a new life in no time!

Do you have any questions about the Canada Express Entry step by step process? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll be happy to help!

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