Thinking about starting a life in Canada? Then the Express Entry system is the kind of opportunity you should know about.
If you are new to the Canadian immigration topic, there are chances that you might get overwhelmed by confusing abbreviations and figures. The last thing we want to do is bore you with complex information so in this blog post, we will explain everything you need to know about the Canadian Express Entry System in the most simple way possible.
What You Should Know About Express Entry
- Understanding Express Entry
Express Entry is a point-based system that helps non-Canadians to become permanent residents of Canada. It covers applications for three main programs: The Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. If you are interested in any of these programs, we advise that you plan ahead because these processes take a lot of time and money.
- Reviewing Eligibility
The requirements of the three programs under Express Entry vary from each other so it is important to get familiar with the requirements of any of the programs you are interested in. You can check your eligibility status with the Come to Canada tool.
- Knowing Your CRS Score
With Canada Express Entry, you get points based on things like your age, education, work experience, and language skills. The more points you have, the better. You’ll need to have an idea of your points using the CRS score calculator.
- Taking your English or French-speaking Test
English and French are the primary languages spoken in Canada. You should be able to prove that you can speak at least one of these languages. For English, you can take IELTS or CELPIP tests. For French, it’s the TEF test.
- Getting Your Educational Certificates Checked
It is important to get an Education Credentials Assessment (ECA) to validate your credentials and find the equivalent to the Canadian education system.
- Creating Your Profile
With your ECA and language test results, create your Express Entry profile. Be honest and try not to make mistakes. Even the slightest error can cause delays.
- Reviewing your job offer status
Having a job offer in Canada can get you more points. But if you don’t have one, it’s okay. Other factors count too. Check out this blog post on the top 10 job search sites in Canada.
- Understanding Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Canadian provinces have needs for some unique labor market needs. The PNP system allows these provinces to nominate individuals who meet their specific requirements for permanent residence. Once a candidate is in the Express Entry pool, provinces and territories can access this pool and invite anybody that aligns with their labor market needs, granting them nominations that can boost their scores by 600 points. One of the advantages of receiving a provincial nomination is the major boost it provides to the candidate’s Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Successful nominees will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the following Express Entry draw. This boost also improves the candidate’s chances of successfully immigrating to Canada.
Also read: Saskatchewan Announces International Skilled Worker Hard-To-Fill Skills Pilot
- Awaiting Invitation To Apply and Document Preparation
If you get an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 90 days to send in your application. Get all your documents ready, like police checks, and medical exams.
- Prioritizing Biometrics and Medical Tests
After your documents have been reviewed, you’ll need to submit your fingerprints and do some medical tests. We advise that you do these early to improve your chances of being a successful applicant.
- Paying the Right Fees
There are different fees for your application, biometrics, and other things. Make sure you pay at the right time.
- Waiting for a Decision
The waiting part can be hard, but be patient and hope for the best. The journey to Canada is could be a long one, but being patient will definitely help.
- Getting Ready to Move
Once your PR application is approved, start planning your move. Get familiar with your new city, watch YouTube vlogs to get an idea of what life looks like there, find a place to live, and educate yourself about your rights and duties as a new resident.
The Express Entry system is subject to change and updates so it’s important to always check the official Canadian government website and talk to immigration professionals, especially if your travel plans are still in the near future.
