Canada has always been a top choice for those looking for better opportunities and a better life. With its strong economy, diverse culture, and high standard of living, it’s no wonder many people want to call Canada home. One of the most popular ways to immigrate to Canada is through the Express Entry system. This system is designed to bring skilled workers and their families to Canada and speed up the immigration process.
In this post, we will go into the eligibility criteria for the Express Entry program and the point system used to evaluate candidates. With the help of this article, you will know what it takes to be eligible for Express Entry and how the point system works.
What is Canada Express Entry?
Canada’s Express Entry is an online system that was introduced in January 2015. It manages applications for three federal programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Express Entry program is for skilled immigrants who can contribute to Canada’s economy and fill labour shortages in different sectors. You can submit your profile to the pool and be ranked against others based on a points system.
Why Canada Express Entry?
Here are some reasons why Express Entry is popular with potential immigrants:
- Fast Processing Time: Applications take 6 months or less.
- Skill Based: The system is for skilled workers so more likely to be selected if you have in-demand skills.
- PR Status: You get permanent resident status to live and work anywhere in Canada.
Express Entry Eligibility
To qualify for Express Entry, you must meet certain eligibility criteria. These criteria vary by program. Below is a breakdown of the eligibility requirements for each program.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The FSWP is for skilled workers who want to move to Canada. To be eligible, you must meet the following:
- Work Experience: You must have at least 2 years of continuous full-time work experience in a skilled job in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. The NOC has 5 skill levels (0, A, B, C, D) and only skill levels 0, A and B qualify for the FSWP.
- Language: You must be proficient in English or French. This is usually tested through a language test such as IELTS and PTE Core for English or TEF for French. CLB 7 is the minimum.
- Education: A candidate should have a high school diploma or a degree from an accredited college or university. For those instances of obtaining education outside Canada, there must be presented a report on the assessment of educational credentials so that it proves its validity.
- Proof of Funds: A sponsor must demonstrate the ability to support the principal applicant and their dependent upon arrival in Canada, unless they hold a job offer.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The FSTP is for people having previous work experience in skilled trade jobs. The eligibility requirements include:
- Work Experience: An applicant shall have at least two continuous years of full-time experience in skilled trade within five years of the date of application. The eligible trade shall be that stated under the NOC under the B category.
- A Job Offer: An applicant must have a job offer of employment that is continuous for at least one year full-time in Canada or in the certificate of qualification issued by the competent authority in that skilled trade in Canada.
- Language Ability: A candidate has to ensure a minimum of CLB level 5 in speaking and listening, and a minimum of CLB level 4 in reading and writing.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The CEC is for those who have worked in skilled jobs in Canada. The Eligibility for CEC are listed below:
- Work Experience: An applicant must have a minimum of one year of skilled work experience in Canada. Work experience claimed by applicants must also fall under NOC level 0, A, or B.
- Language Skills: The applicant should have the appropriate language skills for their occupation. NOC 0 and A need at least a CLB level of 7, while for NOC B it needs to be 5 in language proficiency.
Express Entry Point System
After the candidates create their profiles and add themselves to the Express Entry pool, they undergo evaluation under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The Comprehensive ranking system contains factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and more that are calculated.
Factors Affecting CRS Score
Core Human Capital Factors:
- Age: Maximum of 110 points for candidates aged 20-29; points decrease for older applicants.
- Education: Points awarded based on the highest level of education completed, with more points for higher degrees.
- Language Proficiency: Points based on scores from approved language tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF) with higher scores earning more points.
- Canadian Work Experience: Points awarded for work experience gained in Canada, with a maximum of 80 points for five or more years.
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors (if applicable):
- Additional points can be earned based on the partner’s education, language skills, and Canadian work experience.
Skill Transferability Factors:
- Points are granted for combinations of education and work experience, language proficiency and work experience, and Canadian work experience and foreign work experience.
Additional Points:
Candidates can earn points for:
- A valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Provincial nomination.
- Canadian degrees or diplomas.
- Siblings living in Canada.
- French language proficiency.
Maximum Points Breakdown
The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points, broken down as follows:
- Core Human Capital Factors: 600 points
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors: 40 points
- Skill Transferability Factors: 100 points
- Additional Points: 600 points
CRS Score Distributions
Express Entry draws happen once every two weeks, inviting candidates who have the highest CRS score to apply for permanent residence. ITA for the minimum CRS score required to get the Invitation to Apply will vary, as that will be influenced by the number of candidates in the pool and the overall demand for immigration to Canada.
Over the past year, the minimum CRS score has ranged from the low 400s to over 500, depending on the specific draw. Applicants are reminded to pay close attention to the results of each draw and consider ways to improve their CRS score in case they are not issued an ITA in the early draws.
Improving Your CRS Score
If your CRS score is below the required threshold, there are several ways to enhance it:
- Improve Language Scores: Retaking language tests to achieve higher scores can significantly boost your CRS points.
- Gain More Work Experience: Acquiring additional skilled work experience, especially in Canada, can increase your score.
- Obtain a Job Offer: Securing a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can add up to 200 points to your CRS score.
- Provincial Nomination: Being nominated by a province or territory can add 600 points to your score and guarantees an ITA.
- Education Upgrades: Completing additional education or obtaining higher qualifications can earn you more points.
- Spouse’s Skills: If applicable, enhancing your spouse’s language scores or securing Canadian work experience can also contribute to your overall score.
Conclusion
The Express Entry system of Canada is one of the best immigration pathways for skilled workers and their families who want to achieve permanent residency.
Understanding eligibility and the Comprehensive Ranking System will help prospective immigrants better their application preparation and increase their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Whether you are a skilled worker, or an international student looking to make the shift to permanent residency in Canada, Express Entry is a fast-tracked route that is intended to help achieve your immigration goals.
As Canada continues to be one of the best destinations for qualified skilled immigrants, it will be important to understand the changing environment in immigration policies and updates regarding Express Entry.
Applying via the Express Entry system for Canada PR would be an advisable approach for qualified skilled individuals. The application process can be made simple and applied with the best immigration consultants who will help you explain the draw and immigration process clearly. This can help you improve your chances of receiving an ITA.
