Canada Visa: Express Entry
The Canada Express Entry system is an online system that is used to manage applications of immigrants from skilled workers.
The Canada Express Entry system has 3 main categories under which they operate:
Canadian Experience Class
- This is a category for skilled workers that have gained some work experience in Canada
- The minimum years of work experience attained must not be lower than 3 years to qualify for application.
Federal Skilled Worker Program
- This is a category for skilled workers that has gained work experiences abroad
- To qualify, applicants must match educational qualifications and other criteria
Federal Skilled Trades Program
- This category is for skilled trade workers (examples: plumbers, carpenters, painters)
- Applicants should be able to provide a certificate or documentation as proof of qualification for the skilled trade or have an eligible job employment offer
Applicants can equally apply through the Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program if you find you are qualified for any of the above programs. If nominated, you will get bonus points so you can be invited to apply faster.
Steps to take to apply for Canada Express Entry
Step 1: Check to see if you are qualified to apply
You can use any of the ways below to find out if you’re qualified for an Express Entry program:
Step 2: Check your score
If you find that you are qualified for any of the Express Entry programs and you apply with your profile, you will be positioned in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The CRS is a system based on points that is designated for:
- assessment and profile scoring; and also
- Express Entry pool profile ranking
Before you can be invited, you will be required to have scored above the minimum points score for your round of invitations.
Employ the CRS tool to estimate your score.
Step 3: Get your documents ready
When you decide to apply with your profile, you will require documents, for example: language test results, to show you are qualified for Express Entry.
Certain documents take quite a long time to acquire, so you should acquire them early on.
Step 4: Fill out your profile
The Express Entry profile is where you will be required to submit details about yourself.
If you’re qualified, you will be accepted into a pool of candidates and you will obtain a CRS score.
Step 5: Get an invitation and apply
Invitations to apply are sent to the applicants with the highest scores in the pool. If you are invited, you will have sixty (60) days to submit your application.
Complete applications that have all required documents are processed in 6 months or less.
Apply for permanent residence: Express Entry
1. Fill out the online form
2. Scan and upload the documents
4. Submit your complete application
New application deadline
Applications invitations for permanent residence received on or after June 29, 2021, must be submitted within 60 days.
When to apply for permanent residence:
- Application for permanent residence through Express Entry is after you have received an invitation to apply.
After receiving an invitation to apply
There have been a few tweaks to the way applications are processed due to COVID-19. Find out how this changes may affect you.
Your invitation to apply for Express Entry is valid for only 60 days. You would need to start filling out the online form as soon as possible so that you can acquire all the information and documents you need before your invitation times out.
Use the steps below to fill out the online form:
- To submit your application for permanent residence under Express Entry, click the link.
When submitting your application form:
- Ensure you provide all the required documents.
- You submit only complete and true answers
- Ensure all the compulsory fields are completed, or you will not be allowed to submit your application.
- You can save your details on the form and revisit as often times as needed.
Fees
- your personal application fee: $1,365
- application fee for your spouse: $1,365
- application fee for a child dependent on you: $230
The charges increased on April 30, 2022. For more info
Time for processing ?
Differs depending on the Express Entry program applied for
Biometrics may be required along with your application. The time for processing time also includes the time required for you to provide your biometrics.