Express Entry Canada: Eligibility, CRS Points, How to Apply

What is Express Entry Canada? It is the fastest (online) way through which individuals and families across the world, wishing to move to Canada, can become permanent residents within a few months. Established as one of the most popular immigration systems globally, it was introduced in 2015 and since then it has become the main driver of economic immigration to Canada. It is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which handles applications received through Canada’s federal immigration programs.

Also, Read: Know Everything About Canada PR

How to Apply for Canada Express Entry 2023?

First and foremost, the candidates need to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECS) from a recognized monitoring authority like WES. Then, a candidate must select an occupation as per the (National Occupation Classification) and skill level like O, A, B etc. Then candidates submit their Canada Express Entry Profile and get ranked according to a CRS point system. After the Canada Express Entry Draw, candidates with the highest rankings are invited by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to apply for permanent residency. Once applied, candidates’ PR applications are scored according to the program's point-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Most of the applications are processed within 6 months. Apart from this, candidates should also register with Job Bank through Job Match Account and search for work. This process enhances the chances of the candidate wishing to build a successful career in Canada.

Here is an overview of how to apply for Canada PR through Express Entry:

• Arrange all the necessary documents such as IELTS score, ECA (Education Credential Assessment), etc.
• Check whether you are eligible to apply through the Canada Express Entry program.
• If you are eligible, you can submit your Expression of Interest (EOI). Your profile will be ranked in the Express Entry Pool with the help of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
• You will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you have scored well on the CRS.
• From the day of receiving the ITA, you will have 60 days to apply.
• Canada PR application processing time will be nearly 6 months in case your documents are complete and in order.
• After applying, you will have to go through document verification and other formalities. All this will be done by an immigration officer.
• Once your application is approved by the IRCC, you will receive your Canada PR.

Candidates can use these links to check their Canada Express Entry Eligibility as well as their CRS Express Entry Canada Score from the official website.

The Express Entry points are based on the following parameters:

• The education and qualification of the candidate
• Proficiency in English language or French
• The age of the candidate
• The work experience and skills of the candidate
• If a candidate has a job offer from an organization based in Canada
• The spouse’s education, work experience, and English or French language proficiency

Also, if the candidate has completed his education in any Canadian college or university or has a provincial nomination then he is given additional points.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) – Express Entry Canada

The table given below provides information about the various assessment criteria on which your score will be calculated:

Assessment Criteria	Maximum Score
Marital Status	It will decide the maximum points for the criteria mentioned below
Age	110
Level of Education	150
Language Proficiency	160
Canadian Work Experience	80
Skill Transferability	100
Additional Points	600

Also, Read:

IELTS Score for Canada PR

Comprehensive Ranking System Criteria for Express Entry

Selection Criteria for PR under Express Entry

• In order to assess the eligibility of the immigrants, they need to create an online profile giving all their credentials.
• Once the candidate’s profile is accepted in the program, the candidate’s profile is entered into a pool with other applicants where provincial nominee programs and potential employers can compare all the profiles.
• If Canada PNP or any potential employer has selected a candidate from the Express Entry pool, then he/she is granted 600 CRS points for the enhanced provincial nomination or up to 200 points for the qualifying job offer. If an eligible employer or Canada PNP has selected a potential immigrant from the Express Entry pool, then he or she will earn 600 CRS points for the enhanced provincial nomination or up to 200 points for the qualifying job offer.
• Then top candidates are selected from the official Expert Entry draws. After this, they get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian residency as a skilled immigrant.

Express Entry Canada Types

• Canadian Experience Class for skilled workers with Canadian work experience
• Federal Skilled Worker Program for skilled workers with foreign work experience
• Federal Skilled Trades Program for skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade

The Canadian Experience Class: This class is designed for people who have gained at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada. After fulfilling the other criteria as well, one becomes eligible to apply under the Canada Express Entry. Here are certain requirements of the Canadian Experience Class program:

• English language proficiency: CLB 7 (for TEER 0 or 1) and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3
• At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last 3 years. This translates to at least 1,560 hours. However, this work experience must be a paid one.
• Having a degree from a Canadian University will improve your score in the Express Entry Pool.

The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): Canada has a shortage of people who are skilled in particular fields, the FSW program is designed for people who are skilled in their work, and therefore, they are selected to immigrate to Canada. The following are the requirements:

• You must score CLB 7 level in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
• At least 1 year of work experience in TEER 0 to 3. This means at least 1,560 hours.
• You need to provide proof of funds. The criteria are the same as that of the Federal Skilled Trades Program (mentioned below).

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Those who have gained at least two years of full-time work experience in an eligible skilled trade can apply for PR under this program. The following points will provide you with the requirements for applying for Canada PR through the Federal Skilled Trades Program:

• English language proficiency: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing
• Minimum 2 years of full-time work experience in the last 5 years (before application). Work experience must be in a skilled trade (TEER 2 or 3)
• Canadian Education will fetch you extra points in Express Entry Pool.

You need to show proof of funds. However, if you are authorized to work in Canada and you have a valid job offer, you do not need to show proof of funds. The table given below provides you with the details of proof of funds.

Family Members	Funds Needed (in CAD)
1	CAD 13,310
2	CAD 16,570
3	CAD 20,371
4	CAD 24,733

Note: CAD 3,586 are required for every additional family member.

Express Entry Canada Provinces

• British Columbia Express Entry
• Alberta Express Entry
• Saskatchewan Express Entry
• Manitoba Express Entry
• Ontario Express Entry
• New Brunswick Express Entry
• PEI Express Entry
• Nova Scotia Express Entry
• Newfoundland Express Entry

Potential employers based in Canada, provinces, and territories can also recruit immigrants directly from the Express Entry pool. Also, candidates who receive a potential job offer or are awarded an enhanced provincial nomination are given a significant number of points which also boosts their Express Entry score.

Canadian Immigration 2023-25

Consider the Government of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan for 2023-25. The following points highlight the planned number of immigrants in Canada:

• Overall, Canada has planned 465,000 Permanent Resident (PR) Admissions by 2023; 485,000 by 2024; and 500,000 by 2025.
• Out of these, Federal High Skilled Category comprises 82,880 by 2023; 109,020 by 2024; and 114,000 by 2025.
• PNP (Provincial Nominee Program) Category comprises of 105,500 by 2023; 110,000 by 2024; and 117,500 by 2025.
• In the case of Spouses, Partners, and Children, Canada has planned 78,000 PR intakes by 2023; 80,000 by 2024; and 82,000 by 2025.
• In the case of Parents and Grandparents, Canada has planned 28,500 PR intakes by 2023; 34,000 by 2024; and 36,000 by 2025.

The above data reveals that Canada plans to increase the number of PR intakes in the upcoming years. People and students looking to shift to Canada can expect positive outcomes for Canada PR.

Also, Read:

SPP and non-SPP visa requirements to study in Canada	All about Post Study Work Permit in Canada
Canada Student Visa Guide	Student Guide to Canada