What You Need to Know About Immigration to Canada Through Express Entry

If your goal is to move to Canada permanently and you are in a skilled profession, the chances are that you will need to apply by using the Express Entry system. On this page, we explain what the Canadian Express System is (and what it is not), how the system works, the documents needed, and how to apply i.e Express Entry Applicants.

What Is The Canadian Express Entry System?

Express Entry is not a visa or permit; rather, it is the system used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to handle the process of applying for Canadian permanent residence by skilled workers. The aim of the Express Entry system is to quickly and efficiently fill gaps in the Canadian labour market.

What Are The Benefits Of Express Entry In Canada?

For Canadian employers who wish to recruit foreign nationals, the Express Entry system enables them to deal with a lack of available skilled labour within Canada. Express Entry allows employers to:

· have a direct role in recruiting skilled workers

· be matched with candidates through the Canadian ‘Job Bank’

· apply for a free Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).

In addition, there are no caps, and there is no list of eligible occupations which must be followed.

For foreign employees, the Express Entry system enables them to live and work anywhere in Canada. It also allows foreign workers to bring their dependant family members with them. Being an electronic application system, it also ensures that decisions are made by IRCC faster. In many cases, it is possible to secure permanent residence within six months or even less.

What Are The Express Entry Federal Economic Immigration Programs?

It is possible to apply using Express Entry for three federal economic immigration programs:

Express Entry manages applications for three economic immigration programs, namely the:

· Federal Skilled Worker Program - For skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently

· Federal Skilled Trades Program - For skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade.

· Canadian Experience Class - For skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.

IRCC also allows provinces and territories to recruit candidates using the Express Entry pool through the Provincial Nominee Program to meet their local labour market needs.

Am I Eligible To Apply Through Express Entry For A Federal Immigration Program?

The requirements for each program vary, as follows:

Federal Skilled Worker Program

Applicants need to score at least 67 points and will be assessed on their:

· age

· education

· work experience

· whether they have a valid job offer

· English and/or French language skills

· adaptability (how well they are likely to settle)

For full details on the eligibility requirements for this program, see the IRCC website.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

Under the Federal Skilled Trades Program, applicants must:

· meet the required language proficiency levels for writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

· have at least two years of paid full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work experience) in a skilled trade within the five years before they apply

· meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the National Occupational Classification

· have a valid job offer of full-time employment for a total period of at least one year or

certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority

For full details on the eligibility requirements for this program, see the IRCC website.

Canadian Experience Class

Under the Canadian Experience Class Program, applicants must:

· meet the required language levels needed for their job for writing, reading, listening, and speaking

· have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years before applying

• have gained work experience by working in Canada while under temporary resident status with authorization to work

For full details on the eligibility requirements for this program, see the IRCC website.

How Do I Apply Using Express Entry In Canada?

Your Express Entry invitation to apply is valid for 90 days only. You should start filling out the online Express Entry form right away so that you can get all the information and documents you need before your invitation expires. Before applying, you should confirm that you are eligible for your chosen immigration program. This can be verified on the IRCC website. The next stage is to prepare the documents you will need to both create an online profile and also apply for permanent residence in Canada (see below for more details on the documents you will need).

The next stage is to create your online profile and answer a series of questions to determine your eligibility. If the system determines that you are eligible, you will then be entered into a pool of candidates (this is referred to as the Express Entry pool).

Once in the pool, you will then need to wait to be invited to apply. How many points are needed? The highest-scoring candidates tend to be invited first. Once you receive an invitation, you will have 90 days to apply for permanent residence using Express Entry Canada. IRCC advises, “Your Express Entry invitation to apply is valid for 90 days only. You should start filling out the online form right away so that you can get all the information and documents you need before your invitation expires”.

To apply for permanent residence, you will need to log in to your online account and click the link to apply for permanent residence under Express Entry.

Which Documents Will I Need To Apply Through Express Entry In Canada?

To Complete Your Profile, You Will Need The Following Documents:

· passport or travel document

· language test results

· proof of Canadian education or an educational credential assessment report

· a written job offer from an employer in Canada (if you have one)

· proof of work experience

· certificate of qualification in a trade occupation issued by a Canadian province or territory (if you have one)

· proof of funds

To apply for permanent residence, you will need the following documents:

• police certificates
• medical examination
• proof of funds
• birth certificate
• marriage certificate (if applicable)
• divorce certificate and legal separation agreement (if applicable)
• death certificate (if applicable)
• adoption certificate (if applicable)
• digital photos to confirm your identity
• any other documents that IRCC requests.

Reiss Edwards has the resources and expertise to assist with all aspects of Canadian immigration. If you need assistance or advice on immigration to Canada through express entry or any other immigration matter, feel free to contact our Immigration Solicitor for help.