Express Entry

Express Entry (EE) is a user-friendly online immigration application system designed for skilled immigrants to gain entry to Canada.

Eligible candidates create profiles that are placed in the Express Entry pool. These profiles are ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which is a point-based system. The CRS takes into account various factors, including age, education, work experience, language skills, and more.

The highest-scoring candidates from the Express Entry pool are regularly invited by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to apply for permanent residency.

Express Entry Programs

Express Entry encompasses several economic immigration programs, including:

Federal Skilled Worker Program
Federal Skilled Trades Program
Canadian Experience Class

Additionally, some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) participate in Express Entry. If you receive a nomination from a provincial authority through Express Entry, you can gain an extra 600 points for your CRS score.

How to Apply for Express Entry

To apply for Express Entry, follow these steps:

Create a profile: Under one of the three primary programs mentioned above.
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you have a competitive CRS score, IRCC will send you an ITA for permanent residency.
Apply for permanent residency: You’ll have up to one year from the date of your ITA to complete and submit your application.

The Canadian government typically processes permanent residency applications within approximately six months.

Family Members and Express Entry

The good news is that you can include your family members under Express Entry. This includes your:

Children
Spouse or common-law partner
Your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent children
Dependent children of dependent children

Dependent children are defined as those who:

Are under 22 years of age and not married or in a common-law partnership
Are 22 years of age or older and have relied financially on the parent since before the age of 22 due to a physical or mental condition

By obtaining permanent residency through Express Entry, your family members can also secure their own permanent residency status.