What is Express Entry?
Express Entry (EE) is an online immigration application system that allows people to submit a profile and be considered as skilled immigrants.
Eligible applicants are accepted into the Express Entry pool and are ranked according to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS is a point-based system used by IRCC to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. The CRS score is calculated based on an applicant’s age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors.
IRCC selects the highest-scoring candidates from the Express Entry pool and sends them an Invitation to Apply for permanent residency approximately every two weeks.
Programs under Express Entry:
Three economic immigration programs in Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are also participating in Express Entry. If you received a nomination from a provincial authority through an Express Entry, you are eligible to receive 600 additional points for your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score.
How to Apply for Express Entry?
Three economic immigration programs in Express Entry:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class
Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) are also participating in Express Entry. If you received a nomination from a provincial authority through an Express Entry, you are eligible to receive 600 additional points for your CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score.
How long does the Express Entry process take?
A profile of Express Entry can be valid for up to one year. Candidates who receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) can apply for permanent residency through Express Entry. The invitation will be sent based on the candidate’s CRS score. Applicants can expect the Canadian government to process their permanent residency applications within six months.
If a candidate does not receive an ITA within one year of creating their Express Entry profile, they can re-create their profile if they are still eligible.
Can my family members come with me under Express Entry?
The answer is YES. Under Express Entry, you can include your children, spouse or common-law partner. As well as, your spouse or common-law partner’s dependent children and the dependent children of dependent children. If you obtain permanent residency under Express Entry, your family can obtain permanent residency as well.
Meaning of dependent children is:
- A child who is under 22 years of age and not a spouse or common-law partner
- A child who is 22 years of age or older has depended substantially on the financial support of the parent since before the age of 2 and be unable to support themselves financially due to a physical or mental condition.