#express entry stream

Express Entry Canada is an immigration applications management system launched by the Canadian Government in 2015. It manages three federal economic immigration programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program

Canadian Experience Class

Federal Skilled Trades Program

If you wish to apply for Canada PR Visa through the Express Entry System, you have to fulfill the criteria for one of the above three programs. Once you fulfill the eligibility, you can create an online profile in the Express Entry System.

The step-by-step process is as follows:

Step 1. Find your National Occupational Classification Code

To confirm your eligibility for application, you have to first find out if your occupation is included in the National Occupational Classification. It is a classification of occupations adopted by the Government of Canada for immigration purposes. In order to qualify for express entry, your occupation must be included in the NOC.

Step 2. Obtain your ECA - Educational Credential Assessment

In the next step, you must obtain your overseas educational credentials evaluated by one of the third parties approved by Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada.

The aim of the ECA report is to confirm if your overseas educational credentials are on par with standards in Canada.

Step 3. Appear for language tests in English and/or French

You are required to prove a specific level of proficiency in the language in either English or French based on the program you have chosen to apply for. This is assessed through CLB – Canadian Language Benchmark.

For example, for FSWP you have to secure CLB 7 or overall 6 bands in the IELTS test. You have to provide test results only from the tests approved by IRCC.

Step 4. Scrutinizing your eligibility for Express Entry

As stated already, you have to ensure that you qualify for a minimum of one of the 3 programs under Express Entry. The eligibility criteria for each of the programs are variable including evidence of minimum funds. This step is very important as it will decide if you will be able to enter the pool of candidates in the Express Entry pool or not.

Step 5. Entering the Express Entry Pool

You will be entered into the pool of candidates once you prove your eligibility for one of the programs under Express Entry. You will require the test results of language proficiency and ECA report for this.

Step 6. Calculating your CRS - Comprehensive Ranking System score

The next step is determining your score under CRS. It is a competitive ranking system that allocates points to candidates based on selection factors. The points are allocated corresponding to the details that they provide in their Express Entry profile. It includes among others their age, education, work experience, language proficiency, etc. Your overall CRS score will determine your ranking in the pool.

For calculating your exact CRS score, you will require the test results of language proficiency and ECA report.

Step 7. Getting an ITA - Invitation to Apply

You will receive an ITA if you score the required cut-off score for the specific selection draw or higher score. Draws are usually held every 2 weeks by IRCC. Once you receive the ITA, you will be provided 60 days for filing a complete application including the required documents.

Step 8. Ensuring compliance with your document checklist

Once you get the ITA, you are required to upload the specified documents specified in the checklist of documents shared with you by IRCC along with the ITA. You must ensure that the documents are provided as per the specifications.

It is advisable to collate the documents in advance as the list of standard documents for each program is available on the IRCC website.

Step 9. From AOR - Acknowledgement of Receipt till PPR - Passport Request

Once you submit the application you will receive an acknowledgment from IRCC for receiving it known as AOR. After your application is approved by IRCC, you will receive a PPR from IRCC. The timeline between AOR and PPR is usually 6 months for Express Entry Program applications for PR Visa.

You are required to make payment of the required Visa application fees as well. Your Passport is requested for affixing the Canada Visa stamp on it.

Step 10. Preparing for arrival in Canada

Once you have shared your Passport with Immigration Office, you can make preparations for your arrival in Canada. It is advisable to become familiar with the weather in Canada, and its education and healthcare systems. You can also prepare a checklist of all the items that will be included in your luggage.