The Express Entry process in Canada
Nojus, a Lithuanian citizen, intends to immigrate to Canada under the Express Entry system. However, he is not familiar with the Express Entry process. Nojus would like to know the basic requirements and how to be successful. Lucky for him, I have written this easy-to-understand article. 😉
Table of contents
The Express Entry process as a flowchart
The following flowchart shows the Express Entry process in a nutshell. Just locate Start and follow the arrows to track a typical process. Of course, exceptions could happen. I also explain the presented concepts in the following sections of the article.
The minimum requirements for Express Entry
The Express Entry system covers the following three immigration options. You may read the articles associated with these options. Alternatively, you may read my article on the minimum requirements for this system. Of course, knowing the benchmarks enhances your understanding of the Express Entry process.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW, FSWC or FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST, FSTC or FSTP)
Depending on your immigration option, you may also need to show proof of settlement funds.
Being expelled from the pool of Express Entry
Sometimes IRCC expells you from the pool of Express Entry. Here are some examples:
- Your language test results are more than two years old
- A change in family structure has disqualified you from all CEC, FSWC, and FSTC options. For example, a divorce, a marriage, or the death of a dependent family member could cause this.
- Due to another reason, you do not meet the minimum requirements for Express Entry
The selection process for Express Entry
If you meet the minimum requirements, you may enter the pool of Express Entry. This pool consists of all active applicants. At this stage of the Express Entry process, you receive points from CRS, a unique point system. With a higher CRS score, you have a more promising chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Of course, you could increase your CRS score if any of the following happens:
- Taking a new language test with better test results
- If you know both official languages, taking a test for the other language and updating your Express Entry profile
- Receiving an official invitation from a Canadian province under the various PNP Express Entry options
- Obtaining a valid arranged employment offer
This list is not comprehensive, and other activities could also enhance your chances. Moreover, IRCC intends to introduce particular criteria for selection in 2023 and after. These criteria could invite people with lower scores.
Remaining in the Express Entry pool for one year, results in the expiry of your Express Entry profile. Therefore, you either need to walk away or enter the pool of Express Entry again.
The Express Entry process after ITA
After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you usually need to take the following actions:
- Take an upfront medical examination.
- Complete your profile.
- Upload all necessary documents.
- Pay the processing fee, the biometrics fee, and the Right of Permanent Resident fee.
- Submit the final application.
Officers review the submitted application. If they find you eligible and admissible, they will issue you either a COPR or an eCOPR. The former allows you to become a permanent resident upon entering Canada. However, an eCOPR makes you a permanent resident on the spot. Of course, if the officer finds you ineligible or inadmissible, they will refuse your application.
What is the Express Entry processing time?
IRCC claims they intend to process Express Entry applications in under six months. Nonetheless, in reality, some applications could wait for 12 months or even more. If you are inside Canada, there is a chance you could apply for a work permit under the BOWP program. Alternatively, you could qualify for an employer-based work permit or special measures such as IMP T13.
Let us help!
Now that you know the Express Entry process, you may fill out the following form. We will review it and contact you. Of course, you may book a consultation session with me or fill out our assessment form for other options. Moreover, I offer mentorship sessions for licensed practitioners.
Read this in Spanish
Would you please fill out our free assessment form if you wish to visit or move to Canada? We will review it for free, but we will contact you only if we find an opportunity for you. Alternatively, you may book a consultation session. Consultation sessions are not free, but you will receive formal immigration advice from a licensed practitioner.
Al ParsaiAl Parsai, LLM, MA, RCIC-IRB
Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant
Adjunct Professor – Queen’s University – Faculty of Law
Ashton College Instructor – Immigration Consulting
Author – 88 Tips on Immigration to Canada
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