Express Entry in Canada has emerged as one of the quickest pathways to permanent residency in Canada. It is available for skilled immigrants. If you are already in Canada or planning to move, it is helpful to be familiar with the system. It will improve your success for sure. Let’s discuss the determining eligibility, the application process, and tips to successfully immigrate under Express Entry in Toronto
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry in Canada is an online system used to manage the permanent residency applications of skilled workers. Generally, it covers three main programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class.
Candidates create a profile, receive a CRS score based on factors such as age and experience, and top-scoring candidates are invited to apply. This mode of immigration is competitive but one of the fastest paths to permanent residency, often processed within six months.
Who is Eligible for Express Entry?
It is essential to meet the requirements of at least one of the three programs. Here is a key eligibility criterion that you can follow:
1- Work Experience
- FSWP: At least one year of continuous full-time (or part-time equivalent) skilled work experience in the last ten years.
- FSTP: Two years of skilled trade experience in the last five years (you must have either a job offer from a Canadian employer or a certificate of qualification for that trade).
- CEC: One year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years on a valid work permit.
2. Language Testing
Candidates must conduct a language test approved by IRCC in English or French (IELTS or CELPIP) and achieve at least the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) scores based on the program.
3. Education
If you completed your education outside Canada, you must get an ECA to verify that it is equal to a Canadian education.
4. Proof of Funds
You must prove you have sufficient money to support yourself and any family following you unless you are currently working in Canada or have a valid job offer.
5. Other Factors
Your age, adaptability, and marital status, along with your spouse’s education and/or language skills (if applicable), may all play a role in your CRS score. These do not impact your eligibility, but do impact your overall rank within the pool.
Basic Steps: How to Apply for Express Entry
Here is a general idea of what the Express Entry Canada process involves:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Start by determining which of the programs you qualify for (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC) and then using the government’s online tools and/or an immigration consultant to help you determine your qualification.
Step 2: Collect Required Documents
Before you create your profile, take your language test and, if applicable, acquire an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). The language test and if necessary, ECA letters will be required to calculate your CRS score.
Step 3: Create Your Express Entry Profile
You must create your profile on the official IRCC website. In the profile, you will enter your work history, education, language score, and other personal details.
Step 4: Receive Your CRS Score
Your profile will be assigned a ranking vs other profiles in the pool by using the Comprehensive Ranking System. The maximum CRS score available is 1,200 points.
Step 5: Increase Your Score (Optional)
If your CRS score is very low, you may qualify to increase your score. You can take the language test again and potentially raise your score, you can acquire more work experience or apply to a Provincial Nominee program.
Step 6: Awaiting an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score meets or surpasses the cutoff range in an Express Entry draw, you will receive an ITA. You will have a 60-day timeframe to submit your application.
Step 7: Submit a Permanent Residence Application
After you have obtained your ITA, you will be required to submit all the mandatory documents in conjunction with the application, which should include police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds.
Step 8: Awaiting a Decision
Most applications are finalized within six months. When you are approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
Express Entry Toronto – What You Need to Know
Toronto remains a popular destination for skilled foreign workers, making Express Entry Toronto a more competitive stream. Here you get to know:
Higher CRS Cutoffs: Since many candidates are aiming for Toronto, the average CRS scores tend to be higher, which means that every point is precious.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Ontario occasionally invites Express Entry candidates if they possess specific work experience or language skills. Receiving a nomination will add 600 CRS points to an Express Entry candidate, essentially guaranteeing an ITA.
Advantages in the Job Market: Certain industries, such as technology, finance, and healthcare, are thriving within Toronto. As a result, candidates with work experience in these areas, whether outside or within Canada, will have a higher likelihood of receiving a job offer/Permanent Residency (PR) invitations through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Strategies for Improving Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score
- Increase Language Test Scores: The difference from an increase in your language scores could be minor, but the implications could be significant.
- Apply for a Provincial Nomination: If you meet the provincial eligibility requirements, a PNP will provide you with 600 extra points.
- Consider Further Education or Education Certificates: A Canadian credential can be valuable and a pathway toward improving your score.
- Acquire More Work Experience: Especially if you received that work experience in Canada.
- Involve Spouse Credentials: If you are married, your spouse’s education, language, and proof of Canadian work may provide you with valuable points.
Questions You Should Save For Later
Do I need an offer of employment for Express Entry Canada?
No. An offer of employment can assist you by improving your CRS score, but it is not necessary for the majority of applicants.
How long does the application take to be processed?
Most Express Entry applications are processed in less than six months of issuing a complete permanent residency application.
What if my CRS score is low?
You can improve your CRS score by working on your language test scores, increasing your education, or obtaining a Provincial Nomination for residency in Canada.
Bottom Line
Express Entry Canada offers a fast and reliable route to permanent residency for skilled workers. With a strong CRS score and good preparation, your chances can now be improved. All you need to do is understand the process, whether you’re looking at Toronto or some other Canadian city.
Are you ready to take the next step? Create your Express Entry profile today and take the next step towards your future in Canada.
Leave a Reply