Express Entry Canada: Eligibility, CRS Points, How to Apply
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Canada Express Entry is designed to attract international skilled workers to Canada. This immigration process assesses candidates' profiles based on factors like education, work experience, and language proficiency. If selected, you'll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
What is Express Entry Canada? Canada Express entry is the most popular way to get Canada permanent residence (PR) visa and settle there. It uses the point-based system, which is known as CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System), to assess if an applicant is eligible for PR visa or not. The profile of a candidate will be assessed based on their age, qualifications, work experience, adaptability, etc.
Established as one of the most popular immigration systems globally, it was introduced in 2015 and since then it has become the main driver of economic immigration to Canada. It is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which handles applications received through Canada’s federal immigration programs.
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How to Apply for Canada Express Entry 2025?
- First and foremost, the candidates need to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECS) from a recognized monitoring authority like WES. Then, a candidate must select an occupation as per the (National Occupation Classification) and skill level like O, A, B etc.
- Then candidates submit their Canada Express Entry Profile and get ranked according to a CRS point system.
- After the Canada Express Entry Draw, candidates with the highest rankings are invited by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to apply for permanent residency.
- Once applied, candidates’ PR applications are scored according to the program's point-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Most of the applications are processed within 6 months. Apart from this, candidates should also register with Job Bank through their Job Match Account and search for work. This process enhances the chances of the candidate wishing to build a successful career in Canada.
Steps to apply for Express Entry
Here is an overview of how to apply for Canada PR through Express Entry:
- Arrange all the necessary documents such as IELTS score, ECA (Education Credential Assessment), etc.
- Check whether you are eligible to apply through the Canada Express Entry program.
- If you are eligible, you can submit your Expression of Interest (EOI). Your profile will be ranked in the Express Entry Pool with the help of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- You will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you have scored well on the CRS.
- From the day of receiving the ITA, you will have 60 days to apply.
- Canada PR application processing time will be nearly 6 months in case your documents are complete and in order.
- After applying, you will have to go through document verification and other formalities. All this will be done by an immigration officer.
- Once your application is approved by the IRCC, you will receive your Canada PR.
Candidates can visit the official website of IRCC these links to check their Canada Express Entry Eligibility as well as their CRS Express Entry Canada Score from the official website.
Canada Express Entry Points: Parameters
- The education and qualification of the candidate
- Proficiency in English language or French
- The age of the candidate
- The work experience and skills of the candidate
- If a candidate has a job offer from an organization based in Canada
- The spouse’s education, work experience, and English or French language proficiency
Also, if the candidate has completed his education in any Canadian college or university or has a provincial nomination then he is given additional points.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) – Express Entry Canada
The table given below provides information about the various assessment criteria on which your score will be calculated:
| Assessment Criteria |
Maximum Score |
|---|---|
| Marital Status |
It will decide the maximum points for the criteria mentioned below |
| Age |
110 |
| Level of Education |
150 |
| Language Proficiency |
160 |
| Canadian Work Experience |
80 |
| Skill Transferability |
100 |
| Additional Points |
600 |
Types of Canada Express Entry
Here are types of Canada Express Entry:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Canadian Experience Class for skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Federal Skilled Worker Program for skilled workers with foreign work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Federal Skilled Trades Program for skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade.
Canadian Experience Class
This class is designed for people who have gained at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada. After fulfilling the other criteria as well, one becomes eligible to apply under the Canada Express Entry. Here are certain requirements of the Canadian Experience Class program:
- English language proficiency: CLB 7 (for TEER 0 or 1) and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3
- At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last 3 years. This translates to at least 1,560 hours. However, this work experience must be a paid one.
- Having a degree from a Canadian University will improve your score in the Express Entry Pool.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
Canada has a shortage of people who are skilled in particular fields, the FSW program is designed for people who are skilled in their work, and therefore, they are selected to immigrate to Canada. The following are the requirements:
- You must score CLB 7 level in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
- At least 1 year of work experience in TEER 0 to 3. This means at least 1,560 hours.
- You need to provide proof of funds. The criteria are the same as that of the Federal Skilled Trades Program (mentioned below).
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Those who have gained at least two years of full-time work experience in an eligible skilled trade can apply for PR under this program. The following points will provide you with the requirements for applying for Canada PR through the Federal Skilled Trades Program:
- English language proficiency: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing
- Minimum 2 years of full-time work experience in the last 5 years (before application). Work experience must be in a skilled trade (TEER 2 or 3)
- Canadian Education will fetch you extra points in the Express Entry Pool.
You need to show proof of funds. However, if you are authorized to work in Canada and you have a valid job offer, you do not need to show proof of funds. The table given below provides you with the details of proof of funds.
| Family Members | Funds Needed (in CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 | CAD14,690 |
| 2 | CAD18,288 |
| 3 | CAD22,483 |
| 4 | CAD27,297 |
| 5 | CAD30,690 |
| 6 | CAD34,917 |
Note: CAD 3,958 are required for every additional family member.
Express Entry Canada Provinces
- British Columbia Express Entry
- Alberta Express Entry
- Saskatchewan Express Entry
- Manitoba Express Entry
- Ontario Express Entry
- New Brunswick Express Entry
- PEI Express Entry
- Nova Scotia Express Entry
- Newfoundland Express Entry
Potential employers based in Canada, provinces, and territories can also recruit immigrants directly from the Express Entry pool. Also, candidates who receive a potential job offer or are awarded an enhanced provincial nomination are given a significant number of points which also boosts their Express Entry score.
Q: Â What are the documents required for Canada Express Entry?
Q: Â What IELTS score is required for Canada Express Entry?
The following points will provide the details for the IELTS score for Canada Express Entry:
- For the Canadian Experience Class, CLB 7 (for TEER 0 or 1) and CLB 5 (for TEER 2 or 3) are required.
- For the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), CLB 7 level in speaking, reading, writing, and listening is required.
- For the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing are required.
The following table will help you compare CLB level with IELTS scores.
| CLB Level | Reading | Writing | Listening | Speaking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 9 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 |
| 8 | 6.5 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 |
| 7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
| 6 | 5.0 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| 5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| 4 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.0 |
Q: Â Why to apply for Canada Express Entry?
Applying through the system has a number of advantages, including the opportunity to do so online and speedier processing times. The method also enables the Canadian government to better match immigration regulations with the demands of the nation's economy. If chosen, individuals who meet the requirements can submit an Express Entry profile and request an invitation to apply for permanent residency. In addition to all these benefits, candidates applying for Canada Express Entry are not required to have a pre-approved job offer before applying for Canada PR.
Q: Â How is studying at Mount Allison University in Canada?
Mount Allison University is one of the reputed universities in Canada that provides excellent programs and follows a brilliant academic culture. It ranked #1 for reputation and library expenses and second for student awards and faculty awards. Mt A is primarily an undergraduate Liberal Arts and Sciences university with over 2,300 students. Students from all over the globe are attracted to the university for its high-quality academic experience, hands-on learning opportunities, rankings, and small class size. The average class size at the university is 41 with student to faculty ratio of 16:1.
Q: Â Is Cambrian College in Canada a good option for international students?
Cambrian College in Canada is largely recognised as a prestigious institution, making it an attractive option for overseas students. The college provides a wide choice of programmes, and its accreditation guarantees respect to academic standards. Prospective students should carefully assess Cambrian College's suitability in terms of individual programme offers, campus facilities, location, and foreign student support services. The total cost of education, including tuition and living expenses, should also be considered, as well as any available financial help or scholarships. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, check Cambrian College's official website, contact international student services, and speak with current or former international students for firsthand experiences.
Q: Â How do I get admission in Humber College, Canada?
Humber College Canada requires international students to apply through the international college portal and view the programme and term in take availability as the admissions are offered based on programme space availability. Every programme has its own requirements and eligibility criteria. International students are also required to submit English Language tests such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or Duolingo. Humber College application deadline is Feb 01,2025 for equal consideration. Post this date, admissions are offered on the space basis available. Therefore, students are required to apply as early as possible.
Q: Â What are the best reasons to attend BCIT British Columbia?
British Columbia Institute of Technology is one of the best universities in Canada and students across the world desire to study here. Listed below are some of the best reasons to attend BCIT:
- Excellence in academics;
- Beautiful and vibrant campus;
- Various opportunities to participate in sports and athletic activities;
- Small class sizes;
- Student centered approach.
Q: Â What is the CGPA requirement for Prince Edward Island?
International students must meet the general undergraduate admission requirements to study at Prince Edward Island. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 1.7 in the major subject requirements for Prince Edward Island University admission.
Read about the Canada Grading System
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4 years ago
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5 years ago
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5 years ago
The following documents are required for the Canada Express Entry application:
Candidates may also submit any other documents that are relevant to their application. It is essential for the candidates to be sure of all the documents they require as per their profile (for e.g., some might require a marriage certificate, divorce certificate, adoption certificate, etc.).