What is Express Entry?
Many aspirants assume Express Entry is a new immigration program. This is not the case. In simple terms, it is a new electronic system that Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) uses to manage and select applications for permanent residence under 3 programs that were already in existence for several years:
Under Express Entry, processing times have shrunk compared to the previous paper-based system. IRCC processes most of the applications in less than a few months. It could be as little as under a month from receiving the Acknowledgment of Receipt (when submitting supporting documents), and could go up to six months if there is no problem with the application. Some applicants do however have processing times that go beyond the 6-month limit, especially in cases where there are changes in an applicant’s profile (such as marriage, childbirth, …).
How does Express Entry work?
You can follow our step-by-step guide to understand how to apply under the Express Entry system.
- You need first to be eligible to at least 1 of the 3 programs: FSW, CEC, or FST. You can check your eligibility by following our guide.
- If you are eligible, you can then create a profile with your personal information and qualifications. You will be attributed a score (max 1,200) based on the information given. The Express Entry score is constructed following the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), that uses, amongst other factors, your professional experience, educational credentials, language skills, if you have a qualifying job offer or a provincial nomination or have family in Canada. It is possible to boost your score and the likelihood to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you can check how to improve your CRS score. For more information on how the CRS score is calculated, use our CRS Calculator tool.
- Express Entry draws are operated periodically (generally every 2 weeks, sometimes 3 or 4 weeks) by IRCC. You will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) only if you score is above the one given in the draw. If you received an ITA, you will then have 60 days to complete your application online, include your supporting documents and pay your fees. Follow our guide to find out which documents you would need.
Express Entry Must Reads
With processing times of less than 6 months, Express Entry has become a very popular immigration platform used by Canada to select their permanent residents! This is why we prepared this Ultimate Guide for you. If you have any of the following questions, we advise you to read the articles below that offer detailed tools, guides, and information:
- What are the steps in an Express Entry application?
- How much does it cost?
- Do I need funds in my bank account to apply? How much?
- What’s an Express Entry draw and when is the next one?
- How to improve my chances to get an Invitation To Apply (ITA)?
- What happens after I submit my application?
- Is there any mistakes that I should avoid?
