How to Apply for Express Entry to Canada

Express Entry is one of the most popular pathways for immigrating to Canada. Designed to attract skilled workers, this system allows candidates to apply for permanent residence (PR) through a streamlined, points-based process. If you meet the eligibility requirements, Express Entry can be your fastest route to settling in Canada.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying for Express Entry, including eligibility, required documents, the application process, costs, processing time, and tips to increase your chances of success.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online immigration system that manages applications for three main economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For skilled workers with work experience in professional jobs.

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For workers with experience in a skilled trade.

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For individuals who have already gained skilled work experience in Canada.

If you meet the criteria for any of these programs, you can create an Express Entry profile and enter the pool of candidates. From there, you’ll be ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and invited to apply for permanent residence if your score is high enough.

Who is Eligible for Express Entry?

To be eligible for Express Entry, candidates must qualify under one of three federal immigration programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This program is for skilled professionals with foreign work experience. To be eligible, you must:

• Have at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the last 10 years.

• Have a good CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) score in English or French.

• Have a high school diploma or higher (evaluated through an Educational Credential Assessment if obtained outside Canada).

• Meet the 67-point minimum score on the FSWP selection grid, which includes factors like age, education, work experience, and adaptability.

2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): This is for individuals with experience in a skilled trade. To qualify, you need:

• At least two years of full-time experience in a skilled trade in the past five years.

• A valid job offer in Canada OR a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian authority.

• A good score of CLB language proficiency (speaking, listening, reading, writing).

3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC): The CEC program is for individuals who have gained work experience in Canada. To qualify, you need:

• At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.

• A good CLB language proficiency score.

Your eligibility will also determine your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, which affects your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). In addition to regular CRS-based draws, IRCC now conducts category-based draws to invite candidates with specific work experience or language skills that align with Canada’s current priorities, such as healthcare, STEM, trades, education, agriculture, and strong French-language proficiency (these categories get updated yearly). Meeting the criteria for one of these categories can significantly improve your chances of being invited to apply.

What are the Requirements for Express Entry?

To apply through Express Entry, you must submit several documents to prove your qualifications. These include:

1. Language Test Results: Applicants must provide official language test results from IELTS, CELPIP (English), or TEF, TCF (French). These results must be less than two years old at the time of application.

2. Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): If you studied outside Canada, an ECA report from an approved agency (such as WES or ICES) is required to verify your education level. This ensures that your diploma, degree, or certificate is equivalent to a Canadian qualification.

3. Proof of Work Experience: You need to provide;

• Reference letters from past employers.

• Pay stubs or contracts as proof of employment.

• A detailed job description aligning with NOC codes.

4. Proof of Funds: FSWP and FSTP applicants must show that they have enough funds to support themselves and their family members. The required amount depends on family size. For example, a single applicant needs at least CAD $14,690, while a family of four needs CAD $27,297.

Step 1: Create Your Express Entry Profile

Once your documents are ready, you can create an Express Entry profile on the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal.

How to Create a Profile:

1. Visit the IRCC website and select “Express Entry.”

2. Enter personal details (name, date of birth, nationality).

3. Submit your language test results and educational credentials.

4. Provide details about work experience and any Canadian job offers.

5. Include family details, if applicable.

6. Submit your profile and receive a CRS score.

Once submitted, your profile is entered into the Express Entry pool, where it will remain valid for 12 months.

Step 2: Improve Your CRS Score

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores candidates based on factors like age, education, work experience, language skills, and job offers.

To increase your CRS score:

• Retake Your Language Test: Higher IELTS or TEF scores can boost your points.

• Gain More Work Experience: The longer your skilled experience, the better.

• Earn an Additional Degree/Diploma: More education equals more points.

• Secure a Job Offer in Canada: Valid job offers add significant points.

• Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): This can add 600 CRS points, almost guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

For more details on boosting your CRS score, check out InfoPlace Canada’s guide.

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your CRS score is high enough, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during the next Express Entry draw. ITAs are issued every two weeks, and if you get one, you have 60 days to submit your PR application.

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Step 4: Submit Your Permanent Residence Application

Once you receive an ITA, you need to submit your complete PR application through the IRCC website within sixty days.

Your application must include:

• Updated personal information

• Proof of funds (bank statements, investment records)

• Police clearance certificates

• Medical exam results

• Work reference letters

After submission, IRCC processes applications within 6 months or less in most cases. For a complete list of documents required, visit InfoPlace Canada’s document checklist.

How Much Does Express Entry Cost?

Immigrating to Canada through Express Entry involves several costs. Below is a breakdown:

1. Pre-Application Costs:

• Language Test (IELTS/CELPIP or TEF/TCF): CAD $300 (Average cost)

• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): CAD $200 (Average cost)

• Police Clearance Certificate: CAD $50 – $100 (varies by country)

• Medical Exam: CAD $450 for Adults & $250 for children (Average cost)

• Government fees: $1,525 for adult & $260 for children

2. Proof of Settlement Funds (for FSWP & FSTP applicants only): Applicants need to show proof of funds based on family size. Here’s an estimate:

Common Express Entry Permanent Residence Mistakes You Should Avoid

Applying for Express Entry is a competitive process, and even small mistakes can delay or jeopardize your chances of obtaining permanent residence. Here are some common Express Entry errors to watch out for:

• Incorrect or Incomplete Application: Ensure all sections are filled out accurately, including personal details, work history, and supporting documents. Missing information can lead to delays or rejection.

• Misrepresenting Information: Providing false or misleading information, even unintentionally, can lead to a ban from reapplying for several years. Always double-check your entries.

• Not Meeting CRS Score Requirements: Many applicants assume they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) with a low Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Improve your score by gaining more work experience, retaking language tests, or obtaining a job offer.

• Failing to Submit Documents on Time: Once invited, you must submit your application and documents within the given timeframe. Late submissions result in application refusal.

• Ignoring Proof of Funds Requirement: If required, ensure you provide proof of funds according to IRCC guidelines. Not having the right amount or format can lead to rejection.

• Not Checking Express Entry Updates: Immigration policies and CRS cut-off scores change frequently. Staying updated can help you adjust your strategy to improve your chances.

If you're unsure about any step, book a Permanent Residence Consultation with our licensed and experienced immigration consultants, whether you're In Canada or Outside Canada. If you've received an ITA and need help completing your application, reach out to us.

How Long Does Express Entry Take?

The processing time for Express Entry depends on various factors, including your CRS score, ITA draw frequency, and document submission time. Below is an estimated timeline:

1. Express Entry Profile Submission (1–2 Days): Once you create an Express Entry profile, it enters the candidate pool.

2. Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA): The time to receive an ITA depends on your CRS score and PNP nomination (if applicable).

3. PR Application Submission (Within 60 Days): Once you receive an ITA, you must submit a complete PR application within 60 days.

4. PR Application Processing (6 Months on Average): After submission, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) processes applications within six months for most cases.

5. Receiving Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) (After Approval): Once approved, you receive a COPR document, allowing you to travel to Canada and complete the landing process.

6. PR Card Issuance (2–4 Weeks Post-Landing): After arrival, your Permanent Resident (PR) card is mailed within two to four weeks.

Total Estimated Time: 6 months to 1 year from profile creation to PR card issuance.

Conclusion

Applying for Express Entry is a significant step toward achieving permanent residency in Canada. While the process involves multiple stages, from meeting eligibility requirements and gathering documents to waiting for an Invitation to Apply (ITA), proper preparation can greatly improve your chances of success.

If you’re serious about immigrating through Express Entry, it’s crucial to understand your CRS score, explore ways to improve it, and ensure your application is error-free. Small mistakes, such as missing documents or incorrect details, can delay or even jeopardize your application.

At InfoPlace Canada, we specialize in helping applicants navigate the Express Entry process smoothly. Whether you need assistance with profile creation, document verification, or increasing your CRS score, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Don’t wait, start your Express Entry journey today! Contact InfoPlace Canada to get expert advice and improve your chances of becoming a permanent resident of Canada.