Express Entry is the quickest way to immigrate to Canada. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean everybody can immigrate to Canada through Express Entry. This guide will help you understand if Express Entry is the best way for you and your family, if applicable, to settle in Canada.
Individuals and families around the world can immigrate to Canada within just a few months through the Express Entry immigration selection system. First introduced in 2015, Express Entry has become the main driver of skilled worker immigration to Canada and one of the most popular immigration systems globally.
Under the 2021-2023 Canada Immigration Levels Plan, more than 100,000 people will obtain Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry annually.
Invited Express Entry applicants now have 60 days to submit their complete application. Candidates who receive an invitation to apply on or after June 29, 2021, must submit their application within 60 days.
What is Express Entry Canada?
Express Entry is an application management system used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage and process applications received through three of Canada’s federal economic immigration programs for skilled workers.
Express Entry is a competitive immigration system, ranking all eligible candidates against one another and then inviting the best ranking candidates to apply for Canadian permanent resident status. Candidates are ranked against one another based on their age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and other factors.
Under Express Entry, individuals and families wishing to settle in Canada can become new permanent residents within just a few months.
How Does It Work?
Determine eligibility – The first step is to determine whether you are eligible for Canadian immigration and this immigration program in particular. The two most vital questions you need to answer before you proceed any further are:
Do you have a criminal record? People with criminal records are deemed inadmissible to Canada. A possible exception is a DUI offense, for which you will be required to undertake rehabilitation.
Do you have any serious medical conditions? Some serious medical conditions may exclude you from being able to become a permanent resident of Canada due to the publicly funded government healthcare system.
If you answered no to both questions, let’s proceed to the three federal immigration programs that make up the Express Entry System:
Federal Skilled Worker Program – for skilled workers with qualifications and at least one year of foreign work experience in a managerial or professional occupation. You will need to meet minimum requirements with regards to skilled work experience, language ability, and education not only to be eligible for the program but also to be competitive in your pool of applicants.
Federal Skilled Trades Program – for candidates who are qualified in a skilled trade. Typically this will mean having a red seal certification and full journeyman status. Securing a job offer or being certified by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority is a requirement under this program. Canada is urgently in need of skilled trades workers.
Canada Experience Class – this program is reserved for applicants who would fall into one of the above two programs, but already have at least one year of experience working in Canada in their respective skilled occupations. The applicants in this pool are given preference because they have demonstrated that they can live, work, and competently function as members of Canadian society.
