Canada Express Entry Visa – Eligibility Criteria & Benefits

Is carving out a successful career in Canada your only goal? Get familiar with the Canada Express Entry Visa. Any skilled worker wanting to move to Canada through immigration can apply for PR (Permanent Resident) visa through the Express Entry Program.

What is the Canada Express Entry Visa?

Launched in January 2015, Express Entry is a point-based online immigration program. It was initiated by the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to advance the visa selection process for permanent residency and accelerate the decision times to as little as six months. Since the advent of this program, applying for a Canada PR visa has become comparatively easy.

Programs Offered Under Express Entry:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FESTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

All the individuals with necessary skills and relevant experience under their belts look no further than Canada when it comes to moving to Canada. A highly comprehensive program is what Express Entry is all about, playing an imperative role in handling the Canadian immigrant inflow and assessing through diverse factors.

Why Does Express Entry Make Sense for Immigrants?

Eagerly awaiting Canadian permanent residency? Settle for no less than the Express Entry Program – the fastest and most popular pathway for immigrants to seek permanent residency. After all, who would not want to start a new life in one of the most sought-after countries for immigration – Canada?

As a fast-track immigration program, Express Entry makes it easier for competent workers to obtain permanent residency in the “Land of Maple Leaf.” The Canadian government has adopted a unique approach to choosing exceptionally talented workers, making them gain entry into Canada as Permanent Residents.

Kindly take note that the Express Entry Program is not an application to apply for PR. However, it signifies your interest in being considered for the permanent resident visa. Once interested applicants submit their online profile, the Federal Government determines if the applicant is eligible for the Express Entry Program.

Ranked according to the comprehensive ranking system (CRS), those candidates who are eligible for the program are accepted into the Express Entry pool. The government of Canada evaluates and ranks candidates in the Express Entry pool using CRS – a point-based system. Based on a candidate’s age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other crucial factors, the CRS score is calculated.

There are three ways to apply through Express Entry:

Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP)

The Federal Skilled Workers Program (FSWP) is an immigration program in Canada that falls under the Economic Class category. It is designed for skilled foreign workers who wish to immigrate to Canada permanently and become economically established.

Under the FSWP, applicants are assessed based on various factors such as their education, work experience, language proficiency, age, and adaptability. The program is points-based, and applicants need to meet the minimum required points to be eligible for consideration.

To qualify for the FSWP, applicants must meet the general requirements like work experience, language proficiency, education, settlement funds, medical and security clearances.

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria can create an online profile in the Express Entry system, which manages applications for various economic immigration programs in Canada, including the FSWP. Candidates with the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws conducted by the Canadian government.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements and processes for immigration programs can change over time, so it is recommended to consult the official website of the Government of Canada or speak with an immigration professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Managed by the Express Entry system, the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is one of the three programs. This program is designed for foreign trade workers with a relevant work experience in trade occupations. It enables skilled tradespersons from across the globe to immigrate to Canada on a permanent basis.

As with each Express Entry program, FSTP makes use of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) inviting highly competitive candidates to seek Canada PR. Over half of the Canadian immigrants (skilled workers) are welcomed via economic programs, such as the Federal Skilled Trades Program. For skilled and qualified tradespersons, this program can be a great and quick option to become a permanent resident in Canada.

With it, you are granted the right to live and work in the country permanently. Here’s a list of minimum requirements for FSTP:

• Must have at least 2 years of work experience in the last 5 years in a skilled occupation.
• Meet the job requirements for the skilled trade as specified in the National Occupational Classification except for needing a qualification certificate.
• Minimum CLB level 5 is required for speaking and listening, and CLB level 4 is required for reading and writing.
• Must demonstrate that the skills and experience gained cover the vital duties of the occupation.

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class program is for those candidates who have recent experience working in Canada. These candidates express their interest in obtaining Canadian permanent residency.

The visa is processed within three to four months for candidates applying under this program. Hence, this program is one of the quickest routes for any candidate seeking Canadian permanent residency. An applicant must fulfill the below-mentioned eligibility requirements:

• The candidate should have at least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada. It should be acquired within the previous three years, from the date of applying.
• The work experience should be paid and legally obtained.
• The applicant should intend to live outside of the Quebec province.
• The applicant’s employment duties in the country should fall under the NOC Code Skill Level 0, A, or B.
• A CLB (short for Canadian Language Benchmark) level 7 in English/French for NOC skill level 0/A jobs or CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.

Candidates meeting the above-mentioned requirements are eligible. Not only can they create, but they can also submit an Express Entry profile for the Canadian Experience Class program.

Eligibility criteria for Canada Express Entry

The Express Entry Program extensively relies on a point-based system for assessing candidates. The main purpose of this fastest system is to pick out all those candidates who have a greater chance of succeeding post their migration to an incredible country called ‘Canada’.

For assessing your eligibility through the Express Entry program, you are required to answer many questions to work in Canada as a skilled worker and then obtain permanent residency. Be prepared to answer the questions based on the following:

Age

If you are aged 18 or above but below 35, then you can look forward to getting maximum points. If you are over 35, then you can get points but not much compared to the 18-35 age group.

Education

It is important to show that the education credentials you have, is equivalent to a completed secondary school (or high school) in Canada. If they don’t correspond with each other, then you will not be rewarded with points, nor will you be eligible for FSWP (Federal Skilled Worker Program).

Work Experience

To apply through Express Entry, you must have a minimum experience of 12 months in the last three years (before you choose to apply).

Language Proficiency

Proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages (English or French) is a must. Please note that your language ability is evaluated through the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). It is deduced by the test score you obtain in IELTS (short for International English Language Testing System) or CELPIP (short for Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program).

Adaptability

You can maximum points in this section by listing your spouse or common-law partner.

Arranged Employment

You get points for having a valid job offer from eligible employers under FSWP.

If you are applying for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) category of the Express Entry program, you ought to score a minimum of 67 points based on the above diverse parameters.

 See Canada Express Entry Step by Step Process

List of Documents Required for Canada Express Entry Visa

The following is the documents you need when applying for a Canada Express Entry Visa:

• A valid passport or travel document
• Education Credential Assessment (ECA). This is when you are submitting the application through the Federal Skilled Workers Program (FWSP) OR you are looking to obtain points for education obtained in a foreign country
• Language test results (either English or French test scores)
• Nomination from a province in case you have one
• Written employment offer from an employer in Canada if you have one
• Police certificates to prove you are not involved in any kind of criminal activity
• You have to upload copies of the above-mentioned documents if you are offered an ITA (Invitation to Apply) for Canada PR Visa. Also, most of the applicants will have to upload a police certificate, proof of funds, etc.
• Medical examination
• You must have sufficient funds to settle and reside in Canada
• Your qualifications must be equal to Canadian standards

Canada Express Entry Benefits

Express Entry plays a very significant role when it comes to immigrating to Canada. It is the most convenient and popular system, which makes immigration an easier affair. It is through this program you can obtain a Permanent Resident (PR) visa within 6 months or less.

Here are some of the greatest benefits of Canada Express Entry you may not be aware of:

Faster Application Processing

The Express Entry Program can get you a Canadian visa within a short time. The time period starts right when you submit the application and you can proceed with further steps. Earlier the application was based on paper and people had a hard time getting their applications processed.

Reduction in CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) Score

Canada is planning to welcome a large number of immigrants to the country. Therefore, the IRCC may think about reducing the minimum CRS score, which is required to be selected in the Express Entry draws. You will be glad to know that there may be further reduction in the required score in the coming years. That’s because Canada is looking to bring thousands of skilled workers to the country.

Electronic System

Under Express Entry, the whole application processing is done through an electronic system. It signifies that there is no possibility of discrimination. The CRS scores are updated automatically and candidates are selected stringently on the basis of their CRS scores.

The Federal System of Immigration

The Express Entry Program is a federal system of immigration. Those applicants who receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) can apply for Canadian permanent residency under the program. You can settle anywhere in Canada after you get an Express Entry visa. Furthermore, having proficiency in French is not a compulsion to apply for PR through the Express Entry Program.

Express Entry: What are the Benefits for Employers?

The Express Entry Program assists Canadian employers in responding to the labor shortage. This is when they are not in a position to fill the vacancies with Canadian citizens or permanent residents. Under this program, the employers play a direct role in employing skilled and talented workers. The employers can then match with the existing profiles to offer employment to the Express Entry applicants.

Points Required for the Canada Express Entry Visa

To be eligible for Canadian immigration under Express Entry, you must obtain a total of 67 points out of 100. Canada Express Entry eligibility points calculator is based on the given criteria:

• Age – Maximum 12 Points
• Education – Maximum 25 Points
• Work Experience – Maximum 15 Points
• Language Proficiency – Maximum 28 Points
• Adaptability – Maximum 10 Points
• Arranged Employment – Maximum 10 Points

Funds Required for the Express Entry Program

Canada has increased the proof of funds required for the Express Entry Program candidates. The needed Canadian settlement funds have increased to the below-mentioned amounts:

Number of Family Members	Funds Required (in CAD)
1	$13,305
2	$16,577
3	$20,365
4	$24,739
5	$28,047
For each additional family member, add	$3,591

It is important for all Express Entry applicants with active profiles to meet the new proof of funds requirements. The proof of fund requirement is used to ascertain if an Express Entry applicant is backed by enough capital to settle in Canada.

Express Entry Draws – 2023

 

Invitation Round	Date of Draw	Number of Invitations	Lowest CRS Score
Draw 237	Jan 11	5500	507
Draw 238	Jan 18	5500	490
Draw 239	Feb 1	893	733
Draw 240	Feb 2	3300	489
Draw 241	Feb 15	699	791
Draw 242	March 1	667	748
Draw 243	March 15	7000	490
Draw 244	March 23	7000	484
Draw 245	March 29	7000	481
Draw 246	April 12	3500	486
Draw 247	April 26	3500	483
Draw 248	May 10	589	691
Draw 249	May 24	4800	488

About Canada Express Entry Draw

In 2015 an online application management system known as ‘Express Entry’ was started Canadian immigration department. This was initiated to assist skilled and experienced professionals in a quicker way. This immigration system has gained immense popularity globally.

The Government of Canada conducts an Express Entry draw and ranks the candidates based on their CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score, inviting them to apply for PR (Permanent Residence).