If you’re considering immigrating to Canada, you’ve likely heard of the Express Entry program. The Express Entry program is a federal immigration system that facilitates the selection and processing of skilled workers for permanent residency in Canada. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Express Entry program, its benefits, and the application process.

Why Choose Express Entry?

Choosing the right immigration program is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful immigration process to Canada. While there are several immigration programs available, many skilled workers prefer the Express Entry program due to its many benefits.

Fast processing time: 

The Express Entry program is designed to be fast and efficient, with most applications being processed within six months. This means you could be living and working in Canada much sooner than if you were to apply through other immigration programs.

No job offer required:

Unlike other immigration programs, the Express Entry program does not require a job offer from a Canadian employer to be eligible. This means you can apply for permanent residency even before you arrive in Canada.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS):

The CRS is a points-based system that assesses your profile based on several factors such as age, language proficiency, education, and work experience. The CRS score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool, and the highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency.

Flexibility:

The Express Entry program is highly flexible and caters to a wide range of skilled workers, including those in IT, healthcare, engineering, and finance, among others.

Permanent residency:

The Express Entry program is a pathway to permanent residency in Canada, which means you can enjoy all the benefits and privileges of Canadian citizenship, including free healthcare, education, and social services.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Express Entry program, you must meet the following requirements:

Language proficiency:

You must demonstrate proficiency in English or French by taking a language test approved by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Education:

You must have completed a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. However, having a higher level of education can increase your CRS score.

Work experience:

You must have at least one year of skilled work experience in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) level 0, A, or B occupation. This work experience must be within the past ten years.

Age:

You must be under the age of 47 at the time of application.

Adaptability:

You must demonstrate that you are likely to adapt well to living and working in Canada, through factors such as previous work or study experience in Canada, a valid job offer, or family ties in Canada.

Application Process

The application process for the Express Entry program involves the following steps:

Create an Express Entry profile:

You must create an online profile that includes your language test results, education, work experience, and other personal details.

Receive a CRS score:

Your profile will be assessed using the CRS, and you will receive a score out of 1,200. The highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply for permanent residency.

Receive an invitation to apply:

If you are one of the highest-scoring candidates, you will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. You must submit a complete application within 90 days of receiving the invitation.

Medical and security checks:

You and your family members must undergo medical and security checks to ensure that you are admissible to Canada.

Receive permanent residency:

If your application is approved, you will receive permanent residency in Canada.

Cost of Express Entry

The cost of applying for Express Entry can vary depending on several factors, such as language proficiency tests, educational credential assessments, and police certificates. Here’s a breakdown of the costs involved in the Express Entry process:

Language Tests:

All applicants must prove their language proficiency in either English or French by taking a language test approved by IRCC. The cost of the test varies depending on the provider, but it typically ranges between CAD 300 and CAD 400 per test.

Educational Credential Assessment:

Applicants who received their education outside Canada must have their education credentials assessed by a designated organisation to ensure that they meet Canadian standards. The cost of an educational credential assessment varies depending on the provider and the type of assessment required but can range between CAD 200 and CAD 400.

Police Certificates:

All applicants aged 18 and above must provide a police certificate from every country they have lived in for six months or more since the age of 18. The cost of obtaining a police certificate can vary depending on the country of origin and the processing time.

Application Fee:

Once you receive an invitation to apply, you will have to pay an application fee of CAD 1,325 for a single applicant. Additional fees of CAD 325 per accompanying family member must also be paid.

Other Costs:

Other costs associated with the Express Entry process may include medical examinations, biometric fees, and travel expenses for attending interviews or submitting documents.

The Express Entry program is a fantastic option for skilled workers looking to immigrate to Canada. By understanding the costs involved and the benefits of the program, you can make an informed decision about whether Express Entry is the right immigration program for you. As an experienced immigration consultancy firm, we can provide you with expert advice and guidance on the Express Entry process and help you successfully immigrate to Canada.