Canada express entry system has been a source of hope for many people who are looking forward to moving into the country. It is an immigration system where all applicants are screen based on their points collected as result of giving points to their qualifications. Othe Canada immigration programs include: the Quebec skilled worker, Temporary foreign worker visa, etc. The immigration system is fair and every applicants is strictly awarded according to their level of knowledge, experience and qualifications.
What’s Canada Express Entry system?
Canada express entry system is an application process for talented workers who are looking forward to working in Canada permanently while they are also working, contributing positively to the economy of the country. The immigration system has three main programs which will be listed later in this article. All the three programs are based on the experience of working in Canada, talents and skills of the worker. The immigration system promises every of its applicants a permanent resident card after s successful application.
Types of Canada Express Entry System
The Canada express entry has three programs, which include:
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): This type of immigration program is for individuals who are into trading and willing to start their business in Canada. Federal skilled trades program has its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria which include: language proficiency in English or French, a minimum of education level equal to a high school diploma, etc.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): is a type of immigration program for individuals who are exceptionally skillful, experienced and knowledgeable. This particular immigration programs are for the ones with special skills like computer programming, IT skills, etc. And applicants under this category must have at least a year of working experience in the country.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): A CEC is for the skilled persons and has already been living in the country for years i.e years of working experience in the country. Most applicants of this category have at least 5 years of experience in their field.
How to apply for Canada Express Entry
Below are the steps you should follow when you are applying for any of the Canada express entry programs:
Step 1: Check for your Eligibility
It’s important you check for your eligibility criteria and requirements before nurturing your thoughts of going to Canada via the Canada express entry system. The types of Canada express entry programs has each specific requirements different from the general requirements for the visa application program in Canada which include:
- Language Proficiency in English or French language: You must be abele to speak the language fluently to communicate well with everyone in the country. You must have an overall band score of 5.0 (speaking), listening (5.0+), reading (3.5+), and writing (4.0+).
- Criminal Record: You must also be able to prove that you have zero criminal record in your local country and you must also have a zero judicial issues. You may need to bring a police clearance certificate for proving your innocence.
- Medical exam results:You must also be healthy to migrate into Canada. You must have no medical ailments that will make you a threat to the whole community.
- Minimum of school diploma or bachelor degree: It is recommended that you have any post secondary leaving certificate. It maybe a high school diploma, bachelor’s or master degree, etc.
The applicants of Canada experience class of the express entry system will be reviewed based on the basic requirements of a long working experience in Canada.While the federal skilled trader program will require a particular sum of money to ensure you can create your business conveniently in Canada and the federal skilled worker program is reviewed based on the extraordinary skills and abilities possessed by the applicants.
Step 2: Gathering your Documents
These are some specific documents which are required for visa programs and other express entry programs: :
- Birth certificate
- Proof of bank balance
- Valid ID passport
- Language proficiency’s test
- Employment records and reference letter
- Documentation of educational backgrounds
- Police clearance report
- Medical exam results
Step 3: Creating your Canada express entry account
You will also need to create your Canada express entry account to process your application online.
Visit here to create the account.
Step 3: Increasing your Ranking Points
The comprehensive ranking system for the express entry system awards mark to applicants based on their experience, academics qualifications, etc. And to increase your chance of getting selected, you must increase your ranking points. All applicants of the Canada express entry system are always assigned to a particular comprehensive ranking system score. Things that could increase your ranking points, include:
- Job offers from a valid Canada citizen: A Canada employer must have given you a job to solidify your position in the ranking system.
- Working Experience in Canada: You must have a long years of working experience in Canada especially for the Canada experience class.
- Language proficiency test results: Language proficiency test will also award you a lot of points. It’s usually up to 50 points for just the language proficiency results and more of the reason why you have to take this part serious.
- Age: You also have to be 18 years and above to apply for any of the Canada express entry programs.
- Level of education: Your level of education will also increase or decrease your chances of success in the ranking system.
- Skills: Special skills are important to rise up the ranking system and you have to be a top professional to win every chances.
A signs of decrease or increase in any of the above criteria will increase your chance of getting selected. Examples include: older age, less formal education, little or no working years of experience, low language proficiency test, etc. these factors are very much likely to decrease your chance of success in the draw.
Step 4: Grab your ITA (Invitation To Apply)
You should know that only candidates with the highest points in the express entry system is likely to receive an invitation to apply (ITA). When an ITA is sent to you, this means that you should proceed with your application for a permanent residency. Most of the time when ITA(s) are sent out to quite a large number of applicants, it means the target of the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada) is achieved.
Step 6: Apply for Permanent Residence
After the notification of ITA, you will be expected to submit a full online application for permanent residency within 60 days. During submission, check for all errors, misspelling of names and submit all the copies of documents required.
How to Get a Job in Toronto, Canada in 2025
Top Tips That could boost your Express Entry Rank
The following are the top basic tips that could increase your chances of getting a high score in the ranking system, these include:
- Submitting all your education/academic certificates which includes the current, past academic certificate you’re looking forward to earning.
- It is better to take the Language proficiency test for English or French especially if you can not speak both languages fluently.
- The years of experience of working or living in Canada is important especially for Canada Experience Class(CEC). It is recommended that you obtain a temporary visa before going for a permanent residence.
- You can always go for the provincial job offer as it will boost your score as well.
- If you’re booking the visa for your spouse, it is highly recommended that they take the English/French proficiency test to increase their chances of success.
The Canada express entry system is an innovation of the Canada immigration board i.e the IRCC aimed at giving equal opportunity, right and fair entry to permanent residency applications for everyone around the world. The main reason why most people win the draw is the human factors. For you to have a greater chance of getting selected, you will need to add to your qualifications, skills, experience, capital fund for business owners and higher certificate like master degree or PhD degree for federal skilled worker. The Canada express entry system is an opportunity for everyone around the world to become a permanent resident in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the minimum requirements for each of the Canada express entry category?
The minimum requirements for the categories include;
Canada experience class:
- Skilled Workers with the experience of living or staying in Canada
- Working experience of not less than 3 years. A 5 years experience is better though.
Federal Skilled Worker Program:
- A minimum of school diploma or bachelor degree
- Skilled worker with a working experience in Canada.
- Professional qualification in area of field.
Federal Skilled Trades Program:
- Proof of bank balance
- Certificate of ownership of business or management of business in Canada
2. Is the Canada Express Entry system only for those working or living in Canada?
No, it is open for everyone around the world as long as you meet up with all the requirements. And also for everyone who have experience of working or living in Canada for more than 3 years may have a higher chance of success than other people.
3. Which of the Canada express entry system categories will be good for me if I am living or working in Canada?
The best category for you is the Canada experience class because you will have an upper hand in the category than every other applicants since you would have more than 3 years of experience of working or living in Canada.