Express Entry Process
Immigrate to Canada with Express Entry
- Find out if you qualify for Express Entry with our free EE Score Calculator
- Over 7 years of experience working with Express Entry applicants
Talk to our team of immigration experts who will let you know if you qualify for Express Entry
More than 15 years of experience
Our consultants are licensed by CICC in all provinces
Dedicated quality assurance team
Hundreds of successful cases per year
Services available in English, Spanish and French
Specialty in LMIAs, work permits and family sponsorships
Become a Permanent Resident Through Express Entry
Express Entry is a points-based system implemented by the Canadian government to help skilled immigrants settle in Canada permanently. Applicants to the Express Entry system are drawn from a pool of Express Entry profiles. Once a candidate has been selected, they are invited to apply for permanent residence.
Applicants are chosen to receive permanent residence based on their set skillsets, professional backgrounds, education, and language proficiency among other factors.
Check your eligibility with our Express Entry Score Calculator.
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Express Entry Eligibility and CRS Score
The Express Entry program makes use of a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank and filter candidates based on skills, education, language ability, work experience, and a variety of other factors. The maximum obtainable score is 1200 and generally, the minimum score is around 450.
To apply for Express Entry and obtain a sufficient score, a candidate should:
To apply for Express Entry and obtain a sufficient score, a candidate should:
- Be between 18-35 years of age, candidates that are older than 35 will receive less points in the age category.
- Generally have the equivalent of the higher secondary education level in Canada. The higher the education qualification, the more points a candidate will receive.
- Have at least one year of work experience to obtain minimum points. The more work experience, the more points the candidate will receive.
- Obtain at least 6 bands in the IELTS test or the equivalent of CLB 7 to score minimum points. The higher the scores on the tests, the more points.
Additional points can be gained if the candidate has family living in Canada that is willing to help them adapt to Canadian life or if the candidate’s spouse or partner is willing to migrate with them. A further ten points is awarded to candidates with a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
How Does Express Entry Work?
Express Entry is a series of programs that serve to attract foreign skilled immigrants to be a part of Canada’s lifestyle and economy. To be considered for Express Entry, the applicant must first check to see if they meet the required criteria to be considered. Some programs, such as the FSW program have a points-system in place, for which the total points obtained are considered for entry to the program.
Step 1: Collect Points
Express Entry works through a point system. Applicants are awarded points according to different factors: age, level of studies, work experience, nature of work, marital status and language proficiency.
In order to be considered for Express Entry through the FSW program, an applicant must have at least 67 points.
Step 2: Enter the Express Entry Pool
Candidates may submit a profile to enter the Express Entry Pool once they have the minimum points required according to the program through which they are applying. The main Express Entry streams available are the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
All programs work with different point requirements and require applicants to meet different criteria before applying. That is why having guidance and counseling from an immigration consultant can be a helpful asset.
Once a profile has been completed, it may be submitted to enter the Express Entry pool. The candidate will then receive an Express Entry profile number.
Step 3: Wait for the Next Draw
The Canadian government holds a draw approximately every two weeks, typically on a Wednesday, which selects certain applicants who meet a specific CRS cut-off. All applications that are selected during that drawing receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, which is a separate process.
Express Entry Processing Time and Cost
The cost of an Express Entry application will vary depending on the candidate’s situation. Here is a brief breakdown of the potential costs:
- Processing fee - $850
- Right of permanent residence fee - $515
- Including a dependant child - $230
- Biometrics fee - $85
The processing fee will apply to each application. If a candidate wishes to bring a spouse or partner along, they will have to pay the processing fee for the partner as well. The right of permanent residence fee is for applicants who wish to obtain permanent residence later on. The biometrics fee will apply if the government requires the candidate to submit biometric data.
Express Entry: Thorough and Complex
Although the title of this process may seem far from intimidating, Express Entry is quite complex and not just anyone can apply. It’s important for applicants to study their options well to avoid submitting an application that is ineligible.
Immigration Pros can provide the guidance and counseling necessary to ensure an Express Entry profile is submitted with all necessary requirements and that the applicant meets the required criteria before applying, giving applicants a better chance of success and a positive outcome.
It’s called Express Entry, but it’s not a quick process. Patience is key while waiting for the draws to take place. Applicants could wait anywhere from 6 to 12 months before hearing back with an answer.
Our service fees for this process (Express Entry profile and Permanent Residence application):
$1,000 – $3,590
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About LMIA Process
01
Outreach
Call or fill out our contact form for a free assessment. Our team of professionals will evaluate your case and provide you with professional feedback on your chances of success along with a quote.
02
Strategy Creation
Our team of professionals will work with you to create a tailor-made strategy that is likely to result in a successful immigration process.
03
Case Revision
We will review your supporting documents thoroughly and work towards building a strong case.
04
Representation
In order to make this an easy and stress-free process, we will handle all communication with the government on your behalf while we await for a decision, keeping you informed every step of the way.
05
Decision
Once a decision has been made, our team will advise you on the next necessary steps to prepare for your arrival to Canada.
We'll get back to you within a few hours
FAQs
Applicants for the Express Entry program must score at least 67 out of 100 based on language proficiency, work experience, education, and age.
If you do not have a full year of experience, the system will not find you eligible
Generally, proof of settlement funds can be an official letter from any banks or financial institution where you’re keeping money.
To find your Express Entry profile number, log into your account, go to the heading called “View my submitted applications or profiles”, click on “Check status and messages”, scroll down to the table called “Correspondence”, click on the arrow in front of the message – it will open a drop-down menu with a link, click on the link to open the PDF message. You can find the profile number at the top of the PDF letter. It is the number associated with your application.
Beware of ghost immigration consultants. Only Certified Canadian Immigration and Citizenship Consultant members in good standing with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) can offer consultation services for immigration, refugees and Canadian citizenship applications.
