Express Entry (EE)
In Canada, "EE" stands for "Express Entry," which is an online immigration application system used to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers.
The Express Entry system handles applications for three main immigration programs.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Applicants need to have a certain amount of local work experience in Canada, meet minimum requirements for job type and duration, language proficiency, and education level. Note that self-employment and work experience gained while studying full-time are not counted.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW): Applicants must have a certain amount of overseas work experience and meet minimum requirements for job type and duration, language proficiency, and education level. They are then scored based on factors such as age and arranged employment in Canada.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST): Applicants need to have a certain level of skilled trades work experience overseas, relevant Canadian certification for the trade, and meet language proficiency requirements.
If you meet the criteria for any of the above programs, you can also apply for a provincial nomination through Express Entry. Once nominated, you will receive additional points, allowing you to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence more quickly.
Application Requirements
Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
Work Experience: A minimum of one year of skilled work experience in Canada, gained within the last three years before applying.
Job Type and Duration: Must be in an eligible occupation (National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type 0, A, or B).
Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level in English or French.
Education Level: While there is no formal education requirement, education can improve your CRS score.
Exclusions: Self-employment and work experience gained while studying full-time are not counted.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW):
Work Experience: At least one year of continuous full-time or equivalent part-time work experience in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years.
Job Type and Duration: Must be in an eligible occupation (NOC skill type 0, A, or B).
Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum CLB level in English or French.
Education Level: A completed foreign credential and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report to show it is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
Additional Factors: Applicants are scored on factors including age, arranged employment, adaptability, etc.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST):
Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years.
Certification: A valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year or a certificate of qualification in that skilled trade issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial, or federal authority.
Language Proficiency: Meet the minimum CLB level in English or French.
Additional Requirements: Must meet the job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in the NOC.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used by Canada's Express Entry program to evaluate and rank candidates applying for permanent residence. The CRS score is crucial as it determines a candidate's rank in the Express Entry pool, and those with higher scores are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
CRS Points Breakdown:
Total Score: 1200 points
Core Score: 600 points + Additional Score: 600 points
Core Score:
The main scoring criteria include age, education, language ability, and work experience.
Additional Score:
Additional points are awarded for Canadian education, a valid job offer in Canada, provincial nomination, having a sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and strong French language skills.
FSW Six Selection Factors
For the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program, in addition to meeting the basic requirements to enter the pool, applicants must be evaluated based on the following six selection factors:
Age
Education
Work Experience
Valid Job Offer
Language Ability
Adaptability
The total score is derived from the applicant's performance in these six factors, with a maximum score of 100 points. The current passing score is 67 points.
These six selection factors are only used to assess whether an applicant is eligible for the FSW program. Once in the pool, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is used to score and rank candidates.
Provincial Nomination
Applicants who receive a provincial nomination will receive an additional 600 points in the Comprehensive Ranking System. This is usually sufficient to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next round of invitations
LMIA Additional Points
As the Express Entry (EE) draw scores continue to rise, applicants will likely need to obtain additional points through a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) to quickly receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) after entering the EE pool.
Express Entry Process
Determine Eligibility:
Check if you meet the requirements for one of the programs managed by EE (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC) (Canada.ca) .
Create an Online Profile:
Submit an online profile with information about your age, education, work experience, language skills, and other details. This profile is used to calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score (CanadianVisa.org).
Enter the Pool:
If you are eligible, you will be placed in the EE pool with other candidates and ranked based on your CRS score (Canada.ca).
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
Regular draws are held to invite the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence. A provincial nomination or a valid job offer with a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can significantly increase your CRS score (CanadianVisa.org).
Submit an Application:
If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence, including all supporting documents (Canada.ca).
Application Processing:
Most applications are processed within six months if they are complete and accurate. You may be asked to provide biometrics or additional information during this time (Canada.ca).
Receive Confirmation:
If your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can make arrangements to move to Canada (Canada.ca)
Make Canada your home
Advantages of the Express Entry Program
Wide Range of Job Opportunities: Applicants have access to numerous positions across various industries.
No Employer Sponsorship Required: Candidates do not need a job offer to apply, simplifying the application process.
Fast Processing Time: Applications are processed quickly, often within six months.
Low Stringent Requirements: The program has minimal eligibility criteria, making it accessible to many applicants.
Ample Quotas: The program offers a sufficient number of spots, reducing competition.
Mature Program: The system is well-established and reliable, ensuring a smooth application process.
Frequent Draws: Regular selection rounds increase the chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Suitable Group
International Students in Canada: Ideal for graduates who wish to remain in Canada.
Individuals with Canadian or Foreign Work Experience: Those with professional experience either in Canada or abroad.
Applicants Meeting "Category-based selection" Criteria: Candidates who qualify for specific targeted invitations under Express Entry.
EE Category-based selection：
French-language proficiency
Healthcare occupations
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
Trade occupations
Transport occupations
Agriculture and agri-food occupations
