Express Entry Program

Express Entry Program Banner

How Does Express Entry Work?

  • Express Entry offers express entry to qualified skilled immigrants who want to become Canadian permanent residents, as a way to fill jobs where no Canadian workers are available.
  • Changes the way candidates apply to the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
  • The eligibility criteria for the CECFSWP, and the FSTP have not changed, however, there will no longer be a list of eligible occupations or a list of occupations that are ineligible (as is currently the case with the CEC program). As long as you have experience in a National Occupation Code O, A or B level position, you can apply.
  • The government will choose the immigrants it wants from an electronic pool of applicants. There will be no deadline to complete a profile and there will be no caps on the number of candidates that will be accepted to the pool.

Two-Step Process

Express Entry is a fully electronic system and a two-step process.  Applicants must set up an online profile; they will then be given a score and ranked.

  • Step one will involve candidates making an expression of interest in immigrating to Canada, with candidates who are eligible for one of the federal economic immigration programs entering the Express Entry pool.
  • Step two will involve a portion of those candidates in the pool being issued invitations to apply for Canadian permanent residence.

Language and Education Requirements

  • Language testing is required before going into the Express Entry pool. Candidates will have to demonstrate proficiency in an official language of Canada, either English or French.
  • Candidates eligible to enter the Express Entry pool under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) must get an Educational Credential Assessment of their completed foreign educational credential.

Selection of Applicants

  • There will no longer be quotas for each program. They will draw enough individuals from the pool in order to meet the government target.
  • The government will draw the highest scoring applicants from the pool. These applicants will be given an “Invitation to Apply” for permanent residency; they will have 60 days to do so.
  • To allocate scores, the government will be using a “Comprehensive Ranking System” based on candidates’ human capital, determined by factors such as age, level of education, language ability, work experience, and whether the candidate has received a job offer from a Canadian employer or a provincial nomination. A total of 1200 points can be earned by each candidate.

Visit us during drop-in advising for more information.