Express Entry

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) in January 2015 has initiated new electronic system called Express Entry to manage applications for permanent residence under federal economic immigration programs. There are three programs under the Express Entry which are as following:

In January 2015, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) introduced a new electronic system called Express Entry to manage applications for permanent residence under federal economic immigration programs. There are three programs under the Express Entry:

  1. Federal Skilled Worker Program 
  2. Federal Skilled Trades Program
  3. Canadian Experience Class

The new electronic system has quicker processing times, greater accessibility to applicants, and a greater focus on the quality of applications. Unlike the previous system, Express Entry allows individuals based on all occupations to apply and is not limited to certain employment categories.

How it Works

All candidates under Express Entry will be ranked based on a point system. Everything is managed online and the process is initiated by submitting the candidate’s application and profile information. Based on factors including candidate’s application, profile information, work experience, language proficiently, and education, each candidate will be ranked according to their final point score.

The potential candidate will be accepted into the applicant pool once their application is complete. The candidate profile will remain active for one year.  During this time, candidates may be selected to apply for permanent residency.

Once the candidate is selected to apply for the permanent residency and receives an “Invitation to Apply” letter, they must complete and submit the required documentation within 90 days from the date indicated on the letter. Most importantly, the candidate must remain qualified and meet the criteria of the specific program that they applied for under Express Entry.