Canada Express Entry Program In 2024
Table Of Content
If you are planning to Immigrate to Canada to work or reside, first, you should build a strong understanding of the Canada Express Entry Program. Through this program, every economic-class immigration applicant who wishes to migrate to Canada can apply for a Canada PR Visa.
Canada Express Entry System is based on a point-based system called a Comprehensive Ranking System. In this point-based system, points are allotted to candidates based on their skills, education, work experience, and provincial nomination.
This guide will provide complete information about the most famous Canadian immigration program, including its eligibility criteria, steps to apply, cost, and all other related information. But before proceeding, let us give you an overview of the Express Entry Program.
What Is The Canada Express Entry Program?
The Canada Express Entry System is a point-based Canadian regulatory system introduced by IRCC in 2015. Through this system, the Canadian government can sort the applications of skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada for Permanent Residency.
Candidates with the highest points may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR in Canada.
There are a total of three Canadian immigration programs under Canada’s Express Entry –
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
In 2023, the Canadian government also introduced a new way to immigrate to Canada: Canada Category-Based Selection.
Features Of The Canada Express Entry System
The Express Entry System is one of the fast-paced and unique immigration pathways based on a point-based system, and it has provided a streamlined process for skilled professionals to get permanent residency in Canada.
This immigration system processes the application of the most eligible skilled professionals based on their Canada PR Points, which are allocated based on age, educational qualification, professional qualification, language proficiency, skills, etc.
As an eligible applicant, your chances of receiving the ITA(Invitation to Apply) will be increased if you get higher Canada PR Points.
The following are some well-known features of the Canadian Express Entry Program.
- It is an online program that allows you to apply for a Canada PR Visa from India or anywhere in the world.
- Move to Canada in 6 to 8 months.
- It uses a point system to rank profiles in the pool called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
- A job offer is a significant benefit, but it is not mandatory.
- Can also apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) through the Canada Express Entry Pool.
- Secure Canadian Employment through Job Bank.
Canada Express Entry Program Requirements
Canada Express Entry Program Requirements are:
- Nominated in any of the visa programs
- A score of at least 67 points or more to qualify under the FSW Program
- A language proficiency test
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) positive report
- Good medical health
- Fulfill Funds requirement
- Good character
Specific qualifying criteria vary depending on the program chosen. However, you must score 67 points to create your Express Entry profile.
A candidate can submit their PR application only after receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) from IRCC. The higher your CRS score in the Express Entry pool, the more likely you will receive an ITA.
Specific jobs in healthcare, STEM, trade, agriculture, and agri-food will be focused in 2024 with the implementation of category-based selection.
How To Apply For The Express Entry Program?
Application for a Canada PR Visa through the Express Entry program is a two-step process:
Step 1: Create your Online profile in the Express Entry program
- Skilled immigrants with work experience across 347 occupations (including Engineering, Health Occupations, Information Technology and sciences, Skilled Trades, etc.) and meet the minimum eligibility criteria may submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) profile in the pool.
- You must score at least 67 points out of 100 in the FSWP points assessment grid to apply under the Canadian Express Entry program.
- Once the profile is created and submitted in the express entry pool, they are ranked using the CRS.
- Candidates with a provincial nomination or without a job offer can submit their employment profile to Canada Job Bank to look for a job in Canada.
Step 2: Receive your ITA to apply for a Canada PR Visa
- Higher-ranked profiles in the express entry pool are issued an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through regularly held express entry Canada draws. After getting an ITA, you have 60 days to submit your complete application for a Canada PR Visa to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- Immigrants with a degree, skilled work experience, and moderate proficiency in either English or French are ideal candidates for the Express Entry program.
Candidates who are eligible under the following program can apply for Canada PR Visa through the Express Entry program:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Easy Steps To Apply For Canada PR Through Express Entry Program
Step 1: Get ECA
You must get your education credentials assessed by an authorized Canadian assessing body to prove equivalency to Canadian education.
Step 2: Complete your IELTS examination
Must attain the minimum 6 points per band in each module of Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening in the IELTS examination
Step 3: Create an Express Entry profile
After you have met the minimum requirements for the PR Visa, you can create an online profile in the express entry program. This profile will include all the essential details, such as age, work experience, language skills, etc.
Step 4: Get an ITA
If you can clear the latest CRS Score cut-off, you shall get an ITA that will enable you to submit your application for Canada PR Visa to the IRCC within 60 days.
Step 5: Medical and PCC
Along with your application for a Canada PR Visa, you must submit a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) and undergo a medical examination, which is a mandatory requirement.
Step 6: Application reviewed by IRCC
After successfully submitting your application, IRCC will assess it for a Canada PR Visa. Reviewing your PR visa application can take 4 to 8 months.
Step 7: Get your CoPR
You will get your Confirmation of Permanent Residency (CoPR) after the successful assessment of your application.
What Is Canada In-Demand Skilled Occupation List?
Besides Canada’s CRS Score, the Canadian In-demand Skilled Occupation list can influence your Canadian PR Application. The Canadian Immigration Authority, IRCC(Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada), identifies this list according to labour market demand.
It classifies them as NOC(National Occupation Classification), and these occupations are divided into groups according to the job duties and work done by the job holders.
Earlier, the applicants were required to possess employment experience in occupations classified as NOC skill type 0, A, or B, referring to the 2016 NOC system. The 2021 NOC system will significantly alter skill types, including the Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) categories.
TEER 0
It includes Management Occupations.
TEER 1
- It requires completing a university degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, or Doctorate) or,
- Considerable years of experience in a particular occupation from the TEER 2 category(if applicable)
TEER 2
- It requires two to three years of post-secondary education from a community college, technology institution, or others.
- Completion of two to five-year apprenticeship program.
- Occupations with supervisory or significant safety responsibilities.
- Several years of experience from TEER category 3.
TEER 3
- Completion of fewer than two years of post-secondary education program.
- Apprenticeship training of less than two years.
- Over six months of on-the-job training or specific work experience.
- Several years of specific occupation experience from TEER category 4.
TEER 4
- Completion of secondary school
- Several weeks of secondary school education with on-the-job training
- Considerable years of experience in a particular occupation from TEER category 5(if applicable)
TEER 5
- Short work demonstration without formal educational requirements.
- Here is how the six additional TEER categories of the new 2021 NOC system correspond with the skill kinds categories of the 2016 NOC system, increasing from the present four skill levels.
How The Canada Express Entry Points Calculator Works?
The CRS Score Calculator calculates points for qualifying for immigration to Canada based on language skills, work experience, educational qualifications, and age. IRCC conducts draws for maximum CRS scores and offers an ITA for further processing.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) For Express Entry Canada
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a point-based system that distributes points to candidates after considering numerous parameters outlined below.
A total of 1200 points were given. You must keep in mind-
- Core or Human Capital factor + Spouse or common-law partner factors = Maximum 500 points
- Core or Human Capital factor + Spouse or common-law partner factors + Transferability factors = Maximum 600 points
- Core or Human Capital factor + Spouse or common-law partner factors + Transferability factors + Additional factors = Maximum 1200 poin
Human Capital/Core Factors
Factors | Points with Common-Law Partner or Spouse | Points without Common-Law Partner or Spouse |
Level of Education | 140 | 150 |
Canadian Work Experience | 70 | 80 |
Age | 100 | 150 |
Official Language Proficiency | 150 | 160 |
Levels Of Education
Educational Levels | Points with Common-Law Partner or Spouse | Points without Common-Law Partner or Spouse |
Below High-School | 0 | 0 |
Secondary School | 28 (+2 given to spouse) | 30 |
One-Year Post-Secondary Course | 84 (+6 given to spouse) | 90 |
Two years of post-secondary course | 91 (+7 given to spouse) | 98 |
Three or More Years of Post-Secondary Course | 112 (+8 given to spouse) | 120 |
Two or More Post-Secondary Courses (at least one is finished after three or more years of post-secondary courses) | 119 (+9 given to spouse) | 128 |
Master’s Program | 126 (+10 given to spouse) | 135 |
Ph.D. Program | 140 (+10 given to spouse) | 150 |
Canadian Work Experience
Time | Points with Common-Law Partner or Spouse | Points without Common-Law Partner or Spouse |
Below One Year | 0 | 0 |
One Year | 35 (+5 given to spouse) | 40 |
Two Years | 46 (+7 given to spouse) | 53 |
Three Years | 56 (+8 given to spouse) | 64 |
Four Years | 63 (+9 given to spouse) | 72 |
Five or more years | 70 (+10 given to spouse) | 80 |
Age Factor
Age (Years) | Points with Common-Law Partner or Spouse | Points without Common-Law Partner or Spouse |
Below 18 | 0 | 0 |
18 | 90 | 99 |
19 | 95 | 105 |
20-29 | 100 | 110 |
30 | 95 | 105 |
31 | 90 | 99 |
32 | 85 | 94 |
33 | 80 | 88 |
34 | 75 | 83 |
35 | 70 | 77 |
36 | 65 | 72 |
37 | 60 | 66 |
38 | 55 | 61 |
39 | 50 | 55 |
40 | 45 | 50 |
41 | 35 | 39 |
42 | 25 | 28 |
43 | 15 | 17 |
44 | 5 | 6 |
45 or Above | 0 | 0 |
Official Language Proficiency
Canada has two official languages: English and French. They are both in English and French. The Canadian Language Benchmark Levels (CLBs) can be used to gain points.
A score is provided to the language based on many factors. The categories are as follows:
- Listening
- Writing
- Reading
- Speaking
First Language (French or English)
You can earn up to 34 points in each area without a partner. Candidates with a spouse can receive up to 37 points in each area.
Canadian Language Benchmark Levels (CLB) | Points with Common-Law Partner or Spouse | Points without Common-Law Partner or Spouse |
Three or less | 0 | 0 |
4 | 6 (+0 given to spouse) | 6 |
5 | 6 (+1 given to spouse) | 6 |
6 | 8 (+1 given to spouse) | 9 |
7 | 16 (+3 given to spouse) | 17 |
8 | 22 (+3 given to spouse) | 23 |
9 | 29 (+5 given to spouse) | 31 |
Ten or More | 32 (+5 given to spouse) | 34 |
Second Language (French or English)
Without a spouse, you may earn a total of 24 points. Candidates who have a spouse can receive a total of 22 points for each category.
The maximum score for each category is 6.
Canadian Language Benchmark Levels (CLB) | Points with Common-Law Partner or Spouse | Points without Common-Law Partner or Spouse |
Four or less | 0 | 0 |
5 or 6 | 1 | 1 |
7 or 8 | 3 | 3 |
Nine or More | 6 | 6 |
Common-Law Partner Or Spouse Factors
Factors | Points |
Educational Level | 10 |
Canadian Work Experience | 10 |
Official Language Proficiency | 20 |
Skill Transferability Factors
Factors | Points | Total Points Per Factor | |
Non-Canadian Work Experience | CLB 7 or more and Non-Canadian work experience | 50 | 50 (maximum) |
Non-Canadian work experience and Canadian work experience | 50 | ||
Educational Level | Vital language skills and post-secondary degree | 50 | 50 (maximum) |
Canadian work experience and post-secondary degree | 50 | ||
Certificate of Qualification | Vital language skills and Certificate of qualification | 50 | 50 (maximum) |
Additional Factors
Factors | Points |
Sibling in Canada | 15 |
CLB 7 or More (for French) and CLB 4 or Less (for English) | 15 |
Finished One Year or Two Educational Courses in Canada | 15 |
CLB 7 or More (for French) and CLB 5 or More (for English) | 30 |
Finished Master’s Degree or Doctorate or Entry to Practice Professional Degree in Canada | 30 |
Job Offer from NOC A, 0, or B | 50 |
Job Offer from NOC Group 00 (Senior Management Position) | 200 |
Provincial Nomination (by Provincial Nominee Program) | 600 |
How Can You Improve Your CRS Score To Get An ITA(Invitation to Apply)?
You should not lose hope if you get fewer CRS points in the Canada Express Entry System because there are various steps to improve or enhance your CRS score in the Canada CRS Score Calculator. Some of those steps are given below.
Improve Language Proficiency
Demonstrating language proficiency is one of the critical requirements for this immigration program. You can take the IELTS test or any other accepted language proficiency test.
However, if you have scored fewer band scores, you should consider retaking the language proficiency test and obtaining expert guidance from Province Immigration, as it will boost your CRS Score.
Take The French Language Test
Taking a French language test can significantly improve your CRS ranking by 32 points in the Express Entry pool.
Enhance Educational Qualification
If you have only done a bachelor’s degree and get fewer points in the express entry points calculator, you should consider pursuing a post-graduation, diploma(1-year duration), or master’s degree(2 years duration).
A Master’s degree increases the express entry pool by 40 points, while a one-year Postgraduate Diploma can improve by 30 points and a PhD by 15.
Spousal Factors
Candidates applying for the express entry program who are not single can include their spouse or common-law partner while creating their express entry profile. Meanwhile, single candidates can claim upto 1200 points under the CRS points calculator.
However, candidates with their spouse or common-law partner can claim 40 points for their spouse’s skills. Moreover, if your spouse’s or common-law partner’s credentials are more robust than yours, it is ideal for the candidate to designate their spouse as the significant candidate and receive additional points.
Get A Job Offer
If your CRS Score is low, you should get an LMIA-approved job offer from a Canadian employer. It will add considerable points to your overall score. In the express entry program, you can earn 50 or 200 points based on your TEER Category 0, 1, 2, and 3.
Documents Required For The Express Entry Canada PR Visa
Documents requirement for the Express Entry Canada PR Visa has two stages of the process:
- Profile Submission
- Application Submission
For profile submission, you’d need the following:
- Passport
- ECA Report
- Results of the language test
- Employment offer (if received)
- Provincial nomination (if accepted)
For application submission, you need:
- Proof of funds
- Police clearance certificate
- Medical examination report
Proof Of Funds Requirement For The Canada Express Entry Process
The proof of funds required by the family is given below.
No. of family members | Requirements for funds (in Canadian dollars), effective from May 28, 2024 | Old fund requirements (in Canadian dollars) (effect until May 27, 2024) |
1 | $14,690 | $ 13,757 |
2 | $18,288 | $ 17,127 |
3 | $22,483 | $ 21,055 |
4 | $27,297 | $ 25,564 |
5 | $30,690 | $ 28,994 |
6 | $34,917 | $ 32,700 |
7 | $38,875 | $ 36,407 |
If there are more than seven individuals, for every extra family member | $3,958 | $ 3,706 |
What Are The Express Entry Fees?
The following information explains the express entry fees.
- Language Proficiency Test – $300
- ECA(Educational Credential Assessment ) – $260
- Biometrics – $85/person
- Government fees – $1,525/adult & $260/child
- Medical examination fees – $250/adult & $100/child
- Police Clearance Certificates(PCC) – $100
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of Canada Express Entry?
Candidates with the top scores in the pool receive invites to apply. You will have 60 days from the date of our invitation to submit your application. Most comprehensive applications with the necessary supporting documentation will be processed in no more than six months.
What are Canada Express Entry minimum point requirements?
Candidates must score at least 67 points out of 100 to become eligible candidates for the express entry. However, the higher your points, the higher your chances of receiving the Canadian federal authorities’ ITA(Invitation to Apply).
What is the minimum IELTS Score required for Canada Express Entry?
To apply for Canadian permanent residency through the express entry process, you should meet and fulfill the minimum language competence requirements of 6.0 for each IELTS category. In Canada, the CLB(Canadian Language Benchmark) is used to rate a person’s proficiency in English.
How long is an Express Entry profile valid?
Your Express Entry profile is valid for one year and will automatically expire if you are not invited to apply. This date is visible in your account. Your profile will be deleted from the system after it expires, and you’ll receive a message in your account.
When I obtain permanent residence in Canada, may I live in India?
Yes, you can enter Canada once you have a permanent residency visa. You must, however, be in Canada for 730 days out of every five years to maintain your Canada PR status.
How Can Province Immigration Help You?
We at Province Immigration have helped thousands of aspiring candidates who dream of immigrating to Canada and their family members through the Canadian Express Entry Program. Our qualified team of experts is experienced in guiding you in accurately assessing your case and providing you with the best course of action for your unique situation.
Province Immigration has been in the industry for the past ten years and has built considerable goodwill in the market. We are also known for being the Best Canada Immigration Consultants in Delhi.
To provide you with 100% Success, Experience, Expertise, and Excellence, we operate with 100% Transparency. Because of this, we are the most outstanding immigration consultants in Delhi for all of India. Here are a few things that set us apart as the top immigration consultants:
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