The Express Entry program launched in January 2015 is designed to streamline previous formats, speed up the process and ensure more alignment between industry and immigrant skills.
This is a completely automated, electronic process of selection that is based the fulfillment of certain pre-designated criteria or conditions. It aims to select skilled immigrants for permanent residency, keeping in mind their ability to integrate well into the host country and contribute to its growth and economy.
The earlier process was a more supply-driven one that was based on a first-come-first-served format. In contrast, Express Entry is invitation-based and more demand- driven. It helps to manage the applications from skilled workers for permanent residency in Canada more efficiently and swiftly.
How Does It Work?
The Express Entry program is designed to facilitate the immigration of certain categories of immigrants who can be classified under:
- Federal Skilled Worker
- Federal Skilled Trades
- Canadian Experience
- Selected from Provincial Nominee Programs
It is a step-by-step process which is very clearly explained in the Canadian Government’s immigration website.
- Candidates must check whether they’re eligible for the Express Entry program
- Fulfilling the eligibility conditions has to be backed by the necessary documentation
- Once you have all the supporting documents, you can create an Express Entry profile by filling out the prescribed online form
- If your profile meets the requirements, you are entered into a common pool of other eligible candidates
- Your profile is tagged with a rank under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
- A fortnightly draw takes place
- Candidates with high ranks are sent an Invitation To Apply (ITA)
- You have to respond to the ITA within 90 days
- You will need to pay the necessary fees and give biometrics etc.
- The application will be processed within 6 months
Interpreting the CRS Scores
The Comprehensive Ranking System scores are awarded section wise. Different combinations can give you different scores. Under the CRS system, a candidate has to fulfill a certain number of points to be awarded a rank. These points are based on:
- A. Core Human Capital Factors: These include age, level of education, work experience and language skills
- B. Spouse/Common-Law Partner Factors: If traveling with a spouse/common- law partner, their core human capital factors are also calculated
- C. Skill Transferability Factors: Educational qualifications, foreign work experience, qualifications in trades and skills with certification
- D. Additional Points Factors: Sibling who lives in Canada as a Permanent Resident, French language ability, post-secondary education in Canada, Provincial Nomination and/or offer of employment in Canada from a reputed company in Canada, preferably with LMIA (labor market impact assessment).
Each of these factors is allotted a certain number of maximum achievable points. To qualify for Express Entry, the candidate must have a base score of at least 67 points.
Scores are awarded as follows:
Core Human Capital + Spouse/Partner Factors + Skill Transferability Factors = Maximum achievable is 600 points
Core Human Capital + Spouse/Partner Factors + Skill Transferability Factors + Additional Points Factors = Maximum achievable is 1200 points.
Moving to Canada without a spouse/partner makes the candidate eligible for a few more points as compared to moving with a spouse/partner. However, for those moving with a spouse/partner, the qualifications of the spouse/partner are taken into account and points can be added to the primary applicant’s CRS.
CRS rankings are based on the current pool that the candidate is placed in. Hence it is a comparative score. However, the score is not a locked-in one and you can improve it if you enhance score in the Skill Transferability Factors section. For instance, you can improve your work experience, educational qualifications and language abilities.
It’s also important to remember that cut-off trends can fluctuate and the cut-off points can be changed according to the specific needs felt by Canadian industrial,labor market and government trends.
Although it is technically possible to create your own Express Entry profile and fill in the online application forms, it’s wise to get the right advice and assistance from a well-established and reputed professional immigration consultant to increase your chances of a successful outcome.