Canada Express Entry Program
To reside and build a successful career in Canada, it is important to become familiar with the Canada Express Entry Program. This program allows economic class immigrants to apply for Permanent Residency (PR) visas through the Express Entry System.
Launched in January 2015, the Express Entry Program is an online management system used by the Government of Canada to process PR visa applications for economic category immigrants. It plays a crucial role in managing the inflow of immigrants to Canada by applying various scoring parameters.
Features of the Express Entry Program
The Canada Express Entry Program is a unique and fast-track immigration program based on a points system. It allows skilled workers to obtain Permanent Residency in Canada. The program evaluates applicants based on factors such as experience, language proficiency, and skills, and assigns Express Entry Points accordingly.
The higher your score, the higher your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a Canada PR Visa. Generally, applications through this program are processed within 6 to 12 months.
The key features of the Express Entry Program include:
- It is an online program that accepts applications throughout the year with no cap on the number of applicants.
- It is applicable only for Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades, and Federal Skilled Worker Programs.
- Applicants are required to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and choose a job category specified in 0, A, and B Skill Levels.
- Applications are evaluated based on points, and successful candidates are admitted to the applicant pool.
- Employers and Provinces in Canada can access this pool to identify talented individuals who meet their requirements.
- Candidates in the pool with the highest points are offered an Invitation to Apply for a PR Visa.
- The number of ITAs offered is determined by the yearly immigration level.
How does the Express Entry work?
The application process for a Canada PR Visa through the Express Entry Program involves the following steps:
Step 1: Complete your Profile: Fill out the digital Express Entry form, providing important documents related to education, experience, and other personal information.
Step 2: Express Entry Pool: Once your application is accepted into the pool, you will be given a Job Seeker Validation Code and Express Entry Profile Number. You can use these to create a resume in the Canada Job Bank.
Step 3: Invitation to Apply: If you meet the Express Entry Points requirement during a Canada Immigration Draw, you may be selected by the Citizenship and Immigration Canada to receive an Invitation to Apply.
How to apply for a Canada PR Visa Online?
The final step in the application process is to submit the required documents to obtain the status of Permanent Resident in Canada. Shortlisted candidates have 60 days to submit their complete application and documents. Failure to comply may result in the cancellation of the ITA.
The Express Entry Program accepts applications for the following visa categories:
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Canadian Experience Class Program