Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is Canada’s federal immigration department. It uses the Express Entry system to manage permanent residence applications through Canada’s three main economic-class programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Once you enter the Express Entry pool, you will be given a score according to the CRS. This score is based on many parameters such as your age, work experience, education and your language ability.
If you get an invitation to apply, you will still have to submit your application and IRCC will then make a final decision.
If you are successful, you will get a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). If you need one, you will also get a visa sticker on your passport. The final step would be to move to Canada and receive your Permanent Residence (PR) card.
How does it work?
There are two steps that are involved in the Express Entry process:
Step 1) Potential candidates complete an online Express Entry profile and complete an online Express Entry profile where they will provide information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other details. Those who meet the criteria of one of the federal economic immigration categories subject to Express Entry (CEC, FSWC or FSTC) will be placed in a pool of candidates. Candidates in the pool are ranked through a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The highest-ranking candidates are regularly selected from the pool invited to apply for permanent resident status, completing an online Express Entry profile itself does not guarantee that a candidate will receive an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence. However, candidates will have 12 months (26 draws) in the pool to be potentially selected.
Step 2) Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada will invite certain candidates to apply for Permanent Residence and process their electronic applications within six months. Candidates will receive an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence if they rank among the top in the pool. Candidates are awarded points for having a valid job offer and/or a nomination from a province or territory and/or for meeting certain skills and experience factors. Additional points are awarded to those who have completed post-secondary studies in Canada, can navigate English with proficiency (bonus if you have French proficiency), have a valid job offer or if they have received a nomination from a province or territory.
