What are the Eligibility Requirements for Express Entry
In Canada, the Express Entry immigration program has become, one of, if not the most popular immigration program for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency in Canada. Many foreign nationals are curious as to whether they are eligible to apply under this category and what exactly is required of them if they were to apply. Immigration applications can be overwhelming for individuals who are not familiar with applying; therefore, it is best to recognize and understand the eligibility requirements prior to applying. The Express Entry immigration system process has two steps that a foreign national must take in order to successfully complete the application process. Therefore, in this article, I will explain the eligibility requirements for Express Entry as well other important information one should know before applying under this economic immigration program.
Express Entry
The Express Entry immigration system was initiated and created by Immigration Canada to assist with managing applications for permanent residency in Canada under specific federal economic immigration programs. Furthermore, the program is intended to help foreign nationals to immigrate to Canada based on specific criteria that would, thus, be beneficial and helpful for the Canadian labour market and the economy. Thankfully, the Express Entry immigration system has been a substantial upgrade compared to the traditional Canadian immigration process from the past. As a result, it essentially assists with the processing times for applications.
Foreign nationals that come from a variety of different fields, educational backgrounds, work experience, can now access the Express Entry immigration program, specifically based on their valid work experience, language ability, transferable skills, education, and many other factors. The other factors should help the Canadian government adequately examine the individual for permanent residency in Canada. Therefore, as long as the foreign national is eligible, they can apply under the Express Entry immigration system.
The Canadian government indefinitely indicates that the Express Entry system should not and does not take away employment from available Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada. On the contrary, the Express Entry immigration system is meant to compliment the Canadian workforce with skilled foreign workers. The program essentially allows these foreign skilled workers to have the chance to benefit the Canadian economy and labour market.
Eligibility Requirements for Express Entry
Before applying under the Express Entry immigration system, it is important to adequately qualify under one of the following three federal economic immigration programs:
- The Federal Skilled Worker Program
- The Federal Skilled Trades Program
- The Canadian Experience Class, AND
- A Portion of the Provincial Nominee Program
As previously mentioned, you must qualify under one of the three federal economic immigration programs; however, there is a portion within the Provincial Nominee Program that you may be able to apply for under the Express Entry immigration system. In order to apply under the Provincial Nominee Program, you must first be nominated by a specific province or territory within Canada. The intention of the program is to aid Canada meet its labour market needs based on the specific province or territory.
Once you have determined that you are eligible and become a candidate in the Express Entry immigration system, you will then be placed in a pool with other eligible candidates under the aforementioned programs. Within the pool, you will be ranked and compared to other eligible candidates based on your qualifications and other factors. It is important to note that if you are determined to be one of the highest ranked candidates in the pool, you will be then chosen by Immigration to apply for permanent residency in Canada. They will often send an “Invitation to Apply” to you through your online profile.
The process of ranking candidates against each other is assisted by using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and what your specific CRS score is. Therefore, once you determine your CRS score, this score will be used to compare with other eligible candidates. The scores are based on age, education, work experience, language ability, whether or not you have a Canadian spouse, whether or not you have arranged employment in Canada, as well as how you, as a candidate, can directly benefit the Canadian labour market and the Canadian economy respectively.
Comprehensive Ranking System
In order to understand how the Comprehensive Ranking System works and to determine how you will score your CRS points, it is important to know what factors the CRS will utilize. For instance, the CRS will provide you with your CRS score based on the answers you provide on your profile for the following factors:
- Skills
- Work Experience
- Education
- Language Ability
- Other Factors
Keep in mind, the CRS can also give you points for any of the following as well:
- Canadian diploma, degree or certificate
- Valid job offer from a Canadian employer
- Nomination from a Province or Territory
- Other Factors
Based on all of the aforementioned factors, you must be one of the highest ranked candidates in order to get an invitation for permanent residency in Canada.
Contact Akrami & Associates
It is best to take all of the aforementioned information into consideration prior to attempting to apply under the Express Entry immigration system. This is especially the case if you are unsure if you are eligible to apply. Additionally, it is extremely important to note that these are difficult applications to pursue on your own; therefore, it is highly recommended that you seek out professional and experienced help before attempting to submit the Express Entry application. Here, at Akrami & Associates, we work and have experience with many different immigration issues. We have helped many foreign nationals from around the world obtain permanent residency in Canada. If you believe that you may be eligible to apply under the Express Entry immigration system, please feel free to contact Akrami & Associates at our office at 416-477-2545 for more information or if you would like to book a consultation with an immigration professional for more advice.
With Akrami & Associates, there is always a way!