The Express Entry system is Canada’s flagship program for managing immigration applications for skilled workers who wish to become permanent residents of Canada. Here’s how the Express Entry system works:

1. Eligibility Assessment: Prospective applicants must first determine if they are eligible to apply for one of the three federal economic immigration programs managed through Express Entry:

   • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
   • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
   • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

2. Creating an Express Entry Profile: Eligible candidates create an online profile in the Express Entry system. They provide information about their age, education, work experience, language proficiency (English and/or French), and other relevant details. Based on this information, candidates are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.

3. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): The CRS is a points-based system used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability (such as having a job offer or provincial nomination). Candidates with the highest CRS scores receive invitations to apply for permanent residency in Canada.

4. Express Entry Draws: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts regular draws from the Express Entry pool. During these draws, candidates with the highest CRS scores are issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residency. The CRS score cutoff for each draw is determined by IRCC based on the number of candidates in the pool and the immigration targets for the year.

5. Invitation to Apply (ITA): Candidates who receive an ITA have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency, including supporting documents and paying the application fees. IRCC aims to process complete Express Entry applications within six months.

6. Submitting a Permanent Residency Application: Once an ITA is received, candidates must submit a complete application for permanent residency through the online system. This includes providing documents such as police certificates, medical exams, proof of funds, and any additional information required by IRCC.

7. Permanent Residency Approval: If the permanent residency application is approved, candidates and their accompanying family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) become permanent residents of Canada. They receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) documents and may then make plans to move to Canada.

8. Landing in Canada: Upon arrival in Canada, permanent residents are required to present their COPR documents to immigration officials at the port of entry. They may also need to complete additional steps, such as obtaining a Social Insurance Number (SIN) and registering for provincial healthcare coverage.

The Express Entry system is designed to be a fast and efficient way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada, with the goal of meeting the country’s economic and labor market needs. It’s important for candidates to stay informed about the latest Express Entry requirements and updates from IRCC to maximize their chances of success in the application process.