This is a new process introduced by Canada in January 2015 to choose permanent residents based on the experience and skills needed in the development of the economy. Express Entry is an online process based on a ranking system. It is designed to select skilled workers for immigration to Canada.

Express Entry is a completely electronic process involving the federal government, provincial governments, and Canadian employers.

The system is now in its 8th year of welcoming skilled immigrations who are interested in immigrating to Canada. The Canadian government aims to process Express Entry applications within 6 months from submission and thus has one of the fastest Permanent application processing times in Canada.

Comprehensive Ranking System – Is used by IRCC to determine a candidate’s position in the Express Entry Pool. It ranks interest in skilled immigrants by assigning points to their current/previous work history, language ability, education, age, etc.

Demand for Express Entry – Canada’s federal government plans to welcome around 1 million immigrants over the next three years. Roughly half of these new immigrants will immigrate through the Express Entry system.

The Express Entry system is used by the Canadian Government to select applicants who qualify under these three programs:

Federal Skilled Worker

  • For skilled workers with foreign work experience.
  • Must meet criteria for education and other factors.

Canadian Experience Class

  • For skilled workers who have Canadian work experience.
  • Work experience must have been gained in the 3 years before you apply.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

  • For skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade.
  • Must have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification.

Express Entry Eligibility

While the programs offered through the Express Entry system look at the education and experience a person possesses within a specific trade, there are strict eligibility requirements that each candidate must meet. These requirements include the following:

  • Receive a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
  • Be nominated by a Canadian province or territory
  • Possess preferential consideration based on your education, skills, and experience
  • Complete testing assessments for English and/or French language skills
  • Provide proof of financial capabilities to support yourself and each dependent when relocating to Canada
  • Provide medical documentation to support your claims of being fit
  • Receive a Comprehensive Ranking System score.