Canada Express Entry is one of the most popular programs for immigrating to Canada. It facilitates the entry of immigrants as one of three government-sponsored programs that are designed to make travel easier.
This article will also discuss the process involved in getting this Visa, including relevant information on how long it should take and how the process will be conducted.
What is Canada Express Entry?
Canada Express Entry is a new online system for managing applications for immigration to Canada, which was introduced years back. It combines with two other programs – the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program – to provide an immigration pathway for those who do not have a job offer or are not eligible under the Provincial Nominee Programs.
Canada Express Entry is a points-based program, where applicants are scored on factors such as their education, work experience, age, and language skills.
What are the Express Entry eligibility requirements?
The Express Entry system is a points-based system, and it allocates skilled migration to Canada based on the highest-ranking applicants. Applicants are scored based on the following factors, which account for part of the total score:
Educational Qualifications (maximum of 150 points): Applicants must have completed a foreign degree, diploma, or certificate from a post-secondary institution. If the applicant did not receive their education overseas, then they must complete a Canadian study program.
Language Proficiency (maximum of 160 points): This score is based on a test of English or French skills in writing, reading, speaking, and listening. The language requirement is waived for those who had their previous study or work experience in Canada.
Canadian Work Experience (maximum of 80 points): This is a points-based score, where experience in the occupation for at least one year will award the applicant some points, increasing on a sliding scale based on age and years of experience. The applicant must have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience that is verifiable in the last 10 years.
Age (maximum of 110 points): This score is based on the age of the applicant at the time of application. Applicants must be under 40 years old to be eligible. Those who are within the age bracket of 20 – 29 years have higher points allocated to them.
If you’re already in Canada, the type of work that you’re doing also has an effect on how many points you will be awarded. It also plays a role in whether or not you will qualify under the program.
The points system is designed to ensure that only candidates that have the most desirable skills and qualifications are able to immigrate to Canada. In order for you to qualify under this program, it is extremely important that you show the most desirable skills and qualifications.
Canada Express Entry Age Limit
There is no maximum age limit to apply for this program; however, you must qualify under the points system in order to be considered eligible. The majority of applicants who are eligible will be between the ages of 20 and 29.
However, if you’re above 30 and you have relatives in Canada, you can indicate that you can surpass the points with your years of experience and the language proficiency test.
Canada Express Entry Process
Step 1: Submit an EOI (Express Entry Invitation)
The first step is to submit an Expression of Interest on the Express Entry website. Once you’ve submitted your application, you will be directed to create a profile and you will be added to a pool of candidates who have expressed interest in immigrating to Canada.
You can only apply for one country during each 12-month period.
Step 2: Ranked Based on Points
Candidates will be ranked based on their profile and the points that they receive. The points for each factor are outlined above. Points will be awarded to you based on your qualifications, and there is also a minimum threshold that all applicants must meet in order to be eligible. This threshold is 480, which is significantly below the actual score that you need to apply.
Step 3: Draws
After the point-based ranking is completed, a list of candidates who meet the requirements will be drawn from the pool and given an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence (ITA). You must apply within that time frame in order to be considered.
Step 4: ITA
If your profile reaches the minimum threshold, then you will receive an ITA which allows you to submit a permanent residence application. If you’re accepted, then you can submit your application for permanent residence.
Step 5: Permanent Residence
If your application is accepted, you will be able to apply for permanent residence in Canada. This process may take up to 6 months to complete depending on how long it takes the immigration office to “process” your file.
You can find out if you’ve been accepted into Canada by looking at the status of your file on the Express Entry website.
Conclusion
Express Entry is a very simple system that weeds out the applicants who have less desirable profiles prior to accepting them into Canada. This system has proven to be fairly effective in keeping out bogus candidates while giving the most attractive candidates with the most desirable profile a chance to immigrate.
If you’re interested in immigrating to Canada, you should consider applying for this program through Express Entry.
