What is Canada Express Entry Program?
Express Entry is Canada’s main system for managing applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It is a fast, efficient pathway that uses a points-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The system selects candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. Candidates who meet the minimum eligibility requirements can create an Express Entry profile, which is then ranked against others in the pool. Those with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence. Express Entry programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class, providing options for individuals at various stages in their careers or work experience in Canada.
About
The Federal Skilled Worker Program provides a pathway for highly skilled individuals to become permanent residents of Canada. It offers the opportunity to live, work, and settle in any province or territory in Canada. As a skilled worker, you can benefit from Canada’s strong economy and social services. Applicants can also bring their families under family reunification provisions, ensuring long-term stability. The Express Entry system allows for quicker processing times compared to other immigration programs, with most applications processed in under six months.
Advantages
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) allows skilled professionals to apply for permanent residency in Canada based on their education, work experience, and language proficiency, without requiring a job offer. It operates under a points-based selection system through Express Entry, ensuring a fair and efficient process with faster processing times. Successful applicants can settle anywhere in Canada, enjoy full permanent resident (PR) benefits, and eventually become eligible for Canadian citizenship after meeting residency requirements. This program provides a pathway to long-term stability, high-quality living standards, and numerous career opportunities in Canada.
Eligibility
- Language Proficiency
- Achieve at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 in all four language abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in either English or French. This requires specific scores in approved language tests like IELTS or CELPIP for English, or TEF Canada for French.
- Education
- Foreign degree or diploma certificate is eligible and If your education was completed outside Canada, you must provide an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a designated organization to confirm its equivalency to Canadian standards.
- Proof of Funds
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself and your family upon arrival in Canada, unless you have a valid job offer or are currently working legally in Canada.
- Admissibility
- Must be admissible to Canada, meaning you do not have any criminal or immigration-related convictions, and you meet medical requirements.
- Work Experience
- Minimum of one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work experience in a skilled occupation (National Occupational Classification [NOC] TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) within the last 10 years.
Documents Required
- Identity and Civil Documents
- Valid passport or travel document
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Language Test Results
- Language test results from an approved agency (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF Canada for French and PTE CORE)
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- ECA report for any secondary and post secondary or any degree,diploma,or certificate
- Work Experience Documents
- Reference letters from current employer and previous employers detailing job duties, duration of employment, and hours worked
- Proof of Funds
- Bank statements or financial documents demonstrating sufficient funds.
- Job Offer (if applicable)
- Written job offers from a Canadian employer, if you have one.
- Police Certificates
- Police certificates from all countries where you have lived for six or more months since the age of 18.
- Medical Exams
- Medical certificate from an approved physician indicating you meet health standards
- Photographs
- Photographs of yourself and family members, as per specified requirements
- Additional Documents
- Proof of funds (if not already demonstrated).
- Provincial nomination (if applicable).
- Arranged employment documents (if applicable).
- Proof of studies in Canada (if applicable).
- Proof of past work in Canada (if applicable).
- Proof of relatives in Canada (if applicable).
How to Apply
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is one of the primary pathways for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system. Candidates must create an Express Entry profile, which includes information about their education, work experience, language skills, and age. If they meet the eligibility criteria, candidates will be entered into the Express Entry pool, where they will be ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Applicants with high enough CRS scores will be invited to apply for permanent residency. After receiving an invitation, they can submit their application to the federal government.
Application Fee
The application fee for the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) for a single applicant is $1,525 CAD, which includes a processing fee of $850 CAD and a Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) of $515 CAD. If biometrics are required, an additional fee of $85 CAD may apply. Applicants with spouses or dependents should note that additional fees will be required based on family size. It is important to review the latest fee structure on the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website before applying, as fees are subject to change. Ensure that all payments are made correctly to avoid delays in processing
Processing Time
The processing time for the Federal Skilled Worker Program typically ranges from 6 to 12 months after the applicant receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA). The initial step of creating a profile and being selected from the Express Entry pool is based on CRS scores, which may vary depending on the draw. Once invited, applicants must submit their application for permanent residency, and the processing time for permanent residency applications is generally six months or less. Additional delays may occur if the application is incomplete or if additional documents are requested.