Canada is consistently ranked among the most popular destinations for immigration, thanks to its ideal living environment, strong economy, and flexible immigration policies. Among the many available pathways, the Express Entry Program is one of the fastest routes to help you and your family achieve your dream of settling in the Maple Leaf country.
So, what are the conditions, procedures, and benefits of this program? Let’s explore the details with Phan Immigration in the article below!
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry (EE) is a skilled worker immigration system launched by the Government of Canada in January 2015. This modern immigration program is designed to select candidates with the right skills and expertise to meet labor market needs and contribute to Canada’s economic growth.
The EE system allows skilled workers to submit their immigration applications online, with the entire process managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Before Express Entry was introduced, immigration applications were often processed in the order they were received, which meant many qualified candidates missed the opportunity.
With Express Entry, the Canadian government has significantly improved the selection system by focusing on the quality of immigrants. This ensures a fairer process and guarantees that only applicants who meet the highest standards are chosen to help meet Canada’s labor demands.
Benefits of Canada Express Entry Immigration
Immigrating to Canada through the Express Entry program allows you to quickly become a Permanent Resident. In addition, the program offers you the following privileges:
- Fast processing time: Express Entry stands out with a short processing period, usually around 6 months, helping applicants quickly complete their immigration procedures and start a new life in Canada.
- Transparent and fair evaluation system: Through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), applicants are ranked based on clear criteria such as age, education, work experience, and language ability. This ensures everyone has a fair opportunity to be selected.
- Access to free healthcare and education: Immigrants through Express Entry enjoy lifelong access to public healthcare and free education for children from grade 1 to grade 12.
- Opportunity to become a Canadian citizen: After living in Canada as a Permanent Resident for 3 years, you can apply for Canadian citizenship, unlocking more rights and opportunities for growth in both career and personal life.
- Freedom to choose where to live: The Canada Express Entry program does not restrict settlement locations. You are free to choose any province or city in Canada that best suits your family’s needs and lifestyle.
To learn more about skilled worker pathways, see details at Canada Skilled Worker Immigration.
Key Programs in the Express Entry System
The Express Entry system manages three main immigration programs, each tailored to different groups of skilled workers. Below are details of the three programs you can explore:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is designed for foreign workers with strong expertise, high skills, and extensive experience across various fields. This program is suitable for applicants who wish to immigrate to Canada without the requirement of having prior work experience in the country.
Federal Skilled Trades Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed for skilled workers who have been trained or have qualifications in technical and trade fields such as construction, mechanics, manufacturing, and electrical work. This is an ideal opportunity for highly skilled individuals who wish to work and settle permanently in Canada.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is designed for applicants who have at least one year of work experience in Canada. With the goal of transitioning temporary workers or international students into permanent residents, the CEC offers favorable conditions for those who have lived and worked in Canada to establish a long-term and stable life there.
You may also want to check the list of in-demand occupations in Canada to see which jobs are currently experiencing labor shortages.
Eligibility for the Express Entry Program
If you meet the conditions of one of the three Express Entry programs, you may qualify to enter the Express Entry pool. Below are the detailed requirements for each immigration pathway under the skilled worker category:
| Criteria | Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) | Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) | Canadian Experience Class (CEC) |
| Age | 18–50 years old | 18–50 years old | 18–50 years old |
| Language Ability | Minimum English or French: CLB/NCLC 4 (reading & writing), CLB/NCLC 5 (listening & speaking) | Minimum English or French: CLB/NCLC 7 | English or French: CLB/NCLC 7 (for TEER 0, A jobs) and CLB/NCLC 5 (for TEER B jobs) |
| Work Experience | Occupations under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 in the NOC system | Occupations under TEER 2 or 3 in specific groups:
– Group 72: Technical trades & transport (except 726) – Group 73: General trades – Group 82: Supervisors in natural resources & agriculture – Group 83: Natural resources-related trades – Group 92: Supervisors in manufacturing, processing & utilities – Group 93: Central control operators, aircraft assembly (except 932) – NOC 6320: Cooks, bakers, butchers – NOC 62200: Professional chefs |
Canadian work experience under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 |
| Education | Not required | High school diploma | Not required |
| Work Duration | 1 continuous year in the last 10 years (full-time, part-time, or multiple jobs in the same main occupation) | 2 years in the last 5 years (full-time or part-time) | At least 1 year in the last 3 years (full-time or part-time) |
| Job Offer | Not required, but adds points if available | Mandatory: full-time job offer for at least 1 year OR a Canadian trade certification | Not required |
Would you like me to summarize this into a visual comparison table (infographic style text) so it’s easier for your readers to scan quickly?
Application Process for Canada Express Entry
The Express Entry system offers a clear, fast, and convenient process for skilled worker immigration to Canada. To succeed, applicants must prepare a complete file, meet program requirements, and complete the steps through the online system.
Required Documents for an Express Entry Application
An Express Entry application for skilled immigration to Canada must include the following documents: passport, language test results, relevant qualifications, work experience, proof of funds, medical records, and a job offer letter (if applicable).
When you submit your profile to the Express Entry system, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will evaluate your application based on the CRS score. If eligible, your profile will be entered into the Express Entry Pool.
IRCC will then select the candidates with the highest CRS scores and send out Invitations to Apply (ITAs). Once you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to complete your permanent residency application and provide all the required documents.
If you don’t receive an ITA right away, don’t worry. You can improve your score by:
- Improving your language test scores
- Gaining more work experience
- Updating your profile with new information to increase your chances in future draws.
Step 1: Evaluate eligibility for Express Entry
Applicants must meet the requirements of at least one of the three programs under the Express Entry system, including: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Step 2: Create a profile on the Express Entry system
Create an online profile and provide detailed information about work experience, professional skills, language proficiency, qualifications, and other requirements. This profile will be submitted through the official website of the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Step 3: CRS system evaluates and ranks
After submitting the online profile, applicants will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on the information provided. If the score meets the threshold, the profile will be placed in the pool of potential candidates for further selection.
Step 4: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Canadian government
If your profile ranks high in the system, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada to proceed with the next steps in applying for permanent residency.
Step 5: Submit the Permanent Residency application
Applicants have 60 days from receiving the ITA to complete and submit their application for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada.
Phan Immigration – Professional Express Entry Legal Assistance
Proudly licensed by the Canadian government, Phan Immigration specializes in providing personalized immigration solutions for all clients. We serve as a reliable bridge between Vietnam and Canada, offering safe, efficient, and cost-effective immigration solutions.
With a team of consultants having over 15 years of experience in Canadian immigration consulting, Phan Immigration is committed to delivering the highest quality services. We also provide a wide range of services including short-term visas, study abroad, tourism, and more. Clients will receive detailed advice tailored to their needs and circumstances to ensure an appropriate immigration pathway.
With a strong network of partners, including immigration lawyers, economic lawyers, and businesses in Canada, Phan Immigration facilitates and supports clients to quickly settle and integrate into their new environment. With dedication, we ensure full responsibility for every stage of the process, providing peace of mind and trust for our clients using Phan Immigration’s services.
If you are in need of or seeking advice on the Express Entry program or other Canadian immigration programs, don’t hesitate to contact us. Phan Immigration is always ready to assist and provide quick answers to all your inquiries.
Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Express Entry Canada Immigration
If you are looking into the Express Entry program and have questions regarding the immigration process to Canada, Phan Immigration is here to help clarify all your queries to prepare you for your immigration journey. Below are some common questions applicants often have when participating in the Express Entry system.
How is the Express Entry Canada score calculated through the CRS system?
The CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) is the method used by IRCC to assess and rank applicants’ profiles in the Express Entry system. The total CRS score can reach up to 1,200 points, including 600 points for the main factors and 600 points for additional factors.
- Main points (600 points) are calculated based on:
- Work experience
- Education level
- Spouse factors, including language skills and education level
- Additional points (600 points) are awarded for factors such as:
- Canadian education credentials or certificates
- A valid job offer
- Provincial or territorial nomination
- Siblings who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents
- Proficiency in the French language
How long does it take to process an Express Entry application?
The processing time for Express Entry applications usually takes around 6 months from the time the application is submitted
What is the cost of immigrating through Express Entry?
The cost for immigration through the Express Entry program is approximately 2,300 CAD (~40,443,683 VND) for an individual applicant or about 4,500 CAD (~79,128,945 VND) for a couple.
Do I need a Job Offer to participate in Express Entry?
The answer is NO. Some programs within the Express Entry system do not require a job offer. However, if you have a job offer, you will receive priority points, which can help increase your CRS score and improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Depending on the job type, you can earn an additional 50 or 200 CRS points if your job offer meets the criteria.
How can I know if I qualify for Express Entry?
To qualify for Express Entry, you must meet the requirements of at least one of the three programs: Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
You also need to have work experience, meet language requirements (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF), have the appropriate level of education, and score enough CRS points. You can use the CRS points calculator on the IRCC website to assess your eligibility for the system.
Here is all the information about the Express Entry Canada program that Phan Immigration wants to share with you. We hope that through this information, you will have a clear and complete understanding of the process and opportunities for immigration to Canada, allowing you to prepare the best for your journey. If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Phan Immigration for prompt consultation and support!
Need help with calculating your Express Entry score? Use our self-assessment quiz and get a free evaluation!
