Express Entry is an electronic file management system to manage applications for permanent residence under certain economic immigration programs.
Effective January 2015, Immigration Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented a new electronic system called Express Entry to manage applications for permanent residence under certain economic immigration programs. Express Entry is not an immigration program in itself, but rather a modern online system to select candidates for immigration to Canada using the economic immigration programs including Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class Program.
Potential candidates are required to complete their online profiles as a first step to immigrate to Canada under the Express Entry Program. Unlike the policy in past, there are no deadlines to submit the application/express entry profile or quotas applied to the number of applicants that could be accepted to the Express Entry Pool.
Our Authorized Canadian Immigration Representative Mr. Amir Ismail and his team of seasoned immigration professionals can assist you in achieving your Canadian immigration goals through Express Entry whether you are applying for the program for the first time, have already submitted an Express Entry Profile or have received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). We use the expertise of our certified professionals instead of automatic Express Entry Points Calculator to determine your immigration and express entry eligibility accurately and help you in creating an optimized Express Entry Profile for considerations in Express Entry Draws in 2021 and beyond. We will also ensure that you understand what documents do you require for Express Entry Canada and these are as per the requirement of the IRCC.
How does Express Entry Work in Canada?
1: Determine your eligibility
The first step when considering to enter Express Entry Pool, one should determine the eligibility. You can email complete our free assessment form to allow us to undertake an initial review. If you are found eligible, we may request further information and request you to proceed to a detailed analysis by Mr. Amir Ismail personally. At that time we will request you to complete our online assessment form for a formal assessment and detailed written opinion.
Want us to evaluate your profile? Please complete our online free assessment form to allow our Toronto team undertake a detailed analysis and advise you the probability of success here
If you are eligible, you can proceed to submit the express entry profile. If you are found eligible, you may endeavour to become eligible by improving your skills, work experience, language ability, and education credentials and those of your spouse if your married or in a common law partnership.
2: Make an online Express Entry profile
The next step in the process is to make an expression of interest in immigrating to Canada by creating an online profile on the CIC profile. Being Authorized Immigration Representatives we can do this on your behalf using the Authorized Representative Portal provided to us by the CIC on their website. In the profile you provide information about your skills, work experience, language skills, education, adaptability and personal identification .
It is very important that the information provided in the profile is absolutely accurate, as misrepresenting or providing false or misleading information can ban an applicant for at least 5 years from applying.
3: Improve your ranking in the Express Entry Pool.
Once in the pool, candidates are ranked against each other using a formula called the “Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)” and those scoring high in a particular draw are offered an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence. Rounds of invitations or draws to invite candidates to apply take place on regular bases over the course of each year.
The Comprehensive Ranking System ranks candidates under the following components:
The total points available under the Comprehensive Ranking System are 1,200.
It would be prudent for candidates to continue to strive to improve their CRS ranking to enhance their chances of being selected and receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence.
4: Invitation to Apply (ITA) and submitting application for Canadian permanent residence
The Federal Government, Provinces and employers have access to the Express Entry pool allowing them to select new immigrants from it. Those ranking highest based on the skill, adaptability and ability to economically succeed in Canada will then be invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence. If an applicant is considered, he or she is issued an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada. Applicants invited to apply are given only 60 days to submit a complete Application for Permanent Residence online with all supporting material and documentation failing which may lead to the refusal. IRCC has indicated that it will process applications within six months of the date of submission. On completion of the paper screening, background and security and medical checks the principal applicant and his or her dependents (spouse and children) will land in Canada as permanent residents.
If an applicant in the Express Entry pool does not receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada within 12 months, their profile become obsolete. They may resubmit their profile and re-enter the pool if they still meet the criteria of at least one of the economic immigration programs.
It is not mandatory to have a job offer to be able to enter the pool. However, one must meet the minimum requirements as set out for the Federal Skilled Worker Program in order to qualify. These include, reaching to the current pass mark of 67, scoring at least 6 bands in EACH component of an IELTS test (General training), having the Educational Credentials Assessed to be able to claim points under the Education factor and to have minimum settlement funds according to the size of the family. Other requirements include passing the background and security and medical checks.
Next Steps
What documents are required for Express Entry
Express Entry Canada Requirements:
Who is eligible for Canada Express Entry?
Skilled work experience
You must have at least one year of continuous full-time or an equal amount in part-time, paid work experience within the last 10 years.
Language ability
You must meet the minimum language level of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7, and take a language test approved by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) that shows you meet the level for speaking, listening, reading and writing. The language test result must not be older than 2 years at the time of application. Generally, applicants less than 7 bands IELTS General track do not stand good chances.
Education
You must have either have a Canadian secondary (high school) or post-secondary certificate, diploma or degree, or received an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from an agency approved by CIC to show your foreign education is equal to Canadian education standards. Usually, applicants having less than 15 years of bachelors degree or equivalent qualification do not stand good chances of selection.
Six selection factors
If you meet the minimum requirements, your application is then evaluated based on the following six selection factors:
Skilled Worker Selection Grid
How many points do you need to qualify for express entry pool: You need 67 points to enter the Express Entry Pool.
The points for selection factors are summarized as follows:
Settlement Funds Required
How much Express Entry Costs? OR How much money do you need to immigrate to Canada?
The amount of money you need to support your family is set by the size of your family. These amount are updated every year.
| Number of Family Members | Funds Required (in Canadian dollars) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $13,213 |
| 2 | $16,449 |
| 3 | $20,222 |
| 4 | $24,553 |
| 5 | $27,847 |
| 6 | $31,407 |
| 7 or more | $34,967 |
For each additional member: $3,560 – The foregoing figures are up to date as of 05 July 2021. For up to date figures, please check the official IRCC website https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/proof-funds.html
How many maximum points are there in Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) in 2021 and beyond
There are a total of 1,200 points available under the Comprehensive Ranking System.
For candidates who are either single or applying without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, there are:
For candidates applying with a spouse or common law partner, there are:
| Factors | Points per factor – With a spouse or common-law partner | Points per factor – Without a spouse or common-law partner |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 100 | 110 |
| Level of education | 140 | 150 |
| Official languages proficiency | 150 | 160 |
| Canadian work experience | 70 | 80 |
| Factors | Points per factor (Maximum 40points) |
|---|---|
| Level of education | 10 |
| Official language proficiency | 20 |
| Canadian Work Experience | 10 |
A. Core/human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner factors = Maximum 500points (with OR without a spouse or common-law partner)
| Education | Points per factor (Maximum 50points) |
|---|---|
| With good/strong official languages proficiency and a post-secondary degree | 50 |
| With Canadian work experience and a post-secondary degree | 50 |
| Foreign work experience | Points per factor (Maximum 50points) |
|---|---|
| With good/strong official languages proficiency(Canadian Language Benchmark [CLB] level 7 or higher) and foreign work experience | 50 |
| With Canadian work experience and foreign work experience | 50 |
| Certificate of qualification (for people in trade occupations) | Points per factor (Maximum 50points) |
|---|---|
| With good/strong official languages proficiency and a certificate of qualification | 50 |
A. Core/human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner + C. Transferability factors = Maximum 600points
| Factor | Maximum points per factor |
|---|---|
| Brother or sister living in Canada (citizen or permanent resident) | 15 |
| French language skills | 30 |
| Post-secondary education in Canada | 30 |
| Arranged employment | 200 |
| PN nomination | 600 |
A .Core/human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner factors + C. Transferability factors + D. Additional points = Grand total Maximum 1,200points
| Age | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 100points) | Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 110points) |
|---|---|---|
| 17 years of age or less | 0 | 0 |
| 18 years of age | 90 | 99 |
| 19 years of age | 95 | 105 |
| 20 to 29 years of age | 100 | 110 |
| 30 years of age | 95 | 105 |
| 31 years of age | 90 | 99 |
| 32 years of age | 85 | 94 |
| 33 years of age | 80 | 88 |
| 34 years of age | 75 | 83 |
| 35 years of age | 70 | 77 |
| 36 years of age | 65 | 72 |
| 37 years of age | 60 | 66 |
| 38 years of age | 55 | 61 |
| 39 years of age | 50 | 55 |
| 40 years of age | 45 | 50 |
| 41 years of age | 35 | 39 |
| 42 years of age | 25 | 28 |
| 43 years of age | 15 | 17 |
| 44 years of age | 5 | 6 |
| 45 years of age or more | 0 | 0 |
| Level of Education | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 140points) | Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 150points) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than secondary school (high school) | 0 | 0 |
| Secondary diploma (high school graduation) | 28 | 30 |
| One-year degree, diploma or certificate from a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 84 | 90 |
| Two-year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 91 | 98 |
| Bachelor’s degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 112 | 120 |
| Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees. One must be for a program of three or more years | 119 | 128 |
| Master’s degree, OR professional degree needed to practice in a licensed profession (For professional degree, the degree program must have been in: medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, law, chiropractic medicine, or pharmacy.) | 126 | 135 |
| Doctoral level university degree (Ph.D.) | 140 | 150 |
Maximum points for each ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening):
| Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 128points) | Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 136points) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than CLB4 | 0 | 0 |
| CLB4 or 5 | 6 | 6 |
| CLB6 | 8 | 9 |
| CLB7 | 16 | 17 |
| CLB8 | 22 | 23 |
| CLB9 | 29 | 31 |
| CLB10 or more | 32 | 34 |
Maximum points for each ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening):
| Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 22points) | Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 24points) |
|---|---|---|
| CLB4 or less | 0 | 0 |
| CLB5 or 6 | 1 | 1 |
| CLB7 or 8 | 3 | 3 |
| CLB9 or more | 6 | 6 |
| Canadian work experience | With a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 70points) | Without a spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 80points) |
|---|---|---|
| None or less than a year | 0 | 0 |
| 1 year | 35 | 40 |
| 2 years | 46 | 53 |
| 3 years | 56 | 64 |
| 4 years | 63 | 72 |
| 5 years or more | 70 | 80 |
Subtotal: A. Core / human capital factors
| Spouses or common-law partners level of education | With spouse or common-law partner (Maximum 10points) | Without spouse or common-law partner (Does not apply) |
|---|---|---|
| Less than secondary school (high school) | 0 | n/a |
| Secondary school (high school graduation) | 2 | n/a |
| One-year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 6 | n/a |
| Two-year program at a university, college, trade or technical in school, or other institute | 7 | n/a |
| Bachelor’s degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute | 8 | n/a |
| Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees. One must be for a program of three or more years | 9 | n/a |
| Master’s degree, or professional degree needed to practice in a licensed profession (For professional degree, the degree program must have been in: medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, law, chiropractic medicine, or pharmacy.) | 10 | n/a |
| Doctoral level university degree (PhD) | 10 | n/a |
Note: (n/a) means that this factor does not apply in this case.
| Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening ) | Maximum 20points for section Maximum 5points per ability | Without spouse or common-law partner (Does not apply) |
|---|---|---|
| CLB4 or less | 0 | n/a |
| CLB5 or 6 | 1 | n/a |
| CLB7 or 8 | 3 | n/a |
| CLB9 or more | 5 | n/a |
Note: (n/a) means that this factor does not apply in this case.
| Spouse’s Canadian work experience | Maximum 10points | Without spouse or common-law partner (Does not apply) |
|---|---|---|
| None or less than a year | 0 | n/a |
| 1 year | 5 | n/a |
| 2 years | 7 | n/a |
| 3 years | 8 | n/a |
| 4 years | 9 | n/a |
| 5 years or more | 10 | n/a |
Note: (n/a) means that this factor does not apply in this case.
Subtotal : A. Core / human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner factors = Maximum 500points
| With good official language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark Level [CLB]7 or higher) and a post-secondary degree | Points for CLB7 or more on all first official language abilities, with one or more under CLB9 (Maximum 25points) | Points for CLB9 or more on all four first official language abilities (Maximum 50points) |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary school (high school) credential or less | 0 | 0 |
| Post-secondary program credential of one year or longer | 13 | 25 |
| Two or more post-secondary program credentials AND at least one of these credentials was issued on completion of a post-secondary program of three years or longer | 25 | 50 |
| With Canadian work experience and a post-secondary degree | Points for education +1year of Canadian work experience (Maximum 25points) | Points for education +2years or more of Canadian work experience (Maximum 50points) |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary school (high school) credential or less | 0 | 0 |
| Post-secondary program credential of one year or longer | 13 | 25 |
| Two or more post-secondary program credentials AND at least one of these credentials was issued on completion of a post-secondary program of three years or longer | 25 | 50 |
| Years of experience | Points for foreign work experience + CLB7 or more on all first official language abilities, one or more under9 (Maximum 25points) | Points for foreign work experience + CLB9 or more on all four first official language abilities (Maximum 50points) |
|---|---|---|
| No foreign work experience | 0 | 0 |
| 1 or 2 years of foreign work experience | 13 | 25 |
| 3 years or more of foreign work experience | 25 | 50 |
| Years of experience | Points for foreign work experience +1year of Canadian work experience (Maximum 25points) | Points for foreign work experience +2years or more of Canadian work experience (Maximum 50points) |
|---|---|---|
| No foreign work experience | 0 | 0 |
| 1 or 2 years of foreign work experience | 13 | 25 |
| 3 years or more of foreign work experience | 25 | 50 |
| Certificate of qualification (trade occupations) With good official language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark Level [CLB]5 or higher) | Points for certificate of qualification + CLB5 or more on all first official language abilities, one or more under7 (Maximum 25points) | Points for certificate of qualification + CLB7 or more on all four first official language abilities (Maximum 50points) |
|---|---|---|
| With a certificate of qualification | 25 | 50 |
Subtotal: A. Core / human capital + B .Spouse or common-law partner + C. Skill transferability factors – Maximum 600points
| Additional points | Maximum 600points |
|---|---|
| Brother or sister living in Canada who is a citizen or permanent resident of Canada | 15 |
| Scored NCLC 7 or higher on all four French language skills and scored CLB 4 or lower in English (or didnt take an English test) | 15 |
| Scored NCLC 7 or higher on all four French language skills and scored CLB 5 or higher on all four English skills | 30 |
| Post-secondary education in Canada – credential of one or two years | 15 |
| Post-secondary education in Canada – credential three years or longer | 30 |
| Arranged employment – NOC 00 | 200 |
| Arranged employment any other NOC 0, A or B | 50 |
| Provincial or territorial nomination | 600 |
Subtotal: D. Additional points Maximum 600points
Grand total: A. Core / human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner + C. Skill transferability factors + D. Additional points = Maximum 1,200points
Complete our Assessment form for free assessment of your eligibility.
Free Assessment for Skilled WorkersFree Assessment for Senior Managers and BusinessmenDo you need help with your visa? Are you interested in a specific immigration matter? Amir Ismail & Associates (AIA) assists hundreds of people each week who are content with our in-depth analysis of their cases and to the point consultations. This assists them in identifying the issues related to their immigration matters to allow them to put their best foot forward. Book your one-on-one consultation with Mr. Amir Ismail for a detailed discussion on your immigration matter.
