Express Entry Canada: Eligibility, CRS Points, How to Apply
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Express Entry Canada: Eligibility, CRS Points, How to Apply

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Raj
Raj Vimal
Study Abroad Expert
Updated on Dec 13, 2024 19:30 IST

Canada Express Entry is designed to attract international skilled workers to Canada. This immigration process assesses candidates' profiles based on factors like education, work experience, and language proficiency. If selected, you'll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Express Entry Canada

What is Express Entry Canada? Canada Express entry is the most popular way to get Canada permanent residence (PR) visa and settle there. It uses the point-based system, which is known as CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System), to assess if an applicant is eligible for PR visa or not. The profile of a candidate will be assessed based on their age, qualifications, work experience, adaptability, etc.

Established as one of the most popular immigration systems globally, it was introduced in 2015 and since then it has become the main driver of economic immigration to Canada. It is managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which handles applications received through Canada’s federal immigration programs. 

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Also Read: Top Study Abroad Destinations Beyond Canada 

How to Apply for Canada Express Entry 2025?

  • First and foremost, the candidates need to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECS) from a recognized monitoring authority like WES. Then, a candidate must select an occupation as per the (National Occupation Classification) and skill level like O, A, B etc.
  • Then candidates submit their Canada Express Entry Profile and get ranked according to a CRS point system.
  • After the Canada Express Entry Draw, candidates with the highest rankings are invited by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to apply for permanent residency.
  • Once applied, candidates’ PR applications are scored according to the program's point-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Most of the applications are processed within 6 months. Apart from this, candidates should also register with Job Bank through their Job Match Account and search for work. This process enhances the chances of the candidate wishing to build a successful career in Canada.








Steps to apply for Express Entry

Here is an overview of how to apply for Canada PR through Express Entry:

  • Arrange all the necessary documents such as IELTS score, ECA (Education Credential Assessment), etc.
  • Check whether you are eligible to apply through the Canada Express Entry program.
  • If you are eligible, you can submit your Expression of Interest (EOI). Your profile will be ranked in the Express Entry Pool with the help of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
  • You will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if you have scored well on the CRS.
  • From the day of receiving the ITA, you will have 60 days to apply.
  • Canada PR application processing time will be nearly 6 months in case your documents are complete and in order.
  • After applying, you will have to go through document verification and other formalities. All this will be done by an immigration officer.
  • Once your application is approved by the IRCC, you will receive your Canada PR.

Candidates can visit the official website of IRCC these links to check their Canada Express Entry Eligibility as well as their CRS Express Entry Canada Score from the official website.







Canada Express Entry Points: Parameters

  • The education and qualification of the candidate
  • Proficiency in English language or French
  • The age of the candidate
  • The work experience and skills of the candidate
  • If a candidate has a job offer from an organization based in Canada
  • The spouse’s education, work experience, and English or French language proficiency

Also, if the candidate has completed his education in any Canadian college or university or has a provincial nomination then he is given additional points.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) – Express Entry Canada

The table given below provides information about the various assessment criteria on which your score will be calculated:

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Assessment Criteria

Maximum Score

Marital Status

It will decide the maximum points for the criteria mentioned below

Age

110

Level of Education

150

Language Proficiency

160

Canadian Work Experience

80

Skill Transferability

100

Additional Points

600

Types of Canada Express Entry

Here are types of Canada Express Entry:

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Canadian Experience Class for skilled workers with Canadian work experience.
  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Federal Skilled Worker Program for skilled workers with foreign work experience.
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Federal Skilled Trades Program for skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade.

Canadian Experience Class

This class is designed for people who have gained at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada. After fulfilling the other criteria as well, one becomes eligible to apply under the Canada Express Entry. Here are certain requirements of the Canadian Experience Class program:

  • English language proficiency: CLB 7 (for TEER 0 or 1) and CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3
  • At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last 3 years. This translates to at least 1,560 hours. However, this work experience must be a paid one.
  • Having a degree from a Canadian University will improve your score in the Express Entry Pool.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

Canada has a shortage of people who are skilled in particular fields, the FSW program is designed for people who are skilled in their work, and therefore, they are selected to immigrate to Canada. The following are the requirements:

  • You must score CLB 7 level in speaking, reading, writing, and listening.
  • At least 1 year of work experience in TEER 0 to 3. This means at least 1,560 hours.
  • You need to provide proof of funds. The criteria are the same as that of the Federal Skilled Trades Program (mentioned below).

The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

 Those who have gained at least two years of full-time work experience in an eligible skilled trade can apply for PR under this program. The following points will provide you with the requirements for applying for Canada PR through the Federal Skilled Trades Program:

  • English language proficiency: CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing
  • Minimum 2 years of full-time work experience in the last 5 years (before application). Work experience must be in a skilled trade (TEER 2 or 3)
  • Canadian Education will fetch you extra points in the Express Entry Pool.

You need to show proof of funds. However, if you are authorized to work in Canada and you have a valid job offer, you do not need to show proof of funds. The table given below provides you with the details of proof of funds.

Family Members Funds Needed (in CAD)
1 CAD14,690
2 CAD18,288
3 CAD22,483
4 CAD27,297
5 CAD30,690
6 CAD34,917

Note: CAD 3,958 are required for every additional family member.

Express Entry Canada Provinces

  • British Columbia Express Entry
  • Alberta Express Entry
  • Saskatchewan Express Entry
  • Manitoba Express Entry
  • Ontario Express Entry
  • New Brunswick Express Entry
  • PEI Express Entry
  • Nova Scotia Express Entry
  • Newfoundland Express Entry

Potential employers based in Canada, provinces, and territories can also recruit immigrants directly from the Express Entry pool. Also, candidates who receive a potential job offer or are awarded an enhanced provincial nomination are given a significant number of points which also boosts their Express Entry score.

Q:   What are the documents required for Canada Express Entry?

A:

Following documents are required for the Canada Express Entry application:

  • A valid passport
  • Results of the language tests such as IELTS, ECA (Education Credential Assessment) report
  • Police certificate
  • Medical examination reports
  • Proof of funds
  • Birth certificate
  • Provincial nomination (if applicable) 
  • Employment offer (if applicable)

 Candidates may also submit any other documents that are relevant for their application. It is essential for the candidates to be sure of all the documents they require as per their profile (for e.g., some might require a marriage certificate, divorce certificate, adoption certificate, etc.).

Q:   What IELTS score is required for Canada Express Entry?

A:

The following points will provide the details for the IELTS score for Canada Express Entry:

  • For the Canadian Experience Class, CLB 7 (for TEER 0 or 1) and CLB 5 (for TEER 2 or 3) are required.
  • For the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), CLB 7 level in speaking, reading, writing, and listening is required.
  • For the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing are required.

The following table will help you compare CLB level with IELTS scores.

CLB LevelReadingWritingListeningSpeaking
108.07.58.57.5
97.07.08.07.0
86.56.57.56.5
76.06.06.06.0
65.05.55.55.5
54.05.05.05.0
43.54.04.54.0

Q:   Why to apply for Canada Express Entry?

A:

Applying through the system has a number of advantages, including the opportunity to do so online and speedier processing times. The method also enables the Canadian government to better match immigration regulations with the demands of the nation's economy. If chosen, individuals who meet the requirements can submit an Express Entry profile and request an invitation to apply for permanent residency. In addition to all these benefits, candidates applying for Canada Express Entry are not required to have a pre-approved job offer before applying for Canada PR.

Q:   What is the CGPA requirement for Prince Edward Island?

A:

International students must meet the general undergraduate admission requirements to study at Prince Edward Island. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 1.7 in the major subject requirements for Prince Edward Island University admission.

Read about the Canada Grading System

Q:   What IELTS score is required at Prince Edward Island University?

A:

International students must meet the Prince Edward Island University IELTS requirements to get admission to UG and PG programs. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit the IELTS score to meet the English language requirements. Mentioned below are the minimum IELTS score required for undergraduate and graduate admissions:

English Language Exam

Arts, Science, Business, Engineering and Bachelor of Education

Nursing, Radiography, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine & Education

IELTS (Academic)

Overall score of 6.5 with no band below 6

Overall score of 7 with 7 in writing and speaking; 6.5 in reading and listening

 

English Language Exam

Regular Offer

(All Programs Except Those Noted In Next Column)

Regular Offer

(Nursing, Education, Doctor Of

Philosophy, Doctor Of Applied Health)

IELTS (Academic)

7 in writing and no band lower than 6.5

7 in writing and speaking; 6.5 in reading and listening

Q:   Is Manitoba Institute of Trade and Technology good for international students?

A:

Manitoba Institute of Trade and Technology is one of the best institutes in Winnipeg for international students. They offer various bachelor, master, diploma, and certificate programs in fields like Business Administration, Culinary Arts & Design, Hospitality Management, Automotive Services, Applied Leadership, Industrial Welding, Rehabilitation, Software Development, Medicine, Graphic & Print, Hairstyling, and Electrical Applications.

According to the Manitoba Institute of Trade and Technology review the MITT faculty is dedicated, encouraging, and helpful to international students to get settled in their first year. They offer a wide range of activities, and the majority of the teachers are quite skilled. Smaller class sizes allow students to connect with the teachers more often and improve their grasp of subjects requiring much explanation.

Q:   What is the processing time for the application process at Northern College, Canada?

A:

Northern College can take up to 6 weeks to provide an offer letter to international students. Since thousands of applications are enrolled at the college for programs under different specializations, the college reviews each application and segregates them. The whole process is quite time-consuming. The segregation of applications is done based on the student’s academic performance, English language scores, extracurricular activities, and relevant experiences.

Q:   What type of programs are offered by ICM Canada?

A:

ICM Canada offers UTP Stage I and Stage II programs. The UTP Stage II program is equivalent to the first-year university program at the University of Manitoba. When students complete the ICM Stage II program, they will be eligible to get transferred to the second year of the degree at the University of Manitoba. UTP Stage I a foundation or pre-university studies programme that acts as a bridge between secondary school and university studies.

Study areas of the UTP Stage II programs are:

  • Agriculture and Food Sciences
  • Engineering
  • Business
  • Environment, Earth, and Resources
  • Science
  • Recreation Management and Community Development
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Comments

(3)

D

Dushyant Kumar

4 years ago

Suppose if my PR of 1 year (express entry PR) is coming to an end .. then what should one do ?

Reply to Dushyant Kumar

S

Sonia Bhatia

5 years ago

, I'm a girl from a middle class family, my parents are not in favour of my study. They never wanted me to study. However, they couldn't stop me to achieve my goals. I'm not working but I'm looking for some opportunities of a scholarship exam for abroad studies.

Reply to Sonia Bhatia

P

Piyush Kohli

5 years ago

Dear Sonia, you can check out the below link and see for which scholarship you are eligible: https://studyabroad.shiksha.com/scholarships/masters-courses?sc=internal

S

Sonia Bhatia

5 years ago

Hello, there are many who have a lot of money to go abroad. But for it's just impossible despite of taking nice scores every year. There is no scholarship chances for the helpless girl like me. Who has a dream to do higher studies. I wish someone could help me through

Reply to Sonia Bhatia