Apply For Canada Permanent Residence Through Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s system for managing applications for permanent residence (PR) from skilled workers. It’s one of the most popular immigration pathways for individuals who wish to settle in Canada permanently. The system selects candidates for various immigration programs based on their skills, work experience, education, language ability, and other factors.

Steps to Apply for Permanent Residence Through Express Entry:

1. Determine Your Eligibility

Express Entry manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For candidates with skilled work experience in a managerial, professional, or technical field.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For candidates with skilled trades experience.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For candidates with skilled work experience in Canada.

Each program has specific requirements related to:

• Work experience.
• Educational qualifications.
• Language proficiency (English or French).
• Other factors such as age, adaptability, and employment offers.

2. Complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

If you completed your education outside Canada, you must have your educational qualifications assessed to ensure they are equivalent to a Canadian degree, diploma, or certificate. This is done through recognized organizations such as:

• World Education Services (WES)
• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
• Comparative Education Service (CES), etc.
• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

3. Take a Language Test

You must prove your language ability in either English or French. Accepted tests include:

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for English.
• CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program) for English.
• TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French.
  Your score will determine your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level.

4. Create an Express Entry Profile

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, create an online profile in the Express Entry system. You will be asked to provide information about:

• Your work experience.
• Education.
• Language skills.
• Other details relevant to your eligibility.

5. Receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score

After submitting your profile, you will receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score out of 1,200 points. This score is based on:

• Age.
• Education.
• Work experience (both inside and outside Canada).
• Language skills.
• Other factors like having a Canadian job offer or a provincial nomination.
  Higher scores improve your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

6. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

The Canadian government holds Express Entry draws regularly (usually every two weeks) to invite the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence. If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cutoff for a particular draw, you will receive an ITA.

7. Submit Your Permanent Residence Application

Once you receive an ITA, you will have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residence. You must provide:

• Proof of your work experience.
• Educational documents.
• Language test results.
• Police certificates (for criminal background checks).
• Medical exams.
• Proof of funds (unless you have a valid job offer or are applying under the CEC).

8. Wait for the Processing of Your Application

Processing times for Express Entry applications are generally six months from the date of submission. However, this can vary depending on the completeness of your application and your specific circumstances.

9. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)

Once your application is approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a Permanent Resident Visa (if applicable). With these, you can enter Canada as a permanent resident.

10. Settle in Canada

Once you land in Canada as a permanent resident, you will receive your Permanent Resident (PR) card, which allows you to live and work anywhere in Canada. After three years of living in Canada, you may also be eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship.

Additional Factors to Consider:

• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): If you are nominated by a Canadian province, you can receive additional points under the Express Entry system, increasing your chances of getting an ITA.
• Job Offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can also boost your CRS score.
• Proof of Funds: If you don’t have a job offer in Canada, you need to show proof that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family after you move to Canada.

By following these steps, you can apply for Canadian permanent residence through the Express Entry system. The process is competitive, so it’s essential to maximize your CRS score to improve your chances of being selected.