Canada Immigration Discussion Forum

Canada Immigration Discussion Forum page. This is our quick-stop page for everything you need to get started to realize your desire to immigrate to Canada.

Canada uses the Express Entry immigration pool draws system to manage permanent residence (PR) applications. It is the most popular way to immigrate to Canada.

Express Entry allows Canada to actively recruit, assess and select skilled immigrants under the following Federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Class; the Federal Skilled Trades Class; and the Canadian Experience Class.

Typically, IRCC conducts Express Entry immigration pool draws approximately every two weeks. In each draw IRCC invites candidates who score the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score points to apply for Canadian PR.

After IRCC approves your application and you complete the landing process, you will officially become a Canadian permanent resident.

Eligibility for Express Entry immigration pool draws

In order to enter the federal Express Entry immigration pool, candidates must first create an Express Entry pool draws profile on IRCC’s official government website.

A job offer is not required to enter or be selected from the Express Entry immigration pool. However, additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score points are awarded to those who already have a job.

A total of 1,200 CRS points is available. You automatically get 600 points if you are nominated by a Canadian provincial government under any of Canada’s Provincial Immigrant Nomination Programs (PNPs).

Canada Immigration Discussion Forum page – How Express Entry works – step-by-step

Step 1: Find out if you’re eligible

There are two ways to find out if you’re eligible for a program that is part of Express Entry:

• answer a few questions to see if you meet the minimum requirements
• read the detailed requirements for each program

Step 2: Get your documents ready

You need documents, such as language test results, to show that you’re eligible for Express Entry.

However, note that some documents take a long time to get, so you should get them ready now.

• Get the documents you need

Step 3: Submit your profile into Express Entry pool

Basically, your Express Entry profile is where you give IRCC information about yourself.

A key point specifically if you’re married or have a common-law partner. One of you must be the main or principal applicant.

To clarify, this person is the ONE to submit a profile and list the spouse or partner in it.

Your principal applicant should be the one of you most likely to:

• meet the eligibility requirements
• earn the most points in the selection factors (if applying under the Federal Skilled Workers Program)
• earn the most points in Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System

If you’re eligible, IRCC will accept you, and register you into the Express Entry pool of candidates.

You’ll be ranked in the Express Entry pool using the CRS points-based system. Your score is based on the information in your profile.

• Quickly Check your CRS score with our simple FREE CRS Score calculator.
• THEN use the more detailed official Canada government CRS Score form for Free.
• THEN create your official Canada government Express Entry Profile.

See also How to create Express Entry profile for your Canada PR Application

Step 4: Receive an invitation and apply for Canada permanent residence

IRCC will send Invitations to Apply (ITA) to the candidates with the highest scores in the pool.

If IRCC invites you to apply, you’ll have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence.

IRCC processes complete applications that have all the supporting documents in 6 months or less.

• Apply for Canadian permanent residence

Express Entry immigration pool quick check

• Create an IRCC profile/account to apply for Canada visa online
• Check your application status
• Check application processing times

How to improve your Express Entry CRS score

An Express Entry candidate typically needs a CRS score of 470-490 points in a regular draw.

To emphasize, to get to these higher scores you need to maximize your points on all available factors.

We advise that you continue to improve your Express Entry CRS scoring. See for example Tips for Improving Express Entry CRS Scores.

See also Canada immigration document checklist – what you need to immigrate to Canada.

Additional resources:

• Presentation for skilled foreign workers
  • PDF (PDF, 653.55KB)
• Express Entry factsheet for candidates
  • PDF (PDF, 769.8KB)
• Summer 2015 – Presentation deck from employer engagement sessions
  • PDF (PDF, 808.91KB)

Documents for Express Entry Profile

To emphasize again, you need certain documents at different stages of the Express Entry application process.

You don’t need to upload documents to submit a profile. However, you may need information from some or all of these documents:

• passport or travel document
• language test results
• education credential assessment report if
  • you’re applying through the Federal Skilled Workers program, or
  • you want to get points for the education you got outside Canada
• provincial nomination (if you have one)
• written job offer from an employer in Canada (if you have one)

Documents for your application for Canadian permanent residence

Most importantly, you must upload the documents referenced in your profile.

Most applicants will also need to upload the following:

• police certificates
• medical exams
• proof of funds

See also Video of Express Entry – Step by Step process and How to create Express Entry Profile.