Express Entry, launched on January 1, 2015, is the quickest and the most popular pathway specially designed for those willing to permanently settle in Canada. It is a simplified program that involves two stages – pre-invitation and post-invitation. To be eligible to apply under Express Entry, candidates must meet the criteria of at least one of the following programs:

1) Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): The FSWP is Canada’s primary economic immigration pathway targeted towards skilled workers. The eligibility criteria for this program include at least one year of continuous work experience in the past 10 years in a skilled occupation under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) with a skill level of O, A, or B. Having high-level language proficiency skills (CLB 7) in English or French is also a necessity for the selection of the candidate. For candidates educated outside of Canada, an educational credential assessment (ECA) report is required. In addition to meeting the FSWP’s minimum work, language ability, and education requirements, candidates must also obtain at least 67 points under the selection point grid.

2] Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Candidates aspiring to become permanent residents of Canada must have at least one year of skilled, professional, or technical work experience in Canada within three years of the application date, along with the language skills criteria (CLB 7 or 5) being satisfied. An added benefit of this approach is that you will be rewarded with more comprehensive ranking system (CRS) points due to your Canadian education and work experience.

3] Federal Skilled Trades Program: The eligibility criteria for FSTP include a minimum of two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within 5 years of submitting an application. The applicant must meet the job requirements of the skilled trade backed by a full-time job offer in Canada for a period of at least one year or possess a certificate of qualification in the skilled trade issued by an official Canadian authority.

Candidates who qualify under either of these streams are eligible to create a profile under the Express Entry. In the Express Entry pool, candidates across the globe are awarded a CRS score, based on their age, education, work experience, and adaptability factors. The highest-ranked candidates receive an  invitation to apply [ITA] for permanent residence by the IRCC. The candidate is required to submit his complete permanent residence application to the IRCC. The IRCC generally holds bi-weekly draws. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the IRCC has been issuing CEC-only draws, off late.

Here is a quick do-it-yourself (DIY) kit for all candidates, willing to immigrate to Canada:

Step 1: Determine if your profile adheres to all requirements listed under the eligibility criteria for Express Entry

Step 2: Complete language testing (IELTS or CELPIP) and obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a recognized authority, such as WES, IQAS, etc.

Step 3: Create an online Express Entry profile on Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada [IRCC]

Step 4: Based on your CRS score, you may receive an ITA

Step 5: Submit your completed application for permanent residence (APR) to the IRCC and pay your fees within the given time frame along with your medical evaluation report and police certificates. In return, the IRCC will provide you with the acknowledgement of Receipt [AOR].

Step 6: Submit your biometrics after the IRCC issues the request letter

Step 7: Wait for IRCC to make a final decision on the APR. The IRCC strives to complete the task of finalizing applications within six months. Upon approval of your application, you will receive a confirmation of permanent residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa [if you hail from a country that requires a visa] so you can travel to Canada and complete your landing.

Express Entry immigration is set to grow even further in the coming years with Canada releasing its 2021-2023 immigration levels plan in late 2020. The country aims to welcome over 400,000 new immigrants per year, most of whom are going to arrive as skilled workers with Express Entry as the pathway to manage their applications. From 2021-2023, Canada aims to welcome around 110,000 Express Entry immigrants each year.