Understanding Express Entry - The Basics

Express entry is a new system that selects skilled workers as immigrants, depending on their ability to settle in the country and contribute to the economy. Express entry system is used for permanent residency application for the following  programs.

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)

The Federal Skilled Worker Program selects people based on a number of factors, such as education, language skills, work experience, age, and some others. This information is used to determine how likely it is that the candidate will be able to properly establish themselves in Canada.  Those already settled in Canada and wish to become Canadian Permanent residents can apply through the Canadian Experience Class Program. The Federal Skilled Trades Class is a program for people who have job offers and/or certification in certain areas, who want to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Some of the trades that are eligible include industrial, electrical or construction trades, equipment operation or maintenance trades, or even chefs or cooks.

You need to complete two steps for the express entry system. The first is to create your profile. To complete the profile, you will need to provide information about the skills and education you have, as well as your language ability and work experience. You will be asked to include any other details that are relevant as well. You can complete the Express Entry profile online, where it is both free and secure.  You have 60 days to finish the profile one you have started it.

The information you provide in your profile will help determine your eligibility for any of the programs that Express Entry manages. If you meet any of the criteria, you will be placed into the pool of candidates. 

Once you are in the Express Entry pool, you can start looking for a job. To do this, you will create a Job Match account on Job Bank. You will be able to continue using this service once you arrive in Canada. Your Job Match account is an excellent online tool that matches you with employers who are looking for people with the skills you have. In addition to Job Match you are also able to use recruiters or job boards to make yourself known to employers.

Keep in mind that just because you get accepted into the candidate pool, doesn’t mean that you will automatically be able to apply for residence. Invitations to apply for permanent residence will be sent out to those with the highest scores. If you are invited to apply, you also need to make sure that you meet admissibility and eligibility requirements under the immigration law in Canada.

The second step is when the invitations to apply for residence are sent out. Based on the information in your profile, you will be evaluated and given a score. You will also receive points for Canadian degrees, certificates or diplomas, valid job offers, or if you are nominated by a province or territory. Invitations to apply are sent only to the highest scoring candidates within the pool. If invited, you have 90 days to submit your application online.

Visit this website to find out more: Express Entry Program