How Express Entry works.
What is express entry?
Launched in January 2015, the express entry process is one of Canada's largest economic programs for permanent residence under the following immigration categories: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program. Last year alone, the program issued 89,800 invitations to apply for permanent residence. More than half (53%) of these invitations were under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and approximately one third (34%) under the Canadian Experience Class, with the cut-off score ranging from 439 to 456.
How express entry works
The system is a two-stage process, first requiring individuals to submit a profile online, which is electronically screened to ensure individuals meet the eligibility one of the immigration categories. Candidates who meet the criteria are placed into the express entry pool and assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on their age, language ability, work experience, education, a combination of these factors, referred to as "skills transferability" and lastly, "adaptability" factors. If a candidate is not eligible, they will receive a standard templated letter advising they are unable to enter the pool. Keep in mind, entering the express entry pool is not an application; it is an expression of interest for applying for permanent residence in Canada.
Invitations to Apply (ITA) will be sent to candidates in the pool with a CRS score higher or the same as the CRS cut-off issued by the government. ITA draws usually occur every two weeks (often on a Wednesday). Be mindful of the tie-breaking rule - if more than one candidate has the CRS cut-off issued, the ITA is issued based on the date and time the profile was submitted- the first in will receive the ITA. Candidates who do not receive an ITA will remain in the pool for 12 months, after which the profile will expire if no ITA received. Candidates may submit a new profile if they wish to be considered for future draws. There is no way to renew the same profile.
Second Stage
The second stage is the submission of an ITA. If candidates receive an ITA, they will only have 60 days to collect and submit all supporting documentation and information under the program they received the ITA for (the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program) Be mindful of document expiries, (passport, medicals and police clearances) if you wish to collect documentation before receiving an ITA.
The criteria for express entry's supporting documentation is heavily scrutinized once the application is submitted to the Canadian government. Something as simple as a black and white copy can lead to an "incomplete" application and cancelled application. If this happens, candidates are required to renter the pool (stage one) and await a new ITA.
Upon receipt of a complete application, an immigration officer will verify an applicant meets the program eligibility as well as confirms the applicant and any dependent family members are not inadmissible (criminally or medically). The processing for express entry is six months for 80% of cases. Processing time is measured from the day a complete application is received until an immigration officer makes a final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my application taking longer than six months?
It would be near impossible to give you an exact answer to this question, as every application is considered on its own merits, but there are some common reasons for delays. It's important to remember, processing times are not firm deadlines for the Canadian government; they are approximations. If your application is over the stipulated processing, it does not automatically mean something is wrong, don't panic.
We find one of the main reason's applications are delayed, is due to security checks. CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Services) collects the data through its own databases, shared databases from countries that have partnered with Canada, international agencies, and by requesting information from foreign countries. There are several third-party agencies involved which can, of course, come with delays. For example, if you have had extensive travel or military experience, it may take longer to verify this information. After CSIS files a report, IRCC has to make a final determination on the application. If CSIS has flagged items on the report, IRCC will send the report to trained officials to determine if there is any inadmissibility based on security. The average processing time for security screening is approximately 62-110 days.
What happens after I receive approval?
Receiving a decision does not yet mean you have obtained permanent resident status. To finalize the process, you must first "land" in Canada. There are two ways to complete the landing process. If you are outside of Canada you will receive a "passport request" and be required to submit a small package to the government. On return of your documents, you will also receive a document called, "confirmation of permanent residence" and a visa (if required). With these document(s), you may enter Canada and speak with a Canadian border office to complete the landing process.
If you are in Canada, you may be requested to attend an interview, or applicants may book one. The interview is conducted in Canada, and you will receive your signed confirmation of permanent residence at the interview. Once you have completed your landing process, you are officially a Canadian permanent resident.
No matter which process you complete, Permanent Resident Cards are delivered by regular mail within 6-8 weeks of the landing date, to a Canadian address provided at the landing interview.