Immigration Corner | Facts about Canada’s Express Entry System

Dear Mrs Powell,

I have a few questions for you about the Express Entry System in Canada. Would you be kind enough to explain how it works? Do I need a job offer to apply? Does having relatives in Canada help my application? What documents will I need to apply? How long does the application take? Do I need to use a consultant? I hope to see my questions published in The Gleaner. Thank you

RM

Dear RM,

The Express Entry System is an electronic tool used by the Canadian immigration department – Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada – to manage the Federal Skilled Worker Programme, the Federal Skilled Trades Programme, the Canadian Experience Class and some Provincial Nominee Programmes. These programmes are the most popular pathway to receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence of Canada.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Once you meet the criteria for at least one of the economic programmes mentioned above, you will be placed in the pool of candidates that are considered eligible for selection. Individuals are given a comprehensive ranking score (CRS) based on factors such as their education, age, language skills, work experience, and other factors such as their spouse credentials, job prospects and connection to Canada.

The system is points-based, and so the focus should be on maximising your points. Additional points are awarded to individuals with siblings living permanently in Canada; and if you have a family member in a province, this could qualify you for a provincial nomination and an additional 600 points.

Approximately once a month, the government will evaluate the candidates in the pool, then select individuals based on the highest CRS and grant them an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

DO I NEED A JOB OFFER TO APPLY?

You do not need to have a job offer to qualify to enter the pool, although a job offer could give you additional points. Once you are admitted into the pool, you are given a code to allow you access to legitimate jobs and qualified employers via the JobBank website.

WHAT IS THE PROCESSING TIME?

Your express entry application is valid for one year. If you are not selected within that time, you will be required to reapply. If you are granted an invitation to apply, you must submit your completed application within 60 days. Once a completed application has been submitted, you can expect your application is to be processed within six-12 months and you will be granted a confirmation of permanent residence.

WHAT DOCUMENTS WILL I NEED?

Before you apply for the Express Entry System, you must have proof of your education and language skills. If you received your education outside of Canada, you are required to get your credentials assessed by one of the authorised organisations, such as Comparative Education Service: University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies; International Credential Assessment Service of Canada; or World Education Services, Canada. If you are applying as a specialist physician or general practitioner, you must have your credentials assessed by the Medical Council of Canada. If you are a pharmacist, your credentials must be assessed by the Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada.

All economic immigrants are required to provide proof of their language skills. The acceptable proof are Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Programme General, The International English Language Testing System – General Training examination; or the Pearson Test of English. Once you receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence, then you will need upload your passport, job letters, proof of relationship, police clearance, medical and other documents, depending on the details of your case.

WHO CAN REPRESENT YOU UNDER THE EXPRESS ENTRY?

If you need assistance with your application, you must use an authorised representative. Authorised representatives are Canadian lawyers, paralegals, notaries, and immigration consultants who are members in good standing of a Canadian provincial or territorial law society, the Chambre des notaries du Québec and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs).

The government of Canada will not deal with a representative who is not a member of one of the above groups. It is your duty to check the public registries of the law societies and the RCIC to ensure that you are using an authorised representative. You may find additional information at www.canada.ca or request a Zoom/telephone consultation.

Deidre S. Powell is a Canadian lawyer, mediator and notary public. You may connect with her on Instagram, and Facebook Telephone/WhatsApp 613 -695-8777

You do not need to have a job offer to qualify to enter the pool, although a job offer could give you additional points. Once you are admitted into the pool, you are given a code to allow you access to legitimate jobs and qualified employers via the JobBank website.