Making an Express Entry into Canada

Facing a declining birth rate and an aging population, the Canadian government plans on reaching unprecedented immigration levels over the next three years. The federal government plans to admit one million immigrants who will call Canada their home, over the next three years. What is more important is that 60% or roughly 600,000 of the new immigrants over the next few years will be from the Economic Class. These are bullish times for those seeking to live in Canada as a skilled immigrant, and Express Entry is one of the simplest ways  to make it happen.

Express entry is an online application for permanent residence for skilled workers. A skilled worker should create an online profile on CIC in order to be considered a candidate. Once a profile is submitted, each candidate is ranked according to the points they collect based on criteria such as: education level, language skills, work experience, age, job offer, etc… The highest ranked will  receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

There are three streams of Express Entry which are available. 

1) Federal Skilled Worker program:

• One year of full time work in managerial, professional or technical/skilled trades occupation
• A job offer is a bonus
• Proof of language proficiency
• Proof of funds to support oneself and any dependents after arrival in Canada
• 67 points is considered a passing mark for this application

2) Federal Skilled Trades Worker Program (FSTP)

• Employment offer is mandatory
• A minimum of 2 years work experience related to your skills
• Proof of language proficiency
• Must plan to live outside of Quebec

3) Canadian Experience Class Program (CEC)

• Proof of language proficiency
• 1 year of skilled work experience within Canada
• Legal status while working in Canada

In 2018, 89,000 invitations to apply were sent to express entry candidates. This number is expected to increase in 2019 and further increase in 2020. Now more than ever, the government is open to allowing skilled immigrants make Canada their home. Take advantage of this and create your express entry profile! For more information about express entry and your likelihood of being admitted, contact Toronto lawyer Janice Warren.