Any person who is trying to obtain the status of permanent residence in Canada will go through the term “Express Entry” more than once. It is easy to suppose that Express Entry manages its own immigration programs, but it is not true. Let’s understand the work of Express Entry and how important this step is before submitting the application.
Express Entry system
If you think that Express Entry is a program then you are wrong, Express Entry is a system that manages immigration applications and it is introduced by the IRCC (Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada) in 2015. This was brought up when it was found that the existing system was not well organized in rectifying the large number of applications that are received by IRCC.
In the past, every single application that was submitted was reviewed by the IRCC, regardless of whether an applicant met the eligibility baseline. It means that time processing can take more than five years for all applicants.
Work of Express Entry
The Express Entry system is not complex as it seems at first glance. If you want to find out whether you are eligible or not then you have to create your profile in Express Entry and complete your profile for EOI (Express your Interest) for applying for permanent status in Canada. You have to score higher to get an ITA.
Step by step process of Express Entry is given below:
Step 1: first of all, check your eligibility for Express Entry. Each of the three programs that are managed by Express Entry will have its own minimum eligibility requirements. You have to qualify for at least one of these programs that are managed through it if you want to enter the pool of Express Entry.
Step 2: You need to complete a language test and obtain an ECA (Educational Credential Assessment).
Step 3: Create your profile on the website of IRCC.
Step 4: After completing the above steps, you have to wait for the ITA that you will receive from IRCC, and after receiving ITA apply for permanent residence in Canada.
Step 5: After receiving your ITA, you have to submit your complete electronic application(e-APR) for PR to IRCC and you have to pay your fee within 60 days. Also, you need to give your certificate of medical exam and police verification to complete part of this step. After completing this step IRCC will give you AOR (Acknowledge of Receipt).
Step 6: You also need to submit your biometrics if it is asked by the IRCC.
Step 7: Wait for the final decision of IRCC on your application. If it is approved by IRCC then you will receive COPR (confirmation of permanent residence) and a PR visa then you can visit Canada.
Definition of Skilled work as per the system of Express Entry
“Skilled workers” are determined by the NOC (National Occupation Classification) system of Canada.
NOC is a system that is used by Canada to characterize the skill level and education which is necessary for an occupation or career in Canada. For instance, there are three categories of NOC for Express Entry:
NOC 0: It is for positions of management, such as restaurant manager.
NOC A: Careers that usually call for a university degree such as doctors, architects, etc.
NOC B: It is for Intermediate Skilled trades and technology such as food and beverage servers.
Every NOC category has a different ranking system and every candidate allocates a particular numeric code that is based on their job.
The Federal Skilled Program-(FSWP)
The FSWP (Federal Skilled workers Program) was created for those skilled workers who fulfill the eligibility in work experience, language, and education gained in foreign. To immigrate through this program applicants must have at least one work experience, proof of education, proof of funding, and a CLB score of 7. And also, candidates have to score 67 out of 100 on the grid of FSWP points.
Canadian Experience Class program-(CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class is a classification program for ideal applicants who wish to migrate through Express Entry to Canada. This program is particularly for those applicants who gain at least one year of skilled work experience in the province of Canada within the previous three years.
The requirement of language is different which is based on the classification of NOC. For those candidates whose jobs come under NOC 0 and A, their CLB score should be at least 7, whereas NOC B workers need a CLB of at least 5.
Federal Skilled Trade Program-(FSTP)
Due to facing challenges to address the shortage of skilled trade workers in the province, Canada has designed the FSTP in 2013. The work of FSWP and FSTP is the same but it is only for skilled trades. Those Candidates who want to immigrate to Canada under this program must have two years of work experience in a skilled trade and also, have a full-time job offer from a Canadian company.
Provincial Nominee Program-(PNP)
Every province or territory in Canada conducts PNP (Provincial Nominee Program).
The Pool of Express Entry is regularly analyzed by the province. Those candidates who are eligible for any programs that are managed by Express Entry qualify for the certain edibility criteria that are required for a specific province, an ITA will be issued through the province for a provincial nomination. Candidates must show interest in their application that they want to settle in a particular province.
Comprehensive Ranking System-(CEC)
The CRS was designed to score and rank the profile of Express Entry applicants. Candidates who want to migrate using the express entry have to visit the website of IRCC and complete a personal profile. Applicants get scores and their profile will be ranked on the basis of some components such as language skills, education, work experience, and age.
Looking forward
The express entry system was delayed due to the pandemic. IRCC withheld invitations for applicants of CEC and FSWP to address the backlog in applications of IRCC.
In this upcoming July, IRCC will once again invite CEC and FSWP candidates under Express Entry. Also, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser says that processing standards for new applicants will once again return to six months for new applicants.



