Express Entry is not an immigration program of Canada, but it’s an online application management system. Express Entry manages three immigration programs under it:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Express Entry is the fastest way to immigrate to Canada, hence, it’s one of the most popular ways.
Canada Express Entry: Overall Steps
Steps beginning from how to apply for Canada’s Express Entry to what to do after arriving in the country are listed out below.
- Check Eligibility
- Create Express Entry profile
- Get assigned an Express Entry program and receive CRS score
- Wait for Express Entry draw in the pool
- Receive an ITA in a draw
- Apply for Canada PR
- Collect necessary documents
- Pay for Canada PR
- Submit the application
- Receive AOR
- Give biometrics
- Receive a decision on PR application
- Receive COPR or PR visa
- Arrive in Canada
- Receive PR card
- Get in touch with settlement service provider
1. Check Eligibility
To be eligible for Express Entry, you have to be eligible for any of its immigration programs mentioned above. You can apply to any of these programs if you have skilled work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3.
Check your Express Entry eligibility here.
2. Create Express Entry profile
To apply for Express Entry, you must create a profile. Create an IRCC account and then sign in using GCKey or Sign-In Partner option.
To create the profile, you need a language test result certificate number and ECA report number, if your education was completed outside of Canada.
You are not required to ‘submit’ any documents while creating a profile. You only need the certificate and report numbers.
3. Get assigned Express Entry program and receive CRS score
Once you have completed creating a profile online, the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) will evaluate the information provided in it and then assign you a CRS score out of 1200. Along with a score, the system will also assign the Express Entry program you are eligible for.
The higher the score, the sooner you will get invited.
4. Wait for Express Entry draw in the pool
Now that you have been assigned an Express Entry program and a CRS score, your profile will be placed in the Express Entry pool. This pool consists of candidates waiting for an Express Entry draw to be conducted by the IRCC so they may get invited.
5. Receive an ITA in a draw
You cannot apply to Express Entry for Canada PR without being invited first. Hence, you must receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a draw and then apply for permanent residency.
6. Apply for Canada PR
Now this is the step when you can apply for Canada PR via Express Entry. Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to apply for permanent residency. After 60 days or 2 months, the ITA will be removed from your IRCC account itself.
In that scenario, you will have to wait to receive an ITA again.
7. Collect necessary documents
While applying for Canada PR, you must collect all the necessary documents for PR. Upload the required documents and fill out the necessary forms as well.
8. Pay for Canada PR
Pay the necessary PR fees of CAN$1,525 and any additional fees required.
9. Submit the application
Only when you are sure that the PR application is filled out correctly and no information is left to be provided, submit it. Remember to submit the application within 60 days.
10. Receive AOR
Now that you have submitted the PR application, take a deep breath and relax. IRCC will receive your application and open it to check all the documents are in there, and that the application was submitted while the immigration program is running.
Once IRCC is sure that the application submitted is complete, it will send you an AOR or Acknowledgement of Receipt letter in your IRCC account.
11. Give biometrics
Once you pay the biometric fee, you will receive a biometric validity letter. This letter will inform you where and when to give the biometrics.
12. Receive a decision on PR application
Once IRCC is done processing your application, you will receive the decision in your IRCC account.
13. Receive COPR or PR visa
If your application is approved, IRCC will issue you a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) online. In case you belong to a country that requires a visa, IRCC will send you a Canada PR visa.
You will also need to confirm your permanent resident status on the PR portal. IRCC will ask you to provide a photograph of yourself so they can create the PR card.
14. Arrive in Canada
Using the COPR or visa, arrive in Canada and get your documents verified at any port of entry. A border services officer will verify some of your documents at the border, collect your biometric information to match with the information provided by you, verify your identity, etc.
15. Receive PR card
Within 180 days of arriving in Canada, IRCC may be able to mail your PR card to your Canadian address. You do not have to apply for your first PR card, however if it has been longer than 180 days, apply for it online.
16. Get in touch with settlement service provider
Now that you are in Canada, get in touch with a settlement service provider and get free services. There are various service providers that help out newcomers settle in Canada comfortably.
Well, now you know all the steps of how to apply for Canada Express Entry from start to finish. If you find these steps a bit confusing, you can always contact Talent Connected Worldwide, India’s only CICC-certified immigration consultancy, and get your Canada PR filed at the lowest price guaranteed.
TCWW will file your Canada PR at just INR 30,000 + taxes. This offer covers creating your Express Entry profile, gathering and submitting all the required documents, and providing you unlimited lifetime assistance by just paying a meager amount of INR 30,000.
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