CANADA EXPERIENCE CLASS (CEC)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), targets a six-month processing time for applications, which is why it’s called Express Entry. This six-month period starts from when a complete application for permanent residence is submitted, not from the initial expression of interest or the invitation to apply.

No, Express Entry doesn’t change the requirements for Canadian immigration programs. It’s not an immigration program itself; instead, it’s a system designed to manage and select candidates for the existing programs.

Potential candidates express their interest in moving to Canada by creating an Express Entry profile. In this profile, they provide details about their skills, work experience, language proficiency, education, and other personal information. The profile is based on the candidate’s own assessment of their background.

Candidates who create an Express Entry profile and qualify for one of Canada’s economic immigration programs are added to the Express Entry pool. These programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, Canadian Experience Class, and some Provincial Nominee Programs. From this pool, selections can be made by the federal and provincial governments, as well as Canadian employers. Those chosen receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for immigration to Canada under one of these programs.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used by Canada’s Express Entry program to evaluate and rank candidates for immigration. The CRS assigns scores based on various factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria. Candidates with the highest scores are more likely to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada. The CRS helps the Canadian government manage and select the most qualified applicants from the Express Entry pool.

An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is given to candidates in the Express Entry pool who are chosen by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to apply for immigration to Canada. To receive an ITA, a candidate must meet the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score required in a specific draw.