Navigating Canada Express Entry 2024: Eligibility, Documents, Cost & More
Last Updated On : February 13 , 2024
Understanding Canada Express Entry
Canada Express Entry is a system designed by the Canadian government to manage applications for Permanent Residence from skilled workers.
Express Entry Pool
The Express Entry pool serves as a platform where individuals worldwide, aiming for permanent residence in Canada, submit their information. Eligible candidates aspiring to become permanent residents are evaluated and ranked using a points-based system, with the CRS score determined by the details furnished in their profiles.
Canada Express Entry Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following criteria to qualify for the Canada Express Entry program.
1. Language Proficiency
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English or French through designated language tests.
2. Education
A post-secondary degree, diploma, or certificate is required to qualify for the program.
3. Work Experience
Relevant work experience in a skilled occupation is a key requirement.
4. Admissibility
All applicants must be admissible to Canada, which includes factors such as security, health, and criminality.
The minimum points required to enter Canada via Express Entry
Embark on your journey to Canada's Express Entry, where your destiny is shaped by the magic of five captivating selection factors.
| Age group | Minimum points |
| 18-35 Years | 12 |
| 36 | 11 |
| 37 | 10 |
| 38 | 9 |
| 39 | 8 |
| 40 | 7 |
| 41 | 6 |
| 42 | 5 |
| 43 | 4 |
| 44 | 3 |
| 45 | 2 |
| 46 | 1 |
| 47 & Above | 0 |
| Education | Minimum points |
| Doctoral or PhD or Equivalent | 25 Points |
| Master’s Degree | 23 Points |
| Two or more Diplomas | 22 Points |
| Canadian Post Secondary Degree or Bachelor’s Degree | 21 Points |
| Canadian Post Secondary Degree or Bachelor’s Degree | 19 Points |
| Canadian Post Secondary Degree | 15 Points |
| Canadian Post Secondary Degree or One year Program | 5 Points |
| Experience | Minimum points |
| Above 6 years | 15 Points |
| 4-5 years | 12 Points |
| 2-3 years | 11 Points |
| 1 years | 9 Points |
| First Language | CBL 9 & Above | CLB 8 | CLB 7 | Less than CLB 7 |
| Speaking | 6 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Listening | 6 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Reading | 6 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Writing | 6 | 5 | 4 | 0 |
| Total | 24 | 20 | 16 | _ |
| Minimum CLB 5 in all four language factors | 4 Points |
| At least CLB 4 or less | 0 |
| Adaptability | Minimum points |
| Your spouse language skills | 5 points |
| Previous Education was in Canada | 5 points |
| If your spouse’s past education was in Canada | 5 points |
| Past work experience in Canada | 10 points |
| If your spouse’s is having past work experience in Canada | 5 points |
| Arranged employment in Canada | 5 points |
| Relatives in Canada | 5 points |
Ways to enhance your CRS score include:
1. Language Skills:
By demonstrating proficiency in both official languages, you can earn a maximum of 260 CRS points under the language factor.
2. Education:
Enhance your educational qualifications to claim additional CRS points. Additionally, obtaining Canadian study experience can significantly boost your overall score.
3. Spousal Adaptability:
If traveling with a spouse, incorporating their potential factors can raise the overall CRS score.
4. Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Nomination:
Explore and apply for a suitable Provincial Nominee Program, potentially earning a nomination and an additional 600 points towards your total score.
5. Canadian Employment:
Securing employment with a Canadian employer can elevate your total score by 50-200 points.
Canada Express Entry Requirements
The requirements for the Canada Express Entry program include creating an Express Entry profile and meeting the eligibility criteria for one of the four federal economic immigration programs:
a. The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is designed for skilled professionals possessing relevant work experience, aiming to secure a Permanent Residency(PR).
b. The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program customized for skilled workers seeking Permanent Residency through qualifications in specific skilled Trades.
c. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class caters to skilled workers with prior Canadian work experience who aspire to obtain Permanent Residency status.
d. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP)
The vibrant provinces of Canada actively engage in the program to select and endorse candidates who fulfill their dynamic labor market requirements.
Cost of Canada Express Entry
The cost associated with the Canada Express Entry process includes fees for language tests, educational credential assessments, and the application itself. Additionally, there are settlement fund requirements to demonstrate financial stability (Proof of Funds).
Documents required for the Canada Express Entry Program
- To submit your profile, document upload is not mandatory, yet you may require details from the following documents:
- Passport or travel document.
- For Venezuelan passport holders: Additional steps might be necessary during profile creation or application submission.
- Language proficiency test results.
- Evidence of Canadian education or educational credential assessment report for immigration (purposes, particularly if you are applying via the Federal Skilled Workers Program or seeking points for education obtained outside Canada).
- Provincial nomination documentation (if applicable).
- Written job offer from a Canadian employer (if applicable).
- Verification of work experience.
- Certification of qualification in a trade occupation issued by a Canadian province or territory (if applicable).
- Proof of funds
Express Entry Draws in Canada
Express Entry draws are conducted regularly by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to issue invitations to apply for permanent residence to candidates who meet the eligibility criteria. The frequency and minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score for invitations varies with each draw.
In the Express Entry draw on January 10, 2024, invitations were extended to 1,510 candidates through a general draw, with a prerequisite minimum CRS score of 546 for eligibility.
Canada Express Entry Points Calculator
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is utilized to assess and rank candidates within the Express Entry pool. Points are assigned based on criteria including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant factors.. Candidates can use the CRS calculator to assess their potential score and eligibility for the program.
As Canada continues to be an attractive destination for skilled immigrants, the Canada Express Entry program provides a streamlined pathway to permanent residence for eligible individuals.
Conclusion
The Canada Express Entry program offers a promising opportunity for skilled individuals seeking to immigrate to Canada. By understanding the eligibility criteria, requirements, and assessment factors such as language proficiency and work experience, individuals can strategically prepare and navigate the application process. With the regular conduct of Express Entry draws and the availability of resources such as point calculators, candidates can make informed decisions and increase their chances of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada.