The Federal Express Entry (EE) is a selection and case management system (not a category), implemented by the Canadian govt to expedite the Permanent Resident visa process for various Economic Immigration Programs. It is an electronic process with online submissions, which allows for quicker processing times of about 6 months. EE applicants receive priority process and increased accessibility to broader occupations, and there is no maximum cap for the applications each year. The applicant must plan to live outside the province of Quebec.

In the first three months of 2021, IRCC issued nearly double the number of ITAs than the same period in the previous year.

All candidates who meet the eligibility requirements in one of the FSWP, FSTP, CEC, and many PNPs programs apply and will be placed into a pool. The applicants are ranked using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Periodically, a certain number of the highest ranked applicants who meet the threshold will be invited to apply for Permanent Residence.  Once a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA), they have 90 days to submit an application for permanent residence along with complete documents within the timeline and pay the govt fee. 

60% of new immigrants arrive in Canada through Express Entry economic pathways. Job offer is not mandatory, though it gives points. An applicant can apply for EE and PNP simultaneously. There is no govt fee for the EE profile and it is valid for 12 months. The CRS score is based on factors like age, level of education, proficiency in official languages, work experience, skill transferability, siblings in Canada, arranged employment, spouse’s characteristics, and Provincial nomination etc. The ITA does not give any guarantee for PR.

After completing the process, successful candidates and their dependants (spouse and children) can land in Canada as Permanent Residents and be on their way to becoming Canadian Citizens.  

Grasping the eligibility requirements for each program is simple, but ensuring the requirements are met is a difficult part. It means different things for different people; and needs competent, diligent and ethical professional guidance.  We can help our clients improve their CRS score, and with the submission of their application with IRCC.