Lesw Orthis
Here are some common questions about Express Entry, the Canadian immigration system for skilled workers:
- What is Express Entry? Express Entry is a Canadian immigration system that allows skilled workers to apply for permanent residence in Canada. It was introduced in 2015 and has since become a popular pathway for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada.
- How does Express Entry work? To apply for Express Entry, you must first create an online profile and provide information about your skills, education, work experience, and other relevant details. You will be ranked against other candidates in the Express Entry pool based on a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with the highest scores will be invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws from the pool.
- What are the eligibility requirements for Express Entry? To be eligible for Express Entry, you must meet the following requirements:
- Have at least one year of skilled work experience in a job listed in Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC) system.
- Have a qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer, or be eligible for one of Canada’s federal economic immigration programs (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class).
- Meet the minimum language requirements for your occupation (usually Canadian Language Benchmark 7 for most occupations).
- Have at least a Canadian high school diploma or equivalent foreign education.
- How long does the Express Entry process take? The Express Entry process can take several months or longer, depending on various factors such as the demand for your skills, the processing times of the immigration program you are applying under, and the speed at which you can gather and submit the required documentation.
- Can I bring my family with me to Canada through Express Entry? Yes, you can bring your spouse or common-law partner, and any dependent children, with you to Canada through Express Entry. Your family members will be included in your permanent residence application and will be eligible for permanent residence status if you are approved.
- Can I work in Canada while my Express Entry application is being processed? If you have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer, you may be able to apply for a work permit while your permanent residence application is being processed. This will allow you to work in Canada while your application is being reviewed. However, you must meet the eligibility requirements for a work permit and obtain it before you can start working in Canada.
- How much does it cost to apply for Express Entry? There are several fees associated with the Express Entry process, including a processing fee for your permanent residence application, a right of permanent residence fee, and other potential fees such as medical exams and language testing. The total cost of the Express Entry process can vary, but you can expect to pay several hundred to several thousand Canadian dollars in fees.
- Is Express Entry the only way to immigrate to Canada as a skilled worker? No, there are several other immigration programs available for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada, including Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), the Quebec Skilled Worker Program, and other federal economic immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, and Canadian Experience Class programs.
