Canada’s Express Entry system is a points-based immigration program designed to attract skilled workers to contribute to the Canadian economy. This comprehensive guide will provide a step-by-step plan for applying to Express Entry, discuss the latest LMIA CRS points, and clarify the recent changes to CRS points for job offers.

Immigration Programs under Express Entry

Express Entry manages three main immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who meet specific eligibility criteria, including language proficiency, education, and work experience .  
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program is for skilled workers with Canadian work experience who meet the minimum requirements for language proficiency and work experience .  
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): This program is for skilled tradespeople with a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification in a skilled trade, along with meeting language and work experience requirements .  

In addition to these programs, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced category-based selection draws . These draws target candidates with specific work experience, language ability, or educational background in certain categories, such as healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, agriculture, and agri-food. These category-based draws aim to address labor market needs in specific sectors and provide a pathway for individuals with in-demand skills to immigrate to Canada.  

Eligibility Criteria

Before delving into the application process, it’s crucial to determine your eligibility for Express Entry. To be eligible, you must meet the requirements of one of the three federal economic immigration programs mentioned above.

Generally, to be eligible for Express Entry as a skilled worker, you must:

• Have at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years .  
• Demonstrate a minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level of 7 in English or French through an approved language test .  
• Have completed post-secondary education assessed against Canadian standards with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) .  
• There is no age limit for Express Entry, but points are not awarded for age over 47 years . Eligibility criteria for Express Entry differ according to the selected program .  

Proof of Funds

In addition to the above, applicants must demonstrate they have enough funds to support themselves and their family after arriving in Canada . The required amount varies depending on the number of family members accompanying the applicant.  

Number of Family Members	Funds Required
1	$14,690
2	$18,288
3	$22,483
4	$27,297
5	$30,690
6	$34,917
7	$38,875
If more than 7 people, for each additional family member	$3,958

Export to Sheets

This requirement ensures that newcomers have the financial means to settle in Canada and cover their living expenses while they establish themselves.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, you can proceed with the following steps to apply for Express Entry:

1. Create an Express Entry profile: Visit the official website of the Express Entry system and create an online profile . You’ll need to provide personal information, details about your work experience, education, language skills, and other relevant factors .  
2. Calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score: The CRS is a points-based system used to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool . Factors considered include age, education, language proficiency, work experience, and adaptability . Use the CRS calculator tool on the official website to determine your score .  
3. Submit your profile to the Express Entry pool: Once you’ve created your profile and calculated your CRS score, submit it to the Express Entry pool. Your profile will be ranked against other candidates .  
4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your CRS score is high enough, you’ll receive an ITA for permanent residence . The Canadian government conducts regular Express Entry draws, inviting the highest-ranking candidates to apply .  
5. Submit a complete application: After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence . This includes providing supporting documents, such as language test results, ECA report, and proof of funds .  
6. Complete medical examination and biometrics: You’ll need to undergo a medical examination by an approved panel physician and provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) at a designated center .  
7. Wait for processing: Once you’ve submitted your application, it will be processed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Processing times can vary .  
8. Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR): If your application is approved, you’ll receive a COPR, which allows you to land in Canada as a permanent resident .  

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS plays a vital role in the Express Entry system. It’s essential to understand how points are calculated to maximize your score and increase your chances of receiving an ITA.

CRS Points Breakdown

The CRS assigns points based on various factors, including:

• Core Human Capital Factors:
  • Age  
  • Level of education  
  • Official language proficiency (English and/or French)  
  • Canadian work experience  
• Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors:
  • Education level of your spouse or common-law partner
  • Official language proficiency of your spouse or common-law partner
  • Canadian work experience of your spouse or common-law partner
• Skill Transferability Factors:
  • Combination of education and language proficiency  
  • Combination of foreign work experience and language proficiency  
  • Combination of education and Canadian work experience  
  • Combination of foreign work experience and Canadian work experience  
• Additional Factors:
  • Provincial nomination  
  • Canadian study experience  
  • Sibling in Canada  
  • French language ability  
  • Adaptability – This factor considers your ability to successfully settle in Canada, based on factors such as having a close relative in Canada, a spouse or partner with Canadian education or work experience, or previous study or work experience in Canada .

For further info – Immigrate through Express Entry – Canada.ca