If you want to move to Canada as a skilled worker, express entry is the ideal program for you. The good thing about this program is that it is one of the most effective ways of moving into Canada and the processes are pretty straightforward. So far you meet the requirements, and you won’t have issues moving into the country.
In 2024, the Canadian government has thrown its doors wide open to accept more skilled workers into the country. This largely has to do with the country’s need for skilled workers. So, if you are a skilled worker and wish to move to Canada permanently, this is a good chance. There are numerous opportunities available in Canada for skilled workers and it is a beautiful location to pursue one’s career.
This program is also one of the easiest channels to apply for permanent residence if you want to move to Canada permanently. Once you meet the criteria to be a permanent resident, there won’t be an issue applying for it through the Express Entry program.
Do you wish to move to Canada as a skilled worker and want to know how the Express Entry program works? I will give a clear view of everything you need to know about how Express Entry works in Canada, in 2024.
The Three Economic Immigration Streams Available in Express Entry
If you want to move into Canada through the Express Entry program, ensure that you fit into at least one of the economic immigration streams available in Express Entry. This is a firm rule that can’t be bypassed.
Below are the three immigration streams available in Canada and how they work:
1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This Express Entry channel is available for foreigners who have been working in Canada for at least a year.
2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
This program is available for those with a long period of work experience and who wish to move to Canada and work permanently.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTW)
This program is available for skilled tradespeople who wish to move to Canada and work for a long time.
How to Apply for Permanent Residence Through Express Entry
As I stated previously, the Express Entry program is one of the easiest ways to be a permanent resident in Canada. The process is quite straightforward and only requires you to meet the criteria. Once you are qualified, the chance of being accepted is very high.
Below are some of the necessary steps you will have to take to apply for permanent residence through the Express Entry program:
1. Know if You Are Eligible for Express Entry
This is the best step in the right direction to avoid wasting your time and resources. There are specific individuals mapped out as beneficiaries for this immigration program and not everyone is meant for the program.
If you wish to move to Canada through the Express Entry program, there is a need to qualify for at least one of the three economic immigration channels:
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: if you are a skilled tradesperson, then this channel is the best way to move into Canada. It is exclusive to experienced tradespeople who wish to live and work in Canada permanently.
- Canadian Experience Class: This is exclusive to foreigners who have been working in Canada for at least a year.
- Federal Skilled Workers Program: If you are an applicant that has had years of rich work experience, then the Express Entry channel is open to you.
The above-discussed channels are the easiest ways of moving to Canada through the Express Entry program. If you don’t fit into any of the criteria, there is no need to apply through the Express Entry program.
2. Create an IRCC Account and an Express Entry Profile
The next step to take once you qualify for one of the Express Entry programs is to create an account on the IRCC website and then submit your profile to formally sign up as one of the Express Entry applicants.
Keep in mind that this registration process doesn’t require you to upload a document. However, once you are among the chosen ones and are called up to apply for Permanent Residence, you will have to upload the required documents to your Express Entry Profile.
3. Calculate Your Comprehensive Ranking Score
It is no news that the Canadian Immigration programs make use of a point-based system (putting into cognizance aspects such as language proficiency, skill, work experience, age, education, adaptability, and other important factors) while ranking its applicants.
The good thing about this point-based system is that it is very effective because you would see your score once you are done answering the questions. With the score, you will know if you meet the least required points for the Express Entry program.
Submit Your Profile
Once your profile has been submitted, it flings you into the pool of other thousands of applicants. You must keep in mind that submitting an Express Entry profile is different from submitting a Permanent Residence application. You can only be invited to submit a Permanent Residence application if you are among the high-ranked applicants.
This process might last for up to a year and if there are changes in your ranking factors, you can always update them. This is very crucial so that the point-based system can keep track of your current qualifications.
5. Receive an Invitation and Apply for Permanent Residence
Once you are among the highest-ranked candidates after every draw, you will be invited to apply for permanent residence. You will be given 60 days to finalize your application for permanent residence in Canada. Keep in mind that deadlines can’t be extended, so don’t wait till it is late to begin applying.
Read: How to apply for Canada Study permit
Final Thoughts
If you want to move into Canada as a skilled worker or tradesperson, the best way to go about it is through the Express Entry program. In this article, I went into detail on everything you need to know about how the express entry program works in Canada.
