The Canada Express Entry program is an immigration program for professionals awaiting to settle in Canada. It is one of the fastest and easy paths for immigrants searching for a new life in Canada.
The Express Entry immigration program grants point to professionals based on the following:
- Skills
- Experience
- Canadian employment status
The higher your points, the greater the chances of receiving an invitation to apply for your permanent residency (PR).
Learning how to create your Express Entry profile goes a long way in helping you structure and process your Canadian immigration and help you acquire Canadian permanent residence.
How to Create Express Entry Profile for Canada PR Application
To create an Express Entry profile, follow the steps listed below:
Step #1: Take a language test
Applicants must prove their knowledge in at least one of the two Canadian official languages-English or French. Skilled applicants must complete a government-approved language test and include the test results in their profile.
Step #2: Assessments of Foreign Education Credentials (if necessary)
The next step to learning how to create your Canada Express Entry profile is to have your education credentials and certificates obtained outside of Canada evaluated.
This is to ensure that your foreign education standards are comparable to a similar Canadian standard of education.
Obtainment of a credential assessment is mandatory for anyone who wants to migrate under the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
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Although this is not mandatory for all Express Entry programs, it can significantly enhance your chances of success, regardless of the express entry program you apply to.
Step #3: National Occupation Classification (NOC)
The National Occupation Classification (NOC) is a standardized system developed by the government of Canada to use in the proper classification of jobs in the country.
To migrate to Canada using the Express Entry system, you must depict that your work experience fits the occupation definition in the Canada National Occupation Classification database.
Only applicants with the following work experience may apply for immigration under the Express Entry System:
- Skill Type 0 (Management Jobs)
- Skill Level A (Professional Jobs)
- Skill Level B (Technical Jobs and Skilled trades)
Step #4: Get eligible for your Express Entry Immigration
The IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s) website contains an online tool applicants use to ascertain whether they are eligible to use the Express Entry system.
Note that this tool must be used before creating the Express Entry profile.
To use this tool, you must have already taken a language test and identified the NOC skill type or level you are currently applying for; upon success, you will receive your reference code.
Step #5: Build your Express Entry Profile
If the online tool ascertains that you are qualified to apply for the Express Entry immigration program, you can begin building your Express Entry profile.
The following information must be provided for your Express Entry profile:
- Identity and age
- Contact information
- A detailed account of your educational history and work experience
- Language proficiency
- Family composition
- Factors that would help their adaptability to life in Canada
- Information on your spouse and common-law partner, if applicable
To complete a profile for your Express Entry, you must also have the following in hand:
- Passport or travel documents
- Language test results
- The title and code that describes your work experience as stated in the NOC database
- Foreign Educational Credential assessment results (if necessary)
- A copy of a written job offer from a Canadian employer (if you have already been offered a job)
- Proof of provincial nomination for permanent residence (if you have received a provincial nomination)
- Personal reference code from the use of the IRCC online eligibility verification tool (see eligibility for your Express Entry Immigration below)
Step #6: Submission of your Express Entry profile
Upon provision of all necessary information and completion, your profile can now be submitted.
Upon submission of your Express Entry profile, you will receive the following:
- A job seeker validation code
- An Express Entry profile number
You will need these numbers if you’ve received nominations for permanent residence from a provincial or territorial government.
Your Express Entry remains valid for a total period of one year.
During this period, updates can be made at any time based on a change in work experience, new educational diploma, new language test results, and maybe even a change in family composition like birth, death, marriage or divorce, etc.
Nevertheless, an Express Entry profile could become invalid even before the one year passes, that’s if you no longer meet all the relevant requirements for the program or have received an invitation to apply for your permanent residence.
If a year passes without you receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residence, your profile will be deleted from the pool.
Canada Express Entry Eligibility Requirements
In general, to be qualified to apply for Express Entry are candidates with university or college degrees, professional work experience, and average proficiency in English or French.
Persons who qualify for the following programs are also qualified to apply for the Express Entry program;
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSL)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canada Express Entry program relies on a point-based system to assess applicants.
However, meeting these requirements does not necessarily mean you will be invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
Candidates with a more assertive profile would be chosen over candidates who meet the minimum requirements. The points will evaluate you based on the following:
- Age (You must be under 30 years of age)
- Have at least three (3) years of professional work experience
- Language test with a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7, either in English or French
- Your completed post-secondary education is evaluated against Canadian standards with an Educational Credential Assessment
Other factors that would influence or boost your points include:
- Bilingualism in French and English
- Higher language proficiency in English or French
- Canadian work or educational experience
- A family member is currently residing in Canada
- A Master’s Degree or Ph.D. education level
- An arranged employment offer from a Canadian company.
- A nomination from a provincial nominee program
Documents Needed To Process Express Entry Profile For Your Canada PR Application
When applying for an Express Entry Profile for your Canada PR Application, you must provide various documents to support your application.
While the specific documents may vary based on individual circumstances, here are some commonly required documents;
1. Identification Documents
Passport or travel document
You will need a valid passport or travel document for yourself and any accompanying family members.
2. Birth Certificates
Provide birth certificates for yourself and any accompanying family members.
3. Marriage Certificate or Proof of Common-law Partnership (if applicable)
Provide the relevant documents if you are married or in a common-law relationship.
4. Language Proficiency
To demonstrate your language proficiency, language test results include the official results of approved language tests, such as IELTS (English) or TEF (French).
5. Education
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
If you completed your education outside Canada, you must obtain an ECA report from a designated organization to verify the equivalence of your educational qualifications.
6. Work Experience:
Letters of reference
Reference letters from previous employers or supervisors to verify your work experience.
These letters should include job titles, dates of employment, job duties, and hours worked per week.
7. Provincial Nomination (if applicable)
Provincial nomination certificate
Include the nomination certificate or letter if you have received a provincial nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
8. Proof of Funds
Bank statements
Provide bank statements or other proof to demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and your family members during the initial period of your stay in Canada.
9. Police Certificates
Police certificates or clearances. You will typically need to obtain police certificates from all countries or regions where you have resided for six months or longer since you were 18.
10. Medical Examination
Immigration medical examination. Undergo a medical examination conducted by a designated panel physician to demonstrate your good health.
What is the Cost of an Express Entry Profile For a Canada PR Application
1. Government Fees:
The main government fees associated with Express Entry include the processing fee for the application itself and the right of permanent residence fee (RPRF) if your application is approved.
As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the processing fee for the principal applicant is CAD 825, while the RPRF is CAD 500. There may be additional fees for dependent family members.
2. Language Tests and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA):
You will also need to consider the costs of language tests and obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report, which are required components of the Express Entry application.
The costs for these tests and assessments can vary depending on the provider.
How Long Does it Take to Process Express Entry Profile For Canada PR Application?
1. Processing Time
- The processing time for Express Entry applications is typically measured in months. The processing time can vary based on factors such as the program you applied under, the completeness of your application, the volume of applications received, and other factors outside your control.
- The initial processing time to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) after submitting your Express Entry profile can also vary. The frequency of draws and the number of candidates in the pool affect the ITA issuance timeline.
- Once you receive an ITA and submit your complete application for permanent residence, the processing time for the final decision can also vary. It is important to regularly check the IRCC website for the most up-to-date processing time information.
How Much Proof Of Funds Do You Need For Canada PR Application?
When creating an Express Entry profile for your Canada PR application, you must provide proof of funds to demonstrate your financial ability to support yourself and your family members upon arrival in Canada.
The specific amount of funds required depends on the size of your family.
Here are the general guidelines for proof of funds:
1. Family Size:
1 person: CAD $13,213
Two people: CAD 16,449
Three people: CAD 20,222
Four people: CAD 24,553
Five people: CAD 27,847
Six people: CAD 31,407
Seven people or more: CAD 34,967
These amounts are subject to change, so it’s essential to check the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date requirements.
Acceptable Forms of Proof of Funds
- Cash in bank accounts: You can provide bank statements or official letters from financial institutions indicating the current balance in your accounts.
- Stocks, bonds, and other investments: If you have assets, provide statements or documents to demonstrate their value.
- Proof of payment for real estate or property: If you own property, provide proof of ownership and its estimated value.
- Loans: You can sometimes include educational loans, but they must be from an authorized financial institution.
- Gifted funds: If someone has gifted you the required funds, you will need a letter from the giver stating the amount, their relationship to you, and that the funds are a genuine gift.
Requirements for Proof of Funds
- The funds must be readily available and transferable to Canada.
- The funds must be in your or your accompanying spouse or common-law partner’s possession.
- The funds must be unencumbered by debts or other obligations.
- The funds must meet the minimum required amount for your family size.
It’s essential to ensure that you can provide genuine proof of funds and that the funds are available at the time of your application and when you land in Canada as a permanent resident. Provide sufficient proof of funds to avoid the refusal of your application.
Factors That Can Deny An Express Entry Profile For Your Canada PR Application
While the Express Entry system offers a streamlined pathway for immigration to Canada, your Express Entry profile may be denied. Here are some potential reasons for a profile denial:
1. Ineligibility
If you do not meet the eligibility requirements of any of the federal economic immigration programs (FSWP, FSTP, CEC), your profile may be rejected.
This can happen if you need more work experience, language proficiency, educational qualifications, or other criteria specific to the program.
2. Incomplete or Inaccurate Information
Providing complete or accurate information in your Express Entry profile can lead to rejection.
It is essential to provide truthful and comprehensive details about your personal information, work experience, education, language proficiency, and other required information.
3. Insufficient Points
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) ranks candidates based on various factors, including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.
Your profile may be rejected if your CRS score needs to be higher to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during regular draws.
Higher CRS scores increase the chances of being selected for permanent residency.
4. Non-compliance with Program Requirements
Each federal economic immigration program has specific requirements and criteria.
You must meet those requirements and provide the supporting documents to ensure your profile is allowed.
5. Inadmissibility
If you are deemed inadmissible to Canada based on factors such as criminality, medical issues, or security concerns, your Express Entry profile can be denied.
6. Changes in Immigration Policies
Immigration policies and regulations can change over time.
If there are updates or modifications to the eligibility criteria or program requirements, your profile may be affected, leading to potential denial.
It is important to note that a denied Express Entry profile does not necessarily mean the end of your immigration journey.
You can reassess your eligibility, address any deficiencies, and consider alternative immigration options or programs.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that you create a comprehensive and accurate profile that showcases your qualifications and maximizes your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Remember to thoroughly review the eligibility requirements, gather the necessary documents, and provide honest and up-to-date information in your profile.
As the Express Entry system is highly competitive, it’s advisable to consult official resources and, if needed, seek professional guidance to navigate the process successfully.
Good luck with your Express Entry profile and your Canada PR application!
