Applying for permanent residence in Canada through Express Entry

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is a 100% electronic system designed to process applications for permanent residence under 3 different Canadian immigration programs:

• the Federal Skilled Worker Program,

• the Federal Skilled Trades Program,

• the Canadian Experience Class.

Applicants for permanent residence in Canada receive a score and enter the Entry Express pool (applicant database). Canadian employers can select people from this pool.

Do note that the Express Entry system cannot be used by people wishing to settle in Quebec. Indeed, this province has specific immigration rules.

Express Entry: a two-step process

If you first want to make sure that you are eligible to immigrate to Canada under one of the immigration programs, visit Canada.ca.

Filling out an Express Entry profile

To fill out your Express Entry profile, you will first need to create a MyCIC account. You will then be able to complete the Express Entry form by providing personal information including: your education, work experience and language.

Requested information

Get ready before you fill out your profile. You must at least be in possession of:

• your passport or travel document,

• your NOC (National Occupational Classification) job title and code,,

• your language test results.

Depending on your situation, additional information such as your educational credentials assessment results (ECA), may be required.

Registering with Job Bank

Once you have submitted your online profile, you must register with the Government of Canada’s Job Bank within 30 days. This procedure only is necessary if you do not already have a job offer or a nomination of a province or territory.

The Express Entry pool of candidates

If you are eligible, you will appear in the Express Entry pool of candidates and you will receive a score. Getting a high score means you are more likely to be invited to apply for permanent residence. Remember you can always update your profile if your situation changes.

Applying for permanent residence in Canada

Once you are accepted into the Express Entry pool, you can receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence at any time. However, you will only receive an invitation if you:

• have a job offer in Canada,

• have received a certificate of designation of a province or territory,

• are among the top-ranked candidates.

Receiving an invitation

If you receive an invitation, you will have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence. If you don’t get an invitation, your Express Entry profile will expire after 12 months.

Steps to apply for permanent residence

Once invited, you will need to:

• fill out the online form in your MyCIC account,

• provide copies of all required documents,

• complete a medical examination,

• pay the right of permanent residence fee (490 CAD, non-refundable),

• submit your application

What’s next?

Did you submit your application for permanent residence? Your request will generally be processed within 6 months or less. If necessary, the Government of Canada will contact you through your MyCIC account.

If your application is accepted, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CORP) and, if necessary, a permanent resident visa. You can then prepare your new life in Canada!

To find out more about the Express Entry system:

Visit the Government of Canada website.