Canada Express Entry is the most popular program for applying for a permanent residency visa in Canada. In this guide, we will walk you through all of the steps that you need to take in order to make your move as smooth as possible.
What is Express Entry?
The Express Entry system is the Canadian government's way of managing applications for permanent residence. It's an online system for managing skilled worker immigration applications. It was introduced in 2015, and since then, it has become the most popular method of immigrating to Canada.
There are 3 immigration programs managed through Express Entry; these are outlined in some detail in the following paragraphs. However, for applicants from India, the most popular program is the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program which we will cover in more detail.
Why Express Entry is required for PR?
The Express Entry system is required for those who wish to obtain permanent residence in Canada. It was introduced in order to streamline the process and make it more efficient. Under this system, applicants are placed into a pool of candidates, and from there, they are selected based on their human capital factors. These include things like age, education, work experience, and language ability.
The Express Entry system allowed the Government of Canada to manage the demand and supply of skilled workers through a transparent and efficient process, correcting some of the difficulties faced by applicants in the earlier system (prior to 2015) which was based on first come first serve to lead to significant queues.
What are the benefits of Express Entry?
There are many benefits to the Express Entry system. Perhaps the most significant benefit is that it allows applicants to obtain permanent residence in a much shorter time frame than previous methods. Additionally, it is a very efficient system that eliminates a lot of the red tape and bureaucracy that can be associated with other methods of immigration. Finally, it allows candidates to have more control over their application and the process as a whole.
Programs Under Express Entry
The Express Entry system has a few different programs that applicants can apply for. The first is the Federal Skilled Worker Program, which is for those who have skills and experience in a specific occupation. The second is the Federal Skilled Trades Program, which is for those who have experience in a skilled trade. And finally, there is the Canadian Experience Class, which is for those who have already gained work experience in Canada.
There Are Three Major Programs Under Express Entry system
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
The Federal Skilled Worker Program is for those who have skills and experience in a specific occupation. In order to be eligible, applicants must have at least one year of work experience in an occupation that is listed as being in high demand. Additionally, they must have the required education and language ability.
Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Program
The Federal Skilled Trades Program is for those who have experience in a skilled trade. In order to be eligible, applicants must have at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade or a certificate of qualification issued by a Canadian provincial, territorial or federal authority. Additionally, they must have the required language ability.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class is for those who have already gained work experience in Canada. In order to be eligible, applicants must have at least one year of work experience in a skilled occupation in Canada. Additionally, they must have the required education and language ability.
Eligibility Criteria for Express Entry in 2022
Individuals with university or college degrees, skilled work experience and good proficiency in English and/or French are ideal Express Entry candidates.
In order to be eligible for Express Entry in 2022, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Have at least one year of work experience in a skilled occupation
- Have the required education and language ability
- Be between the ages of 18 and 46
- Not have any criminal convictions
- Be in good health
- Have adequate financial resources
Requirements for Canada PR in 2022
In order to qualify for Canada PR, you have to satisfy two criteria:
- Score 67 immigration points: The applicant has to score at least 67 points out of 100 on the selection factor point grid, to be eligible for a Canada PR Visa. You can also earn some extra points if you are moving with your spouse to Canada.
- Rank high on CRS score: If you're eligible for the Express Entry program, you'll be ranked in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS is a points-based system used to assess and score your profile and rank it in the Express Entry pool. The higher your score, the stronger your application.
Latest requirements for Canada PR
Scoring 67 immigration points
The table below explains the point distribution for checking the eligibility of 67 points:
| Selection Factor |
Maximum Points |
| Age |
12 |
| Education |
25 |
| Language Skill |
28 |
| Work Experience |
15 |
| Adaptability |
10 |
| Arranged Full-time Employment |
10 |
Source: Six selection factors | Express Entry
If you fall short of the 67-point standard, there are several things you can do.
- Improve your language skills
- Complete another degree, diploma or certificate
- Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program where you may still be eligible
Ranking high on CRS score
When it comes to your CRS score, there are three factors you have to consider:
- Core or Human Capital Factors (your age, education, experience, etc. with or without a spouse or common - law partner)
- Skill Transferability Factors (Canadian work experience or foreign work experience, language ability, etc.)
- Additional Factors (Canadian job offer, provincial nomination, etc.)
Age criteria
There is no age limit for the Canada Express Entry program. In most economic migration categories, however, applicants between the ages of 25 and 35 receive the maximum points, and age points become zero after the age of 45.
Education criteria
To be eligible for Express Entry, you must have completed at least one year of post-secondary education. You can get additional points if you have:
- A two-year diploma or trade certificate
- A bachelor's degree, master's degree or Ph.D. from a Canadian institution or from a foreign institution comparable to Canadian standards (as assessed by ECA)
Education Credential Assessment (ECA)
The Education Credential Assessment (ECA) report is used to verify that your foreign degree, diploma, the certificate is equivalent to a Canadian one. An ECA report is required for Express Entry if you want points for your education and plan on claiming any points for skilled work experience gained outside of Canada.
You need to include the results of your ECA report when you create your Express Entry profile. You can get an ECA report from any of these designated organizations:
- World Education Services (WES)
- International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
- Comparative Education Service (CES)
- International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
- International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
Work experience criteria
You are eligible for Express Entry if you have at least one year of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) paid work experience in the last ten years in a skilled occupation. Skilled occupations are listed under the National Occupational Classification (NOC).
- Canadian work experience: You must have at least one year of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) paid work experience in Canada in the last three years.
- Foreign work experience: You must have at least one year of full-time (or an equal amount in part-time) paid work experience outside of Canada. Your foreign work experience must be in a skilled occupation.
Language Ability Criteria
You must prove your language skills in English or French by taking a language test approved by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). You can take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP), or the Test d'évaluation de français (TEF).
- You need to achieve the minimum score in each of the four language abilities in order to get points for your language ability.
- Applicants who achieve Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level seven or higher in all four language abilities (reading, writing, listening and speaking) are eligible.
- You will need to take a test even if your first language of education is English or French.
How to apply for Express Entry
If you meet the eligibility criteria for Express Entry, you can create an online profile. You will need to provide information about yourself and your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other details.
You will also need to submit documents that prove the information in your profile is accurate. These include things like your passport, language test results, educational credentials, and work experience letters.
Once you have submitted your profile, you will be entered into the Express Entry pool. From there, you will be given a score based on the information in your profile and ranked against other candidates in the pool.
The highest-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws from the Express Entry pool. If you are invited to apply, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
You can increase your chances of being invited to apply by:
- Making sure your profile is complete and accurate
- Improving your score in the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
- Getting a provincial nomination (if you are eligible)
- Applying for and being approved for a valid job offer from a Canadian employer (if you are eligible)
You can improve your score in the CRS by:
- Taking steps to improve your language skills
- Getting more work experience in a skilled occupation (NOC 0, A or B)
- Completing post-secondary education in Canada
- Getting a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
- Receiving a provincial nomination (if you are eligible)
Step by step guide to Canada immigration
The 7 Steps for Immigrating to Canada
- Check if you are eligible for the program
- Take a language test
- Get your foreign credentials assessed
- Create an Express Entry profile and get a score based on the Comprehensive Ranking System
- Receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence
- Apply for permanent residence
- After you apply – get biometrics, prepare for your first landing, travel to Canada.
Calculate Your Canada Express Entry Points
If you want to calculate your points in Express Entry, it is best to consult an experienced consultant as otherwise, it can be quite confusing. Here are some details to help you to get some basic understanding.
What is a selection factor point grid or 67 points calculator?
Canada uses selection factor points to assess your eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program and assign an overall score out of 100. If you score 67 points or higher, you may qualify for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Once you're in the Express Entry pool, Canada uses a different system to rank your profile, i.e. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Criteria.
The difference between 67 points system and the CRS Calculator
67-point system is the eligibility grid for you to be added in the Express Entry pool. It only checks the eligibility; it does not tell you your chances of getting an invitation to apply for a permanent resident visa. That is based on your rank in the Express Entry pool based on your CRS score.
To compete among the candidates inside the pool, CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) grid is used. CRS point system is calculated out of 1200. In which 600 is for your skills/Education/Background and the remaining 600 is for Job Offer/Provincial Nomination.
Major Factors for calculating Express Entry Points
The CRS ranks eligible candidates for immigration to Canada through Express Entry under the following components:
- Core human capital factors;
- Accompanying spouse or common-law factors;
- Skill transferability factors; and
- Factors relating to a provincial nomination, a qualifying offer of arranged employment, Canadian study experience, a sibling in Canada, and/or French language ability.
There are a total of 1,200 points available under the Comprehensive Ranking System. For candidates without an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, there are:
- A maximum of 500 points available for core human capital factors;
- A maximum of 100 points available for skill transferability factors;
- 600 points available for either a provincial nomination; or
- Up to 200 points available for a qualifying offer of arranged employment; and
- Up to 30 points for Canadian study experience;
- Up to 50 additional points for French language ability, combined with English language ability; and
- A maximum of 15 points for a sibling in Canada.
For candidates with an accompanying spouse or common-law partner, there are:
- A maximum of 460 points available for the core human capital factors of the principal applicant;
- A maximum of 40 points for the core human capital factors of the spouse or common-law partner;
- 600 points available for either a provincial nomination; or
- Up to 200 points available for a qualifying offer of arranged employment; and
- Up to 30 points for a Canadian study experience.
- Up to 50 additional points for French language ability, combined with English language ability; and
- A maximum of 15 points for a sibling in Canada (one sibling of the principal applicant and the accompanying spouse/common-law partner is considered).
Cost for Canada express entry in 2022
Total cost of applying to Canada PR
Cost of Visa
Permanent residence fees differ from program to program, depending on the immigration stream to which you apply. Applicants should keep in mind that after their application has been accepted, they will be required to pay the Right of Permanent Residence (ROPR) Fee, a separate payment that is required of all approved applicants regardless of which program they apply under.
| Applicant |
Fee Details |
| Principal Applicant |
$CAD 850 plus $CAD 515 ROPR fee |
| Spouse |
$CAD 850 plus $CAD 515 ROPR fee |
| Children |
$CAD 230 per dependent child |
Source: Fee list | Government of Canada
Cost of IELTS Exam
The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the most popular English proficiency test for people who want to study or work in an English-speaking country, such as Canada. The cost of taking the IELTS exam varies depending on the location; in India, it costs INR 15,500.
Cost of Education Assessment (ECA)
An ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) is required for any applicant who wants to use their foreign education to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The cost of an ECA is about CAD 240, but it can vary slightly depending on the country where you obtained your degree and the credential assessment agency that you use.
How much proof of funds is required for Express Entry? ?
The amount of money you'll need to show varies depending on your circumstances. For example, if you're immigrating alone as a skilled worker, you'll need to show that you have at least $13,310 in savings. If you're immigrating with a spouse or common-law partner, the combined total must be at least $16,570. And if you're immigrating with a dependent child, the total must be at least $20,371.
To summarize, the Canada express entry fee structure for permanent residence visa from India is shown below:
| Charges |
Applied for Cost |
| Canada PR Fee for Primary Applicant |
CAD$ 850 |
| Right of PR Fee |
CAD$ 515 |
| Spouse or Partner processing fee |
CAD$ 850 |
| Dependent Child (Per child) |
CAD$ 230 |
| ECA fees |
CAD$ 240 |
| IELTS Test |
Rs. 15,500 |
| Medical Test |
Rs. 5,000 |
| PCC Fees |
Rs. 500 |
Documents required for Canada Express Entry
Applying to Express Entry is a two-step process.
STEP1: Submit your online profile which requires the following documents:
- Language test results
- Educational credential assessment report
- A passport or travel document
- Once you have created your profile, you will be placed into a pool of candidates.
STEP 2: Apply for Canada PR, once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) which requires the following documents:
- Reference letters
- Additional identity documents
- Police clearance certificates
- Results of a medical examination
Here are the documents you'll need to apply for a Canada permanent resident visa:
- Valid Passport
- Driver's License
- Government Issued Identity Cards
- Proof Of Funds
- ECA or Educational Credential Assessment
- Originals and photocopies of all relevant documents
- Certified translation of documents which are not written in English
- Language Test results (IELTS)
- Skills Assessment Test Report (ECA)
- Sponsorship letters, personal identification letter, recommendation letter or similar documents
- Other documents may be required depending on the immigration route you have chosen
Benefits of Canada Express Entry System
The Express Entry system is designed to be fair and transparent and to make it easier for skilled workers to come to Canada.
Benefits of Canada Express Entry System.
The main benefits of the Express Entry system are:
- You can get permanent residence in as little as six months (after the application is filed)
- You don't need a job offer to apply
- You may be able to bring your spouse or common-law partner and eligible dependent children with you to Canada
- You can live, work or study anywhere in Canada
- You will have access to free health care and education
- You will be able to apply for Canadian citizenship after three years
- You will have the same rights and responsibilities as any other Canadian citizen.
Canada Express Entry Latest Draw
The Canadian government holds an Express Entry draw approximately every two weeks. Each draw has a CRS cut-off score, which represents the CRS score of the lowest-ranked applicant to be invited to apply for permanent residence.
Each invitation round has a set of instructions that are posted online at the same time as the invitation round. These are used by the Express Entry system to invite candidates from the pool.
CRS score distribution of candidates in the Express Entry pool (updated May 2022):
| CRS score range |
Number of candidates |
| 601-1200 |
602 |
| 501-600 |
6,972 |
| 451-500 |
51,541 |
| 401-450 |
49,886 |
| 351-400 |
61,089 |
| 301-350 |
31,833 |
| 0-300 |
4,803 |
| Total |
206,726 |
How ISA can help in applying for Express Entry Program?
If you need help with your Express Entry application or any other immigration matter, the team of experts at ISA can assist you. We have a proven track record of success in helping our clients immigrate to Canada and we would be happy to put our experience to work for you.
If you want to know how to create an express entry profile, Please contact us today to find out how we can help you with your Express Entry application or any other immigration matter. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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FAQs
Is IELTS Compulsory for Spouse under Express Entry PR Visa for Canada?
IELTS is not mandatory for spouses; however, if you want to apply as a family under the Canadia PR Application, you can earn more points by including your partner's IELTS score.
What is the minimum IELTS score for Canada express entry?
You need a minimum score of 6.0 in each section of IELTS test for getting permanent residency through express entry.
Is a job offer compulsory for Express Entry?
You do not need a job offer in order to be eligible for Express Entry. The majority of people admitted to Express Entry do not have a Canadian employment offer. In fact, it is almost impossible to get a valid job offer from a Canadian employer if you are a foreign national unless your current employer is willing to relocate you to Canada. If you are wondering how to get a job offer from Canada for express entry, you should read our blog on how to get in Canada from India.
What is the difference between pnp and express entry?
The Express Entry system was created in 2015 as a way to streamline the process for skilled workers looking to immigrate to Canada. It is a points-based system, and potential candidates are required to create an online profile. If their profile is deemed eligible, they will be entered into a pool of candidates from which the Canadian government will invite the highest-scoring individuals to apply for PR.
The PNP, on the other hand, is a program that allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate individuals who they believe will be successful in settling in their jurisdiction. Each province and territory has their own specific requirements and criteria for nomination.
What are the eligibility requirements to become a Canadian citizen?
Here are the requirements. You should:
- Be a permanent resident.
- Have lived in Canada for 3 out of the last 5 years.
- And have filed your taxes.
- Pass a test on your rights, responsibilities, and knowledge of Canada.
- Prove your language skills.
How many people will Canada invite under Express Entry in 2022-23.
Canada aims to welcome 431,645 new permanent residents in 2022, 447,055 in 2023 and 451,000 in 2024.
These numbers include the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class.
These also include other pathways like the time-limited temporary public policies for the temporary resident to permanent resident pathways, the Start-up Visa Program, the Self-employed Persons Program, etc.
For express entry next draw date, you can visit our page on Canada updates.
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