How do I qualify for Canada Express Entry?

 Launched back in 2015, Canada Express Entry is one of the most preferred and quickest pathways to Canadian permanent residency. The Canadian government uses the Canada Express Entry eligibility factors to process applications for skilled workers. 

It currently manages three economic immigration streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

What is the Canada Express Entry eligibility?

Generally, to apply under Canada’s Express Entry program, you would be mandated to meet the following requirements:

• Have at least one year, in the last 10 years of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation

• Be able to demonstrate on an approved language test a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) seven in either English or French

• Completed post-secondary education that is assessed against Canadian standards with an Education Credential Assessment

NOTE: The above-mentioned generic requirements are for skilled workers applying under the Express Entry. Meeting these prerequisites and eligibility criteria does not mean you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency. 

Candidates with stronger profiles will always be selected over candidates that simply meet the basic requirements. 

Having good points in the CRS score calculator is also important. Here’s how the CRS score calculator works.

CRS score calculator

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) – is a point-based system, that assesses you on 3 broadly categorized factors:

1. Core Human-Capital Factors: This includes your age, education, work experience, etc. with or without a spouse or common-law partner. Maximum points – 460, +40 with a spouse.
   
   

2. Skills Transferability Factors: This includes your Canadian work experience or foreign work experience, language proficiency, etc. Maximum points – 100.
   
   

3. Additional Factors: This includes a Canadian job offer, provincial nomination, etc. Maximum points – 600.

Here’s how to calculate points with a CRS score calculator:

• Core Human Capital Factor + Common-Law Partner or Spouse Factor = 500 points

• Core Human Capital Factor + Common-Law Partner or Spouse Factor + Transferability Factors = 600 points (maximum)

• Core Human Capital Factor + Common-Law Partner or Spouse Factor + Transferability Factors + Additional Points = 1200 points (maximum)

How to increase your chances of approval in Canada Express Entry?

Again, having a high CRS score will boost your Canada Express Entry eligibility – and in turn, your chances of obtaining Canadian permanent residency. 

For starters, you can retake your language proficiency test and achieve a higher score – if you haven’t already. 

Securing a provincial nomination or a job offer also helps you boost your CRS score. A provincial nomination from a Canadian province effectively guarantees a successful Invitation to Apply (ITA). 

If applicable, you can also apply for Canadian immigration with your spouse/common-law partner. You can score extra points in the CRS score calculator from their academic and employment factors. 

Take Away

Provided that you meet the Canada Express Entry eligibility and prerequisites – the Canadian government will process your application in under 6 months. 

With a lenient process and minimal documentation – Express Entry is the most preferred immigration pathway to Canadian permanent residency.