Canada’s Express Entry Application Management System: A Comprehensive Guide
The Express Entry system, which manages applications for three programs – Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – issued 114,431 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in 2021. Notably, all ITAs were program-specific draws for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and CEC, with no ITAs issued to FSWP or FSTP candidates due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions and border closures. This led to a backlog in the system, prompting the pause of all-program draws from December 2020. Interestingly, over 64% of ITAs were awarded to candidates aged 20-29, who receive 100 Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points. Candidates’ CRS points decrease after age 30.
In 2021, the majority of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) were extended to candidates already residing in Canada as temporary residents, due to the temporary halt in all-program draws. However, a significant number of ITAs were also issued to candidates living outside of Canada. The top five countries of origin for ITA recipients were Canada, India, Nigeria, the United States, and the People’s Republic of China. Notably, India received the second-highest number of ITAs, with 3,826 candidates invited to apply, trailing only behind Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility Requirements for the Express Entry System
To be considered for the Express Entry system, candidates must meet the requirements of at least one of the three economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class. Additionally, candidates must have:
– At least one year of skilled work experience
– Meet language requirements
– Sufficient funds to support themselves and their families
Assessing Eligibility
Candidates can use the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculator to determine their eligibility and CRS score, which is based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability. A high enough CRS score may lead to an invitation to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Express Entry Application Process
The application process involves three main steps:
1. Creating an online profile
2. Receiving an invitation to apply
3. Submitting a complete application for permanent residency
Candidates must provide accurate and up-to-date information to avoid delays or rejection.
Processing Time
The processing time for an Express Entry application varies, but most applications are processed within six months. Candidates can check their application status online.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
The CRS is a point-based system that ranks candidates in the Express Entry pool based on various factors. Candidates with higher CRS scores have a better chance of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency in Canada.
Job Opportunities
The Express Entry system offers a wide range of job opportunities in various industries, such as healthcare, technology, engineering, and finance. Candidates can search for available jobs on the Job Bank website and apply for positions that match their skills and qualifications.
