The Canada Express Entry Program is an electronic immigration program designed by the Government of Canada. Express Entry is the fastest and most popular pathway for newcomers seeking to immigrate to Canada and acquire Canadian permanent residence.
It allows people from all over the world to apply for immigration to Canada based on their specific skills. In 2021, the immigration target was set at 195,800 through federal economic programs, like those under the Express Entry System, and this number is expected to significantly increase as the year continues.
In 2022, Canada Express Entry is estimated to issue 91,800 Invitations to Apply (ITA’s) for permanent residency, which was surpassed; issuing an impressive 107,950 ITA’s.
2021 – 2023 Express Entry Immigration Targets
Below is a breakdown of the 2021 – 2023 Express Entry Immigration targets:
- 2021 – 108,500 ITAs;
- 2022 – 110,500 ITAs
- 2023 – 113,750 ITAs
Canada confidently continues to accept and process Express Entry applications despite the current pandemic travel restrictions. Canada’s new immigration totals have been set for the next two years to welcome over 1 million newcomers by the year 2023
What is The Canada Express Entry Program?
Canada’s Express Entry system was introduced by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and it is used to select candidates for immigration to Canada through various Federal Economic Immigration programs
The Canada Express Entry Program application is completed all online on the Government of Canada website. Candidates who intend to apply for immigration through the Federal Skilled Worker Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, and Canadian Experience Class are required to do so through the system.
Depending on the types of traits that an applicant has, they are ranked through various factors and get points. The profiles which get the most points are then invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
So the Canada Express Entry Program allows skilled workers to immigrate to Canada and work there, while on a path to getting their citizenship too.
Types of Canada Immigration Express Entry Programs
Since there are different levels of skilled workers, the Government of Canada designed four different programs within the Express Entry. These programs are as follows:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)
Who is Eligible for Canada Express Entry?
Candidates with university or college degrees with skilled work experience and moderate proficiency in English and/or French are ideal candidates. Candidates who qualify for the following programs are also eligible to submit an application under the Express Entry program:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Canada Immigration Express Entry Program Application Requirements
If you have decided that you want to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry Program, then you must meet the eligibility criteria.
In general, to be eligible to apply for Canada Express Entry as a skilled worker, you must:
- 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 Educational Credential Assessment
The first three programs have their own set of criteria, while the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) has a few additional requirements that are specific to each province.
RELATED: 2,000+ Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Canada (155 New) – Apply Now! – Live and Work in Canada
To determine whether you are eligible or not, you can visit the Government of Canada website here. You should click the “Check your eligibility” button, and it will redirect you to a short questionnaire.
Required Documents to Apply for Canada Express Entry 2022-2023
You will need a list of supporting documents to be able to apply for the Canada Express Entry program. This includes:
- A valid passport or travel document;
- National Occupation Classification (NOC);
- Education credential assessment report;
- Recent language tests;
- Provide Proof of Funds to show you can support your family;
- Provide Police Certificates;
- Prepare for a medical exam from certified health professionals;
- Contact previous employers to provide job letters to prove you have valid work experience;
- Canadian job offer (If you have one); and;
- Provincial Nomination (If you have one)
How Can I Apply for Canada Express Entry?
Applying to Express Entry is a two-step process. The first step is to submit your profile which requires the following documents:
- Language test results
- Educational credential assessment report
- A passport or travel document
After you submit your profile and you receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you will need to provide a more substantial application that includes reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and results of a medical examination.
How Much Does Express Entry Cost?
- Language tests: Average cost – $300
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Average cost – $200
- Biometrics: $85/person
- Government fees: $1,325/adult & $225/child
- Medical examination fees: average cost – $450/adult & $250/child
- Police clearance certificates: average cost – $100/country
NOTE: No government fees are required to submit your initial Express Entry profile and You do not require a job offer for Express Entry
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Immigration Express Entry 2022
1. How long does it take to process Express Entry applications?
It only takes six months to process Express Entry applications! Please note that this is only after you received an ITA and submitted your complete application
2. Can Express Entry profiles be updated?
Yes, your Express Entry profile remains valid for 12 months from the date you created it. You are welcome to update your profile at any time to increase your CRS score
3. Do I need a job offer for Express Entry?
No, you don’t require a job offer for Express Entry. Surprisingly, a lot of candidates selected for Express Entry don’t have arranged employment in Canada
4. Can I apply for Express Entry without IELTS?
Language proficiency is a mandatory requirement for all Express Entry programs. For this reason, you must take an approved English test like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to showcase your language abilities in speaking, writing, listening, and reading
5. What is the maximum age to be able to apply for Express Entry to Canada?
There is technically no maximum age to apply for a permanent resident visa through Express Entry but if you are 45 years or older you will not be able to score any points. The ideal age to claim points is between 20 and 29 years old in order to score the maximum amount of points (100 with your spouse and 110 on your own)
6. Are Express Entry applications being processed?
Yes, Express Entry applications are being processed and COPR-holders may enter Canada as long as they follow COVID-19 protocols.
