The Canadian government plans to invite millions of immigrants over the next few years. To achieve this goal, various immigration streams will be used for applications.
Express Entry is the main economic immigration route in the Canadian immigration system. Express Entry programs are widely used immigration channels for skilled immigrants wishing to start a new life in Canada.
Immigrants can apply for permanent residency in Canada through Express Entry, and later become Canadian citizens by demonstrating their work experience and level of education.
Express Entry immigration programs:
Express Entry candidates can qualify for one of the following programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
These immigration programs are all linked to Express Entry. However, the Express Entry system has been integrated with a number of other Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Express Entry eligibility :
General requirements for Entrée Express include :
- Qualified work experience (length of experience required varies by program)
- Mastering Canada's official languages
- Education (those with a university education have a higher chance of success)
Global Ranking System (GRS) :
Due to the high level of competition between candidates in Express Entry programs, individuals are ranked according to several criteria in a pool.
A CGS score ranging from 0 to 1200 points is awarded to those who submit their profile to the Express Entry federal pool. Express Entry draws take place approximately every two weeks. Applicants with the highest SCG scores receive an invitation to apply (IPD) for permanent residency.
Selection factors in the Global Ranking System (GRS) :
Express Entry is the best option if you wish to obtain permanent residency in Canada and are a skilled worker. To be eligible for Express Entry, specific evaluation parameters must be met. Here are the selection criteria:
Skills
In the case of the Express Entry application, the skill set of the candidates is very important. If candidates have solid experience in a particular trade, this positively affects their profile. What's more, candidates with exceptional and sought-after skills are often nominated by a province in the category of jobs and skills in demand in that province.
Fluency in French or English
One of the most important aspects of the process is proficiency in Canada's official languages. Since English and French are Canada's official languages, all applicants must pass a language proficiency test to demonstrate their proficiency in one or both languages.
High scores on language tests guarantee a higher score in the Express Entry pool. In addition, language skills are to be taken seriously, as they make up a large proportion of points in the GCS and can set candidates with good language skills apart, as they earn additional points.
Job offer (if applicable)
A job offer from a Canadian company is a crucial document that contributes to points in the GCS. A legitimate offer of employment from a Canadian company can offer significant advantages to candidates, and avoid the need to provide proof of sufficient funds.
Education
Points are awarded according to the level of education, i.e. the diplomas obtained by the candidates. Those with the most years of study receive the most points. Bachelor's degrees (BAC+3 or 4 / licence in French-speaking countries outside Canada), master's degrees and doctorates are favored and earn more points in the Express Entry system.
Professional experience
Candidates receive points based on the length of their verifiable work experience, which helps them rank in the SCG. The more years of experience a candidate has, the more points they receive.
How to apply for express entry :
Here are the steps to follow to apply for the Express Entry program:
- Check your eligibility.
- Gather the documentation you'll need (see our article on tips for submitting your application).
- Complete and submit your Express Entry profile.
- Once you have received an invitation to apply, you can prepare and submit your application for permanent residence.
- It may happen that you don't receive an invitation to apply. If this is the case, don't get discouraged, look for weak points in your profile that you can improve (retake language tests to get better marks, gain additional work experience, do further studies, find a job in Canada, see if a spouse can help you increase your points by participating in the process).
References :https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/works.html
English (Canada) 
Français