Canada Express Entry - Eligibility Requirements, Latest Draw

Work And Settle In Canada In 6 -12 Months Or Fewer

The Canada Express Entry Program is a points based immigration program for professionals looking to settle in Canada. It awards points to professionals based on skills, experience, Canadian employment status and provincial/territorial nomination. The higher your points, the greater your chances of receiving an invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residency in Canada. Typically PR applications submitted through this route are processed in 6-12 months or fewer. Take advantage of this lucrative program with Y-Axis. We are the leading authority on Canadian migration and can help you plan every step of your immigration process.

Canada Express Entry Program Detail

The Express Entry program has streamlined immigration for professionals and made the process more transparent. Key details of the program are:

  • This is an online program which has no cap on applicants and is open throughout the year
  • The program applies only to Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Traders Program, and Canadian Experience Class Immigration Program
  • You must submit an Expression of Interest and apply as an applicant under any type of job mentioned in Skill Types 0, A and B
  • Your profile will be evaluated based on points and will be placed in the applicant pool
  • Canadian provinces and employers will access this pool and find talent to meet their needs
  • The highest points holders are sent an Invitation to Apply for PR
  • The number of ITAs issued is based on the Annual Immigration Level
Eligibility For Express Entry Program:

The Canada Express Entry Program relies on a points-based system to evaluate applicants. The main objective of this system is to identify applicants who have the highest chance of succeeding after they migrate to Canada. The points scale has a maximum score of 1200 and evaluates you and your spouse (if any) on your:

  • Age
  • The highest level of education
  • Language skills
  • Canadian work experience
  • Other work experience
  • Skill transferability
  • Other factors

Benefits of the Express Entry System:

One advantage of this immigration program is its transparency. Applicants will know the CRS points they will have to score to be eligible for the Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

Candidates will be aware of the median score they should obtain in order to qualify for the ITA, if they do not make the mark, they can always make efforts to improve their CRS score or consider other CRS options.

They can look at improving their language test results, or on gaining additional work experience, look at options to study in Canada or try for a provincial nomination.

Better prospects for migrants:

Young candidates with a higher level of education, language proficiency in English or French or both or those with Canadian experience (employees or students) have the potential to reach a higher CRS score and get selected through the Express Entry system.

Candidates who manage to get a provincial nomination are eligible for 600 additional points. Those with a job offer in Canada or siblings residing in the country are eligible for additional points.

Steps to apply for the Express Entry Program

Step 1: Complete your ECA

If you have done your education outside Canada, you should get your Educational Credentials Assessment or ECA. The ECA proves that your educational qualifications are equal to those recognized in the Canadian educational system.

Step 2: Complete your language ability tests

The next step is completing the required English language proficiency tests. The minimum score is 6 bands in IELTS equivalent to CLB 7. Your test score should be less than 2 years old at the time of application.

You will have an edge over other applicants if you know French. French language test like the Test de evaluation de Francians (TEF) will prove your proficiency in the language.

Step 3: Create your Express Entry profile

You will have to first create your online Express Entry profile. The profile should include  details about your age, work experience, education, language skills, etc.  You will be given a score base on these details.

If you qualify by getting the required points, you can submit your profile. This will be included in the Express Entry pool.

 Step 4: Calculate your CRS score

If your profile makes it to the Express Entry pool, it is ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Criteria such as age, work experience, adaptability, etc. determine your CRS score. Your profile gets included in the Express Entry pool if you have the required CRS score.

 Step 5: Get your Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your profile gets selected from the Express Entry pool, you will get an ITA from the Canadian government after which you can start the documentation for your PR visa.

Express entry eligibility points calculator:

The eligibility requirement for the Express Entry is 67 points out of 100. You will need to score at least 67 points under various eligibility criteria to apply for your PR visa.  The Express Entry eligibility points calculator is based on the following criteria:

  • Age: You can score the maximum points if you are between 18-35 years. Those above this age will gain lesser points.
  • Education: Your minimum educational qualification must be equal to the higher secondary education level in Canada. A higher level of educational qualification means more points.
  • Work experience: To score the minimum points you should have at least one year of work experience. If you have more years of work experience you will gain more points.
  • Language ability: You must have at least 6 bands in your IELTS equivalent to CLB 7 to be eligible to apply and score the minimum points. Higher scores mean more points.
  • Adaptability: You can score ten points on the adaptability factor if your family members or close relatives are living in Canada and will be able to support you when you move in there. You can also gain points if your spouse or legal partner is ready to migrate with you to Canada.
  • Arranged employment:  A valid job offer from a Canadian employer entitles you for ten points.

You need to have a minimum of 67 points out of 100 to be eligible to apply under the Express Entry program.

The Canada Express Entry process follows a points-based system for classifying applicants seeking to settle in Canada. The points are awarded to clients based on a Comprehensive Ranking System or CRS. Points are given to applicants based on skills, experience, Canadian employment status and provincial/territorial nomination. The higher the points, the greater are the chances of getting an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada.

Based on the Express Entry points system, every Express Entry draw has a minimum cutoff score. These draws are held at regular intervals. Those applicants with a CRS score equal or above the cutoff score will receive an ITA. If more than one candidate has a score equal to the cutoff score, the one with a long presence in the Express Entry pool will receive an ITA.

Next steps after getting an ITA

Once you receive an ITA, you will have to submit a complete and correct application for which you will be given 90 days. If you fail to do so within 90 days, then your invitation will become null and void. So, you should make the best use of this time to submit an accurate application.

Submit a complete application

Documents: The first step is to gather all the required documents. Through the ITA you will know under which program you have been selected to apply for your PR visa- CEC or any other Express Entry program. If you check the Express Entry portal, you will find a list of documents that is specific to the program you have applied for. You will have to submit these documents with your application, the documents can include:

  • Documents supporting your English language test results
  • Civil status documents such as your birth certificate
  • Documents in proof of your education achievements
  • Documents in proof of your work experience
  • Medical certificate
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Proof of funds
  • Photos

You will also have to provide a medical certificate from a doctor approved by the IRCC.

Based on your situation, you will be required to submit additional documents, ensure that you have all of them ready.

Proof of Funds for Express Entry

Number of
family members
Funds required
(in Canadian dollars)
1 $13,310
2 $16,570
3 $20,371
4 $24,733
5 $28,052
6 $31,638
7 $35,224
For each additional family member $3,586

Biometrics: You will have to give your biometrics (fingerprints and photos) but if you have given your biometrics in the last ten years as part of your application for either a work permit, student visa or visitor visa, you are exempt from giving your biometrics again. This exemption is a temporary measure in view of Covid-19 pandemic.

In case you have to give your biometrics, you can go to the nearest biometric collection center.

After you have completed your medical tests, biometrics and the required documents, you can submit your application.

CANADA EXPRESS ENTRY DRAWS IN 2023

Express Entry in 2023
Total draws: 6
Total ITAs: 3,758
Draw No. Invited Date of Draw CRS cut-off ITAs issued
#242 Provincial Nominee Program March 1, 2023 667 748
#241 Provincial Nominee Program February 15, 2023 699 791
#240 Federal Skilled Worker February 2, 2023 3300 489
#239 Provincial Nominee Program February 1, 2023 893 733
#238 No Program Specified January 18, 2023 5500 490
#237 No Program Specified January 11, 2023 5500 507
 
CANADA EXPRESS ENTRY DRAWS IN 2022

In 2022, Canada Express Entry invited 46,538 candidates. The CRS score of the latest draw is recorded as the lowest compared to the overall scores in the year. 

Express Entry 2022 Round-Up

Date of Draw

Draw No.

No. of Candidates invited

CRS Score

Article Title

November 23, 2022

236

4,750

491

11th All program Express Entry Draw invited 4,750 candidates

November 9, 2022

235

4,750

494

235th Express Entry Draw issued 4,750 ITAs with a CRS score of 494 

October 26, 2022

234

4,750

496

Express Entry draw issued 4,750 ITAs with CRS score of 496 

October 12, 2022

233

4,250

500

Biggest Express Entry draw till date issued 4,250 invitations 

September 28, 2022

232

3,750

504

232nd Express Entry draw issued 3,750 invitations 

September 14, 2022

231

3,250

510

 Biggest Express Entry draw of 2022 invited 3,250 candidates

August 31, 2022

230

2,750

516

230th Express Entry draw invites 2,750 candidates to apply for Canada PR 

August 17, 2022

229

2,250

525

New All-Program Express Entry draw issues 2,250 ITAs 

August 3, 2022

228

2,000

533

Third all-program Express Entry draw issued 2,000 ITAs 

July 20, 2022

227

1,750

542

 Canada increases ITAs to 1,750, CRS drops to 542 – Express Entry Draw

July 6, 2022

226

1,500

557

Canada issues 1,500 ITAs in the first All-Program Express Entry Draw 

June 22, 2022

225

636

752

 Express Entry 225th draw invited 636 PNP Candidates

June 8, 2022

224

932

796

Largest Express Entry draw invites 932 candidates 

May 25, 2022

223

589

741

 Express Entry draw invites 589 candidates through PNP

May 11, 2022

222

545

753

Canada issued 545 invitations through Express Entry 

April 27, 2022

221

829

772

Canada invites 829 PNP candidates through Express Entry 

April 13, 2022

220

787

782

 Express Entry Draw: Invited 787 PNP candidates

March 30, 2022

219

919

785

 3rd Express Entry Draw in March Invited 919 PNP candidates

March 16, 2022

218

924

754

 Canada invites 924 candidates in 6th PNP draw – Express Entry

March 2, 2022

217

1,047

761

 Express Entry: Canada invites 1,047

February 16, 2022

216

1,082

710

 Express Entry: Canada invites 1082 candidates

February 2, 2022

215

1,070

674

Canada Express Entry: 1,070 Provincial Nominees Invited in Third Draw of 2022 

January 19, 2022

214

1,036

745

Canada Express Entry: 1,036 Provincial Nominees Invited in Latest Draw 

January 5, 2022

213

392

808

 Canada Express Entry: First Draw of 2022 Invites 392 to Apply

ALL CANADA PNP DRAWS IN 2022

IRCC invited 53,057 candidates through Canada PNP draws in 2022. The below table gives information on each province’s participation to meet Canada immigration target, 2022. Quebec Invited 8071 candidates to apply for permanent selection in 2022. 

Provincial Nominee Program

Number of Candidates invited in 2022

Alberta PNP

2,320

British Columbia PNP

8,878

Manitoba PNP

7,469

Ontario PNP

21,261

Prince Edward Island PNP

1,854

Saskatchewan PNP

11,113

Nova Scotia PNP

162

*Quebec Immigration Program

8071


How Y-Axis Can Help?

Y-Axis is the immigration consultant of choice for serious applicants for Canada immigration. Our thorough process and end-to-end support ensure you take the right action at every step. We help you with:

  • Qualification / Education Assessment
  • Customized Document Checklist and critical document templates
  • Guidance on key documentation requirements
  • Filing of an online application form to create a profile for Invitation
  • IELTS Guidance document
  • Reference letter Templates
  • Self Declaration Templates

Additionally, we also help our clients increase their chances with IELTS/TOEFL coaching and overseas job search services*. Talk to us to evaluate your chances and make an informed decision.

 

FAQ
What is the minimum IELTS score required for Canada Express Entry?

The test results score in IELTS is a crucial requirement for creating a profile and submitting Expression of Interest. This is in the Canada Express Entry System. The applicants must have minimum CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark) in the test for English language proficiency. This is as per the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

What are the documents you must submit with your PR application once you get your ITA through the Express Entry pool?
  • Medical Certificate
  • Police clearance certificate
  • Proof of details about you and your family members- birth certificates, marriage certificate, passport, etc.
  • Proof that you have funds to support your initial stay in Canada with your family members
How many points are required for Canada Express Entry?

Applicants of Canada Express Entry must score at least 67 points out of 100. This is based on their Language Proficiency, Work Experience, Education, Age, etc. Only then they can qualify for the FSWP – Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry. The requirement of 67 points remains unchanged.

These are the criteria and the maximum points you can score under each of them:

Criteria

Maximum points

Age

12

Language proficiency

28

Education

25

Work experience

15

Adaptability

10

Arranged employment

10

What documents are required for Canada Express entry?

Documents are not required to be uploaded while creating a profile in the Express Entry. However, you may need information from a few or all of the below documents:

  • Travel document or passport
  • Results of the language test
  • ECA report (Education Credential Assessment) if
    • You are submitting the application through the FSWP (Federal Skilled Workers Program) or
    • You want to obtain points for education obtained overseas
  • Nomination from a province if you have one
  • Written employment offer from a Canadian employer if you have one

You will have to upload copies of the above documents if you are offered an invitation to apply for Canada PR Visa. Applicants will also have to upload the below:

  • Proof of funds
  • Medical exams
  • Police certificates
How can I apply for Canada Express Entry?

Here are the steps to how to apply for Canada Express Entry:

The Canada Express Entry is a digital system that manages PR Visa applications from skilled workers.

Step # 1: Find out if you are eligible

Score 67 points or higher on selection factors like age, education, work, language, and other adaptability factors.

Step # 2: Prepare the documents

You will require documents such as the results of language tests to demonstrate that you meet the criteria for Express Entry. It takes a long time to get some documents and you must get them ready as soon as possible.

Step # 3: Submit the profile

You will have to offer diverse detail regarding yourself in the Express Entry profile. IRCC will enter you in the pool of candidates if you are qualified. Then it will rank you in the Express Entry pool based on a scheme of points. Your score will be determined by the information you offer in your profile.

Step # 4: Receive an ITA and apply for PR Visa

IRCC will send ITAs – Invitations to Apply to the highest scoring candidates in the pool. You have 60 days for submission of your PR application if you obtain an ITA. The majority of the applications that are complete with all the required documents are processed within six months or even earlier.

Canada offers various immigration programs through which you can apply for a PR visa, the most popular one is the Express Entry program. The Express Entry program for Canada PR has its own eligibility requirements and application procedure.

What is the next step after receiving ITA from Canada through Express Entry?

The applicant who receives an ITA must fill the application forms and upload the required documents. This is according to the checklist issued by IRCC. They must then obtain police clearance, medical reports, and pay the specified fees. The specified funds must be shown by them and the application must be submitted within 60 days.

Should I apply for Canada PR or Express Entry through a consultant or on my own?

You are free to apply for Express Entry or Canada PR on your own. However, there are innumerable pathways for PR, several documents required, and specific rules. It is advisable that you avail services of reputed Immigration Consultants to maximize the success rate of your application  

 

Is IELTS Compulsory for Spouse under Express Entry PR Visa for Canada?

Canada PR Visa does not mandate that the IELTS score of the spouse has to be offered by the applicant. However, if offered, this will incur extra points to the principal applicant.

What does it take to get Canadian PR without a job offer via Express Entry?

The applicant is required to secure at least 67 points out of 100. This is based on diverse factors like Language Proficiency, Work Experience, Education, and Age. Other factors include work experience, study, or close relative in Canada who is a Canadian Citizen or PR Visa holder.

 

Why does Canada accept foreign nationals through express entry?

Express Entry has faster processing times of 6 months or even less for Canada PR Visa applications. It is for skilled overseas immigrants who intend to permanently settle in Canada with family.

Express Entry ensures that candidates who are mainly expected to economically succeed in Canada are able to migrate to the nation. This is rather than those who are just first in the line.

What is the Express Entry System of Canada?

Introduced in 2015, the Express Entry System is the primary source of skilled workers from other countries, also called skilled foreign workers. With a declining birth rate and an aging population, Canada relies heavily on immigrants for its population growth.

The Express Entry System of Canada is for managing the pool of candidates for 3 of Canada’s high-skilled immigration programs that come under the federal government of Canada. These 3 programs are –

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Profiles of those candidates that are eligible for either of the programs above-mentioned are placed in the Express Entry pool. Once in the pool, the profiles are allotted points for different factors, such as – age, education, proficiency in the English/French language, experience in skilled work etc. It is on the basis of the points awarded that the profiles are ranked against each other as per the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Is a job offer compulsory for Express Entry?

No. A valid job offer from an employer in Canada is not required to be eligible under the Express Entry System.

However, do keep in mind that you will get points under the CRS if you have a valid job offer.

How many CRS points do I get if I have a valid job offer?

If you have a valid job offer under the Express Entry, you can get –

  • For NOC 00 jobs – 200 CRS points
  • For NOC 0, A and B jobs – 50 CRS points
How often are the Express Entry draws held?

Typically, regular draws from the Express Entry pool are held every 2 weeks.

If I am selected, how much time will I get to apply?

The Government of Canada has a standard processing time of 6 months for permanent resident applications that are filed through the Express Entry system.

How many will Canada invite under Express Entry in 2020-21?

The target for admission of new permanent residents through the 3 federal high-skilled programs – FSTP, FSWP, and CEC – is 85,800 in 2020, and 88,800 in 2021.

What are the eligibility requirements to become a Canadian citizen?
  • Applicants must have stayed as a permanent resident for 1095 days as a permanent resident in the five years before the date of filing the citizenship application. This need not be a continuous stay.
  • Every day spent by applicants as a temporary resident is counted as half a day before they become permanent residents.
  • This is taken on account when calculating the number of days spent in the country to qualify for citizenship.

Apart from gaining a PR status and staying in Canada as a permanent resident for a stipulated period, the other requirements are:

Applicants must have paid the income tax under the Income tax act for a minimum of three years out of the five years as a permanent resident

They must have good language skills and prove that they can speak English or French fluently. You need to pass a test that will measure your speaking, writing, reading and listening skills in that language.

What is the processing time for Canadian citizenship?

The processing time starts once you submit your application whether online, by mail or in person.

Once your application is submitted, the authorities ensure that you have submitted your responses to all the questions in the form, sent all the required documents and paid the fees. They will then send you the acknowledgement of receipt (AOR). This will contain your unique client identifier (UCI). The AOR is an indication that your letter is ready to be processed.

However, if your application has any missing information, or if certain documents are missing or does not contain the fee receipt then your application will be sent back, and you will have to resubmit it.

Is it possible to have more than one Express Entry profile?

No. To apply for Canada immigration you can have only one profile at a time according to Canadian immigration law. Having more than one profile will not increase your chances of being invited or getting invited under a different program.

Is an Educational Credential Assessment necessary to apply under Express Entry?

In order to gain points for your educational qualification under the Comprehensive Ranking System, you must have:

  • Gained an educational qualification in Canada
  • Have an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for your foreign education for your immigration application
Why is it necessary to take a language test for Express Entry even if I can speak native English or French?

A language test is necessary because for immigration, every applicant is assessed by the same standards irrespective of their language of origin, nationality, or ethnicity.

The conditions for the language test include:

  • The candidate must take a standard test that is conducted by an objective third party. This ensures a fair and unbiased assessment of the candidate’s language skills.
  • Native speakers of English language or candidates from an English-speaking country, are also required to take a test. This holds good for those from a French-speaking country, or native French language speakers as well.
  • Candidates will have to submit third-party language results for all programs under Express Entry. The results of the language tests must be included in the Express Entry profile.
  • Language tests are also required for skilled immigration programs
What are the language tests one can take to apply under the Express Entry program?

Canadian immigration authorities accept the following tests for Express Entry:

For English

CELPIP: Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program – CELPIP-General

IELTS: International English Language Testing System – General Training

For French

TEF Canada: Test d’évaluation de français

TCF Canada : Test de connaissance du français

How can a candidate get more points under Express Entry if they have 2 or more degrees or diplomas?

In order to get the full points for more than one education credential, the following conditions must be met:

  • The candidate must have at least one of the credentials for a program that is 3 or more years in duration
  • The candidate should have a valid educational credential assessment (ECA) for each credential
  • The order in which a candidate completes the credentials does not affect the points

*Under Job Search Service, we offer Resume Writing, LinkedIn Optimization, and Resume Marketing. We do not advertise jobs on behalf of overseas employers or represent any overseas employer. This service is not a placement/recruitment service and does not guarantee jobs.

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