Express Entry for Immigration to Canada – Embarking on a journey to make Canada your new home as a skilled professional comes with various options, and one of the most streamlined pathways is the Express Entry system. While it’s important to note that there are other avenues for immigration, meeting the eligibility criteria for Express Entry can set you on the path to becoming a Canadian permanent resident. This guide aims to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the Express Entry program, covering crucial elements such as eligibility, required funds, documentation, processing time, and more.
Guide to Express Entry for Immigration to Canada
What is Express Entry and Who is Eligible?
Express Entry is a carefully designed route to obtaining Canadian permanent residence, specifically tailored for skilled workers and professionals. Once you have confirmed your eligibility based on foundational criteria, you can proceed to create an online profile. This profile showcases your qualifications and includes documents that substantiate your eligibility. The profile is then assigned a score reflecting your alignment with the criteria, with the highest-scoring candidates receiving invitations to apply for permanent residence. Within the Express Entry framework, you’ll find several distinct programs, each catering to different circumstances:
- Canadian Experience Class
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
These pathways cater to a range of professionals, from managers to skilled tradespeople, each with specific requirements for education, language proficiency, and work experience. While the Skilled Trades route necessitates a job offer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority, the other routes are open to those without a job offer.
Provincial Nominee Program:
The Express Entry system can be further complemented by the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), a dynamic initiative that enables aspiring immigrants to seek sponsorship from a specific province in Canada. This facet of the program becomes particularly beneficial if your skills align with the needs of a particular province, enhancing your prospects of gaining acceptance.
Funds Required for Express Entry:
Initiating your Express Entry application involves the payment of necessary fees. These fees encompass processing and, if applicable, the right of permanent residence. Flexibility is afforded in payment, allowing for initial payment of processing fees with the residence fee to be paid at a later stage. Additionally, a biometric fee may be levied, underscoring the importance of staying informed about the latest fee details.
To offer clarity, here is a breakdown of the application fees, effective as of December 2020:
- Application including processing and residence fee: CAD 1,325 per person
- Application including processing fee only: CAD 825 per person
- Application for a dependent child: CAD 225 per child
Demonstrating Proof of Funds:
For individuals applying through the Federal Skilled Worker or Federal Skilled Trades routes without a job offer, showcasing adequate funds is obligatory. The stipulated funds vary based on family size and encompass your partner and dependent children. It is imperative that these funds are accessible and readily available both at the application stage and upon your arrival in Canada. Letters from banks or financial institutions play a crucial role in substantiating your financial capacity.
Read also: Navigating the Road to a Canadian Driving License: A Step-by-Step GuideThe Minimum Funds Required According to Family Size (CAD) are as follows:
- 1 family member: CAD 12,960
- 2 family members: CAD 16,135
- 3 family members: CAD 19,836
- 4 family members: CAD 24,083
- 5 family members: CAD 27,315
- 6 family members: CAD 30,806
- 7 family members: CAD 34,299
- Each additional family member: CAD 3,492
Utilizing the Express Entry Points Calculator:
Upon submission, your application is subjected to evaluation using a comprehensive points system. This system takes into account factors such as skills, experience, age, and connections to Canada. To gauge your eligibility accurately, the Canadian government offers an Express Entry points calculator that assigns a score out of a total of 1,200 points.
Processing Time:
Upon receiving an invitation to apply, you are granted a period of 90 days to complete and submit your permanent residence application. Assuming you promptly provide all required documents, the typical processing time is under six months.
Staying Informed About the Latest Draws:
Throughout the year, Express Entry draws are conducted, each catering to different eligibility criteria and routes. The official Canadian government website remains the most reliable source for the latest information on the number of invitations issued and the minimum scores required for each draw.
Conclusion:
The Express Entry system represents an enticing pathway to achieving Canadian permanent residence for skilled professionals and workers. By delving into the intricacies of eligibility, required funds, documentation, processing time, and other crucial aspects, you can confidently navigate the application process. It’s important to remain vigilant as immigration policies and requirements may evolve, necessitating regular visits to the official Canadian government website for the most accurate and up-to-date information. As you embark on your journey, consider leveraging cost-effective international payment providers like Wise to facilitate the transfer of your savings. With transparent fees and competitive exchange rates, Wise can potentially offer substantial savings compared to traditional banking methods, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the costs involved upfront.
