The Express Entry Program is completed via online by the Government of Canada website. It allows people to submit their profiles of their skills, education, and employment history to gain points through a specific calculator designed by the government. 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.

If approved for permanent residence, the applicant can then move to Canada and have all the privileges that legal residents has, including the right to apply for Canadian citizenship once they are eligible.

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.

Eligibility Criteria

If you have decided that you want to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry Program, then you must meet the eligibility criteria. 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.

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. The questionnaire will ask you details about yourself such as:

• Nationality
• Age
• Language skills
• Education
• Work experience
• Family members
• Details on a job offer in Canada

Each answer you give on these questions will be used to calculate your points on the CRS Calculator. Different answers yield different points, and each Express Entry program requires you to pass a certain threshold to qualify. The total points are 100 and for example, to qualify for the Federal Skilled Workers Program, you will need a minimum of 67 points.

After you complete the questionnaire, the website will generate a specific code number for you. You can use that to start your profile after you create your account.

For the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you will need to be eligible for Express Entry, but you must also meet additional requirements. You must decide in which province of Canada you want to live in and contact the responsible authorities.

You can find a list of all the Canadian Provinces and links to their contacts in the PNP eligibility site. Contact your chosen province and find out what the requirements are and assess whether you are eligible or not. If you are, then the province must nominate you in order for you to apply.

How to Apply

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.

Documents needed

The application process for the Express Entry Programs is different, depending on which program you want to apply for. There is one application process for the first three programs, while the Provincial Nominee Program has a different procedure.

Applying for the Federal Skilled Workers, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class Programs can be done through these steps.

You will need a list of supporting documents to be able to apply for the programs. This includes:

• A valid passport of travel document;
• Language test results (English or French);
• Education Credential Assessment Report (for the Federal Skilled Workers and Experience Class);
• Job offer letter from an employer in Canada (if you have one);
• Police certificates to prove you have a clean criminal record;
• Medical examination;
• Proof that you have enough funds to cover your stay in Canada if you are invited to apply;