Express Entry is the new system introduced in January 2015 to help Citizenship and Immigration  Canada (CIC) to select permanent residents based on their skills and experience helpful in boosting the economy.

All applicants eligible under the following programs must first create an Express Entry profile:

• Federal Skilled Worker
• Federal Skilled Trades Worker
• Canadian Experience Class

It is a two-step online process based on a ranking system.

To qualify under Express Entry stream, first, the candidate has to create an online profile on CIC. Then, the system performs an assessment based on candidate’s marital status, age, education, work experience, language skills and other factors.

Once a profile has been created it will enter the Express Entry pool and given a ranking score out of 1200 points.

The score can be increased if the applicant has an arranged employment offer from a Canadian employer or by improving their language skills.CIC will then select, during regular draws, the top-ranking profiles and send those an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Applicants then have 60 days to submit their formal application. CIC has promised to process these applications within 6 months. Profile ranking scores (max 1200 points).

• a maximum of 600 points are awarded for age, education, language proficiency, Canadian work experience and skills transferability.
• 600 points are awarded for a Canadian job offer, supported by a Provisional Nomination.
• 50 Points are awarded for a Canadian Job offer by a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). An LMIA is to obtained by the Canadian employer.

Note: The candidates stay in the pool for a maximum of 12 months. If the candidate does not receive an invitation within the 12-month period, the candidate has to create a new profile.

Express Entry is cover for three Major Immigration Program:

• Federal Skilled Worker Express Entry
• Canadian Experience Class
• Federal Skilled Trade Worker