The Express Entry system is one of the largest immigration entry points into Canada, and has a goal of issuing 108,500 Invitations to Apply (ITA) in 2021 and 110,500 ITAs in 2022. In other words, if you would like to immigrate to Canada as a permanent resident, then now would be the time to take advantage.
Learn how to create the perfect Express Entry profile to ensure you’ve done all you can to allow your profile to exceed the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score (also known as CRS – a medium to score candidates that apply through one of the federal government’s skilled worker programs) and give you the best chance possible to immigrate to Canada.
5 Ways to Make a Great Express Entry Profile
- Check your eligibility carefully
It’s important to provide accurate information, even better if the information is put together with documents, as this will make it more credible. By carefully doing this, it will make your final step in creating the profile much simpler.
- Improve your educational qualifications
This may be the long way to improving your profile. However, it does pay off well as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) values education. Below are the points achieved for each qualification:
- High school diploma – 30 points
- Minimum three-year degree – 120 points
- A doctorate – 150 points
Read here more information about the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and how it works.
- Apply as early as possible
You can achieve the highest CRS points for human capital ranking if you’re between the ages of 20 and 29 years. The reason for this is because Canada invites foreign nationals who can contribute to its economy for a long time. So, therefore, the earlier you apply, the better it is for your Express Entry profile.
- Work Experience
Having work experience, whether it be in or outside of Canada, can earn you some good points. You can earn up to 50 CRS points with foreign work experience and between 70 to 80 if you have previous working experience in Canada.
- Apply with your spouse
If you apply with your spouse, your points could be more competitive as you could earn more points for your partner’s core capital factors such as work experience and language proficiency.
Canada Express Entry Application Process
To apply for the Express Entry system, you first need to create an online profile. For that, you’ll need the following:
- Your passport or travel document;
- Education credential assessment report;
- Language test results;
- Certificate of qualification in a trade occupation issued by a Canadian province or territory (if you have one);
- Proof of work experience (if you have any); and
- Provincial Nomination (if you have one)
Once completed, your profile will be placed into the draw pool among other eligible applicants. There, your profile will receive a CRS score. To receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), your score must meet or exceed the qualifying CRS score for that particular draw. Receiving an ITA would mean that you have the opportunity to apply for Canadian permanent residency.
Now, if you are unsuccessful in the first Express Entry draw, do not worry, as your profile can stay in the Express Entry pool for a year. While you wait for the next draw, there are several ways you can improve your CRS score. They include:
- Improving your language test scores – by simply retaking your first official language test, you could receive a maximum of 34 points or 22 points by learning a second language.
- Getting a job offer in Canada – if you’re able to get a job offer that is full-time and for at least one year long, then you can get an additional 200 CRS points added to your profile.
- Receiving a Provincial Nomination – this may be one of the best ways to guarantee an ITA. This is because having a Provincial Nomination will add 600 CRS points to your profile. This is quite a significant amount of points as the maximum CRS score is 1,200, which means having a nomination gets you halfway there.
Increase Your Express Entry Success
One of the best ways to ensure your Express Entry profile is top-notch is by working with an immigration agency. By doing so, you’re putting your profile in the hands of experts such as CanadianVisa.org. They work alongside knowledgeable Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) who are with you every step of the process. You’ll also have 24-hour support, along with a designated case agent and RCIC who are available to answer any questions you may have.