Express Entry Canada: How to Apply for Canada Skilled Worker Immigration Visa Through Express Entry

Express Entry is the application process for skilled immigrants who want to settle in Canada permanently and take part in our economy. Express Entry is the fastest and most popular pathway to permanent residence for immigrants seeking a new life in Canada.

Canada welcomes around 110,000 skilled workers through the Express Entry system each year. The Government of Canada, as well as the governments of the provinces of Canada offer a wide variety of programs that allow workers and professionals to apply and obtain permanent residence in Canada.

These programs are aimed at foreign skilled workers in particular.

So, in case you are interested in these programs, this article teaches how to apply for Canada skilled worker immigration visa today.

But before that, let’s see some skilled worker immigration programs present in Canada.

Skilled Worker Immigration Programs

• Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Skilled Trades Program

Applicants to these programs are selected based on their age, education level, work experience, knowledge of Canada’s official languages, and various other factors. Applicants can submit their applications through the “Express Entry” system.

• Federal Canadian Experience Program

This program is suitable for applicants who have previously studied and worked in Canada and wish to obtain permanent residence in another province other than Quebec (this province has its programs).

• Provincial Nominee Programs

Canadian provinces offer numerous immigration programs to select, attract and retain workers.

These programs allow candidates for permanent residence to be selected based on their suitability to be able to settle successfully as workers.

Most of these programs target international students who have graduated from a Canadian educational institution or technical school.

They also target foreign workers who have a valid job offer and are already employed by a Canadian employer.

However, Quebec has its immigration programs for foreign applicants seeking to settle in the province of Quebec.

See them below;

• Quebec Skilled Worker Program

This is a program that selects skilled workers based on a points system associated with various criteria such as age, knowledge of English and French, experience working and other characteristics.

• Quebec Experience Program

This program targets applicants who have studied or worked in the province of Quebec and who wish to settle in Quebec as permanent residents.

How to Apply for Canada Skilled Worker Immigration Visa

Federal Skilled Worker applicants must submit their application online through the electronic case management system, Express Entry.

Skilled workers must have the required skills, education and work experience. They must know English or French and be equipped with other skills that will help them to integrate into the Canadian labour market.

Your application as a skilled worker must first meet certain minimum requirements to be considered admissible.

Then, you will be assessed against six selection factors according to a well-defined scoring system.

To be eligible to apply, you must;

• Have a job offer
• Be eligible to work in Canada
• Be able to demonstrate that you have enough money to meet the needs of your dependents and yourself following your arrival in Canada.
• Have at least 1 year of experience as a full-time skilled worker (or its equivalent).
• Have the minimum language level required in French or English;
• Have a post-secondary certificate or diploma;
• Count on living in a province other than Quebec.

Minimum Requirements for Canada Skilled Worker Immigration Visa

• Your professional experience must meet certain criteria.
• You have work experience in a management position, a professional position (i.e. a position that usually requires a university degree, such as a dentist or architect), or a technical or specialist job (such as chefs, plumbers or electricians). For more information on these categories, you can visit the NOC – National Occupational Classification official website.
• Your work experience must have been paid, full-time or its part-time equivalent. Full-time means at least 30 hours per week. You must also have obtained this experience within the last 10 years.

However, these conditions do not apply if you have a permanent job offer.

You can use the Come to Canada wizard on the IRCC website to help you determine if your application is eligible.

Evaluation of Your Application

If your application is deemed admissible, it will be assessed based on the following six selection factors according to a well-defined point system.

You must obtain at least 67 points to pass the assessment test;

• Studies (25 points)
• Language skills in French or English
• Experience
• Age
• Arranged employment in Canada
• Adaptability

It is possible to do your self-assessment and determine the number of points you could obtain using the Come to Canada tool.

How to Submit Your Application

1. Get the Application Kit (guide and forms) on the CIC official website.
2. Fill out the forms
3. Calculate your costs, including processing costs
4. Sign your application and attach all required documents, including processing fees
5. Mail it to the Federal Skilled Worker Central Receiving Office in Sydney, Nova Scotia (Canada).

FAQs

What is Express Entry Canada and who can apply for it?

Express Entry is an online immigration system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents. It covers three main programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class. Individuals with work experience, good language skills in English or French, and strong educational qualifications can apply through Express Entry.

How can I apply for a Canada Skilled Worker Immigration Visa through Express Entry?

To apply, you must first create an online Express Entry profile on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. You will be required to provide personal details, work experience, education, and language test results. Once submitted, your profile will be ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with the highest scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

What documents are required to apply for Express Entry?

Applicants must have valid language test results (IELTS or TEF), an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for foreign degrees, a valid passport, work experience letters, and proof of funds to show financial stability in Canada. Additional documents such as police certificates, medical exams, and job offers (if applicable) may be required after receiving an ITA.

How long does the Express Entry process take?

Once a complete application is submitted after receiving an Invitation to Apply, the processing time for Express Entry is usually around six months. However, the entire process—from profile creation to receiving an ITA—can take longer depending on the applicant’s CRS score and the frequency of draws conducted by IRCC.