canada immigration partners
Express Entry
Canada’s fastest path to permanent residency. We’ll guide you home.
Your Skills, Your Future, Your Canadian Home
Canada Immigration Partners assists skilled workers in navigating the Express Entry system to achieve permanent residency in Canada.
How Can We Help?
The Express Entry Process
Express Entry is Canada’s fastest immigration pathway, but eligibility varies. As regulated immigration consultants with over 35 years’ shared experience, Miho and I can assist. Your skills, experience, and ranking factors determine your points-based score. Let’s explore Express Entry further.
Step 1: Determine Your Pathway
The first step in the process is to understand which of the four paths best suits your needs based on your unique circumstance: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Workers Class, Federal Skilled Trades Class, or the Provincial Nominee Program.
Determine Your Pathway
The first step in the process is to understand which of the four following paths best suits your needs based on your unique circumstance:
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) provides a pathway to permanent residency for foreign workers in Canada, requiring a minimum of one year of full-time skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in English or French at a level that matches their work experience. To apply, candidates need to submit their profile to the Express Entry system and wait for an invitation to proceed with their permanent residency application.
Federal Skilled Workers Class
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is designed for individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience to apply for permanent residency in Canada. This program evaluates applicants based on multiple criteria including education, skilled work experience, and language proficiency. Other factors such as age, ability to adapt to life in Canada, and having a valid job offer are also taken into account during the assessment.
Federal Skilled Trades Class
The Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC) is tailored for skilled trade workers seeking permanent residency in Canada. Eligibility requires at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last five years, along with adequate language proficiency in English or French. Applicants also need either a valid job offer for a minimum of one year or a certificate of qualification in their trade from a Canadian province or territory. This program aids in bringing in-demand tradespeople to contribute to Canada’s economy.
Provincial Nomination Program
The Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows Canadian provinces and territories to nominate immigrants who meet specific regional economic or demographic needs. If you possess the skills, education, or work experience a province or territory requires, you can apply for nomination. This nomination grants additional points in the Express Entry system, greatly increasing your chances of obtaining permanent residency. Each region has unique criteria and streams tailored to their local priorities.
Step 2: Submit Your Expression of Interest
Next, submit an honest Expression of Interest with a competitive Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) based on age, education, and work experience.
Submitting Your Expression of Interest
The second step is to complete the online Expression of Interest. Once you have confirmed you qualify you will receive an Invitation to Apply (for Permanent Residency) so long as you score enough points.
A prerequisite for filing your Expression of Interest application is that you know you have a competitive Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). For this, you will need your Education Credentials Assessment, Language Test and work experience validations.
It is vital that you submit honest and accurate information because once you confirm you qualify, via submitting your Expression of Interest, you will then be expected to validate all of your claims. If you misrepresent in this process you will be inadmissible to Canada for the next five years.
The Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS) is the points system that is used to determine who receives an invitation to apply for Permanent Residency under Express Entry.
Points are awarded based on factors such as age, education, and work experience; those who earn enough points are placed in a pool of people for consideration for permanent residence.
The highest obtainable CRS score is 1200 and those with the highest scores receive an invitation to apply for express entry.
Express Entry draws are held by IRCC according to their needs and priorities, approximately once every two weeks. It is a good idea to understand where your score fits into the current trend before investing in language tests and credentials assessments.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply
After receiving an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residency, you must submit a complete electronic application within 60 days, including work experience, criminal, and medical admissibility evidence, to avoid delays or rejection.
Receiving an Invitation to Apply
This is the stage when you apply for Permanent Residency. What could possibly go wrong? Well, it’s important to remember a few things here…
If you have received an Invitation to Apply you are on your way to becoming a Canadian Permanent Resident. However you are not quite finished. Once you receive your invitation, you only have 60 days to respond by completing an electronic application for permanent residence.
Some of the information they require might take more than 60 days to receive. It’s important to be prepared and to submit your full application on time and to ensure it’s complete and decision ready. Evidence of your work experience, criminal admissibility and medical admissibility will also be required at this stage.
Canada Immigration partners
Expert Support for a Smoother Journey
Navigating this process can be complex, with tight deadlines, detailed requirements, and high stakes for your Permanent Residency dreams.
We provide expertise and peace of mind, ensuring your application is accurate, complete, and strategically positioned for success.
Start Your Express Entry Journey with
Canada Immigration Partners
Step 1
Fill out our free assessment form, and we’ll carefully review your qualifications.
Step 2
If you are qualified, you will receive a reply within 1-3 days from a member of Canada Immigration Partners.
Step 3
Schedule a consultation with us to discuss the details of your immigration case.
Why Trust Canada Immigration Partners?
The Canada Immigration Partners team has over 35 years of combined experience in helping people navigate Canada’s immigration system. We have successfully settled hundreds of individuals and families in Canada.
The Personal Touch
You’ll never get lost in the shuffle at CIP. We treat every customer with the same level of attentiveness and care. While larger firms may offer immigration services as a mere aside, we are fully dedicated to you and your journey.
Transparent
While other firms obscure the true cost of their services, CIP keeps things crystal clear. Consulting services cost as little as $99 CAD, and partnership prices are always negotiated in advance, making budgeting a painless process.
Fully Regulated
You can rest assured knowing that your application is in the hands of experienced professionals. Canada Immigration Partners’ consultants are regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants and are members of the Canadian Association of Professional Immigration Consultants.
Experience
We don’t just understand immigration law; we’ve lived it. As a husband-and-wife team who have successfully navigated our own immigration journey to Canada, we bring a deeply personal understanding and empathy to your case. We know what it’s like, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to commonly asked questions about Express Entry
How long does the Express Entry process take?
The Express Entry process usually takes about six months, depending on IRCC processing times.
IRCC has limited capacity to process applications because of the number of trained visa officers. The volume of applications is consistently high because more people want to immigrate than ultimately can.
All this means that application processing times can, and sometimes will, change from when the application is submitted to when a decision is made. Making it all the more important to submit a complete and decision-ready application in the shortest possible time.
One final important point to note is that processing times are in addition to the time needed to complete the visa application. This is one area where we can really help save you time and energy.
What type of documentation is needed for an Express Entry program?
The documents required for the Express Entry Program include proof of identity such as a valid passport, proof of language proficiency (IELTS or CELPIP exams), and evidence of education qualifications and work experience. You will also need to provide additional documents, such as a police certificate and medical exam results.
Is there a way to increase my CRS score?
Yes, there are several ways to increase your CRS score. These include getting more education, gaining additional work experience, improving language proficiency and demonstrating adaptability.
You can increase your CRS score by 50 or 600 points respectively by securing a validated job offer, in the form of a LMIA or Provincial Nomination, with a Canadian employer.
An experienced immigration consultant can help you maximize your CRS score by providing advice and guidance on the best strategies for achieving this goal in the shortest amount of time.
Is Express Entry the only way to immigrate to Canada?
No, other options may be available for immigration to Canada, such as family-class immigration or alternative economic programs. An experienced immigration consultant can help you determine which program is best suited to your needs.
What Type of Supporting Documentation Do I Need to Support the Genuineness of Our Common Law Relationship?
When sponsoring your common-law partner for Family Class Sponsorship in Canada, you must provide supporting documents to prove the genuineness of your relationship.
Examples of supporting documentation that you can include in your Family Sponsorship application for a common-law partner include:
– Declaration of Common-Law Union: You and your partner can sign a declaration of common-law union. This document should outline the details of your common-law relationship, including the duration of the relationship and how you live together.
– Proof of Cohabitation: You may submit documents that show you have lived together for at least one year. Examples include joint bills, a lease agreement, and a mortgage agreement.
– Joint Finances: Provide evidence that you and your common-law partner share financial responsibilities, such as joint bank accounts, shared credit cards, and joint insurance policies.
– Proof of Social Commitment: You can provide evidence of joint activities and events, such as invitations or attendance at family events.
– Communication: Include evidence of regular communication between you and your common-law partner, such as call logs, emails, and text messages.
– Photographs: Personal photographs of you and the sponsored person together, showcasing your shared experiences, special occasions, and the progression of your relationship over time.
– Social connections: Documents that highlight your involvement in each other’s lives and interactions with each other’s family and friends. This can include invitations or attendance records for family gatherings or social events, testimonials from mutual acquaintances, or any other evidence that demonstrates the social aspect of your relationship.
It is essential that the documents you provide demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship and that you have been living together for at least one year, 12 consecutive months in the case of Common law applications.
Providing insufficient documentation may result in the rejection of your application.
What is considered full-time skilled work experience?
Full-time skilled work experience refers to paid work in a particular occupation or field that is recognized as skilled in the TEER Occupation Classification system, where work hours were at least 30 hours per week for one year or 15 hours per week for at least two years.
What is considered skilled work experience?
Skilled work experience refers to paid work in a particular occupation or field that was done for at least 1 year and is classified as TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
Does work experience as a student count for work experience?
No. Work experience gain when you were a full time student does not count towards the work experience requirement for Express Entry. However, you may still qualify for other immigration programs based on student experience.
How much does an Express Entry application cost?
There is no Government processing fee to upload your Expression of Interest. But there are charges for nearly everything else:
• Language Tests circa CDN$280;
• Education Credentials Assessment circa CDN$250;
You’ll need both of the above to submit an expression of interest.
When it comes time to apply for P.R. you’ll need to pay:
• IRCC Processing fees CDN$850;
• Right To Permanent Residency Landing Fee CDN$515;
• Biometrics, if applicable CDN$85;
• Immigration Medical circa CDN$300;
• Police Certificates these costs will depend on the countries you have resided, budget for $50 or more for each.
A ballpark figure for all the costs above is CDN$ 2300. This does not include the costs of immigration advice and representation. Our professional services fees start at $3300 and go up from there.
Are consultants worth hiring for the Express Entry application process?
In a word: yes, but it is by no means essential. Our consultation will provide you with the quality information you need to complete your own application. The people who are successful with completing their own immigration applications tend to have two traits in common:
• They have strong attention to detail;
• They have the time available to complete the work.
We do see people again after they submitted their unsuccessful application. Repeating the process will have cost them both time and money. And that’s really the crux of the decision: does the cost of hiring a Canadian Immigration Consultant who will submit a decision-ready application outweigh the drain on your time and potential additional costs with a failed application, or an application repeatedly sent back to you requiring more information?
Other reasons clients hire us are because they lose the motivation to see the process through or lack the computer skills to submit online applications.
Ultimately, we provide value when it comes to navigating Canada’s complicated immigration process. With our knowledge and expertise, we can ensure that your application is completed accurately and promptly, saving you time and money in the long run. We also provide valuable information every step of the way about how to maximize your chances of success.
How well do I have to speak English or French to qualify for Express Entry?
To qualify for Express Entry, you must demonstrate language proficiency in either English or French. You can do this by providing the results of a language test such as IELTS or CELPIP. You will need to obtain the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level required by your application type in speaking, listening, reading and writing to meet the language requirements for Express Entry.
Still have a question?
Check out more frequently-asked questions and answers about Express Entry or get in touch!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Express Entry process take?
The Express Entry process usually takes about six months, depending on IRCC processing times.
IRCC has limited capacity to process applications because of the number of trained visa officers. The volume of applications is consistently high because more people want to immigrate than ultimately can.
All this means that application processing times can, and sometimes will, change from when the application is submitted to when a decision is made. Making it all the more important to submit a complete and decision-ready application in the shortest possible time.
One final important point to note is that processing times are in addition to the time needed to complete the visa application. This is one area where we can really help save you time and energy.
What type of documentation is needed for an Express Entry program?
The documents required for the Express Entry Program include proof of identity such as a valid passport, proof of language proficiency (IELTS or CELPIP exams), and evidence of education qualifications and work experience. You will also need to provide additional documents, such as a police certificate and medical exam results.
Is there a way to increase my CRS score?
Yes, there are several ways to increase your CRS score. These include getting more education, gaining additional work experience, improving language proficiency and demonstrating adaptability.
You can increase your CRS score by 50 or 600 points respectively by securing a validated job offer, in the form of a LMIA or Provincial Nomination, with a Canadian employer.
An experienced immigration consultant can help you maximize your CRS score by providing advice and guidance on the best strategies for achieving this goal in the shortest amount of time.
Is Express Entry the only way to immigrate to Canada?
No, other options may be available for immigration to Canada, such as family-class immigration or alternative economic programs. An experienced immigration consultant can help you determine which program is best suited to your needs.
What Type of Supporting Documentation Do I Need to Support the Genuineness of Our Common Law Relationship?
When sponsoring your common-law partner for Family Class Sponsorship in Canada, you must provide supporting documents to prove the genuineness of your relationship.
Examples of supporting documentation that you can include in your Family Sponsorship application for a common-law partner include:
– Declaration of Common-Law Union: You and your partner can sign a declaration of common-law union. This document should outline the details of your common-law relationship, including the duration of the relationship and how you live together.
– Proof of Cohabitation: You may submit documents that show you have lived together for at least one year. Examples include joint bills, a lease agreement, and a mortgage agreement.
– Joint Finances: Provide evidence that you and your common-law partner share financial responsibilities, such as joint bank accounts, shared credit cards, and joint insurance policies.
– Proof of Social Commitment: You can provide evidence of joint activities and events, such as invitations or attendance at family events.
– Communication: Include evidence of regular communication between you and your common-law partner, such as call logs, emails, and text messages.
– Photographs: Personal photographs of you and the sponsored person together, showcasing your shared experiences, special occasions, and the progression of your relationship over time.
– Social connections: Documents that highlight your involvement in each other’s lives and interactions with each other’s family and friends. This can include invitations or attendance records for family gatherings or social events, testimonials from mutual acquaintances, or any other evidence that demonstrates the social aspect of your relationship.
It is essential that the documents you provide demonstrate the genuineness of your relationship and that you have been living together for at least one year, 12 consecutive months in the case of Common law applications.
Providing insufficient documentation may result in the rejection of your application.
What is considered full-time skilled work experience?
Full-time skilled work experience refers to paid work in a particular occupation or field that is recognized as skilled in the TEER Occupation Classification system, where work hours were at least 30 hours per week for one year or 15 hours per week for at least two years.
What is considered skilled work experience?
Skilled work experience refers to paid work in a particular occupation or field that was done for at least 1 year and is classified as TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 in the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system.
Does work experience as a student count for work experience?
No. Work experience gain when you were a full time student does not count towards the work experience requirement for Express Entry. However, you may still qualify for other immigration programs based on student experience.
How much does an Express Entry application cost?
There is no Government processing fee to upload your Expression of Interest. But there are charges for nearly everything else:
• Language Tests circa CDN$280;
• Education Credentials Assessment circa CDN$250;
You’ll need both of the above to submit an expression of interest.
When it comes time to apply for P.R. you’ll need to pay:
• IRCC Processing fees CDN$850;
• Right To Permanent Residency Landing Fee CDN$515;
• Biometrics, if applicable CDN$85;
• Immigration Medical circa CDN$300;
• Police Certificates these costs will depend on the countries you have resided, budget for $50 or more for each.
A ballpark figure for all the costs above is CDN$ 2300. This does not include the costs of immigration advice and representation. Our professional services fees start at $3300 and go up from there.
Are consultants worth hiring for the Express Entry application process?
In a word: yes, but it is by no means essential. Our consultation will provide you with the quality information you need to complete your own application. The people who are successful with completing their own immigration applications tend to have two traits in common:
• They have strong attention to detail;
• They have the time available to complete the work.
We do see people again after they submitted their unsuccessful application. Repeating the process will have cost them both time and money. And that’s really the crux of the decision: does the cost of hiring a Canadian Immigration Consultant who will submit a decision-ready application outweigh the drain on your time and potential additional costs with a failed application, or an application repeatedly sent back to you requiring more information?
Other reasons clients hire us are because they lose the motivation to see the process through or lack the computer skills to submit online applications.
Ultimately, we provide value when it comes to navigating Canada’s complicated immigration process. With our knowledge and expertise, we can ensure that your application is completed accurately and promptly, saving you time and money in the long run. We also provide valuable information every step of the way about how to maximize your chances of success.
How well do I have to speak English or French to qualify for Express Entry?
To qualify for Express Entry, you must demonstrate language proficiency in either English or French. You can do this by providing the results of a language test such as IELTS or CELPIP. You will need to obtain the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level required by your application type in speaking, listening, reading and writing to meet the language requirements for Express Entry.
Insights on Express Entry
Discover expert tips and advice from our blog to help you navigate the Express Entry process with ease.
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Expert Immigration Support You Can Trust
At Canada Immigration Partners, we combine over 35 years of experience with a personal touch to help individuals and families make Canada their home. As a husband-and-wife team who’ve completed the immigration journey ourselves, we’re committed to guiding you with care, integrity, and expertise.