Frequently Asked Questions About Express Entry
While attempting to immigrate to Canada for greener pastures, there are many programs that you are eligible to apply for and various routes that can fast-track the process. Express Entry is one option to help you permanently settle down in the country quicker. However, when it comes to Express Entry, there are many questions clients have but may find it tricky to get all the answers they’re seeking. So, to ensure you have all your doubts cleared, Springwind Immigration Consulting Service Inc. wants to arm you with relevant information. To do this, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about Express Entry.
1. What is Express Entry?
Express Entry (EE) is an online permanent residence application system. The Canadian federal government uses EE to select and communicate with qualified applications.
2. What are the basic requirements of Express Entry?
To be eligible to enter the EE candidates’ pool, you must meet the minimum requirements of one of the programs managed by EE. These programs are Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
For FSWP, you need to have at least one year of work experience in NOC 0, A, or B within the last ten years, CLB 7 language ability, secondary or higher education credential, enough settlement funds, and a minimum of sixty-seven points in the FSWP point system. For FSTP, you need to have at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade, CLB 4 to CLB 5 language ability, and a full-time job offer or a certificate in that skilled trade. For CEC, you need to have at least one year of Canadian work experience in NOC 0, A, B occupation within the last three years, CLB 5 or CLB 7 language ability (depending on occupation type).
3. What is CRS, and how to calculate it?
EE uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess, score, and rank every candidate. For each EE draw, there is a minimum CRS score. Only candidates with a higher or the same CRS score will get invited to apply.
CRS assesses candidates based on their age, education level, language ability, work experience, network with Canada, and their spouse’s language ability, education level, and Canadian work experience, if applicable. Candidates can calculate their CRS scores online by visiting https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp.
As the tool is an automated system, sometimes the result of the score may not be accurate. Therefore, it’s always better to also calculate your score manually. Suppose you are confused or not sure about the score you will have based on your situation. In that case, you can contact us, and our professional consultant will give you a thorough assessment and evaluation to calculate your score accurately.
4. What type of job offers are valid under Express Entry?
Generally, an EE valid job offer is for a role that is full-time and non-seasonal, for at least one year, and in a skilled position in NOC 0, A, or B. A job offer must be in writing and contain details of the job, such as the salary, job title, duties, hours of work, and other conditions. A valid job offer must also be supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) in most cases.
5. What is LMIA? Do I need LMIA for a job offer valid under Express Entry?
A Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is a document issued by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) to determine if employers can hire foreign nationals. Generally, employers are expected to hire candidates locally. But, if an employer has conducted a thorough and genuine search for a local candidate and a suitable candidate cannot be found, the employer can submit a request to ESDC for permission to hire a foreign national to fill the job.
If you want to use your job offer to get more points under the CRS, it should be supported by a LMIA in most cases. Keep in mind that an international agreement covers a LMIA-exempt job.
6. If my information is updated, what should I do in the Express Entry system?
If you were found ineligible, you would not be able to update your profile, and you will have to create a new one. But, if your profile was found suitable for the pool, you can still edit it after you submit it.
As the tie-break rule prioritizes profiles that have entered the Express Entry pool earlier, you’d better update your file (if you are eligible) rather than withdraw and reapply.
If you have any more questions about the Express Entry, get in touch with the experts at Springwind Immigration Consulting Service Inc. As the best immigration consultants in Scarborough, Toronto, we strive to provide great services with professionalism, efficiency, reliance, and responsiveness to our customers. Our services include assistance with skilled worker immigration, business immigration or investors, work visas, student immigration, family immigration, refugee protection claim, and inadmissibility. We also assist clients with citizenship.
Our services are available across Scarborough, North York, Richmond, Markham within Canada and worldwide. To learn more about how we can help you, please click here or contact us by clicking here.