How to Get Express Entry into Canada for Skilled Immigrants- In this article we will be showing you how to get express entry points with a Canadian job offer. See How to Get Express Entry into Canada for Skilled Immigrants With Offer of Employment.
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.
It is important you know that not all job offers are equal in the eyes of the Express Entry system. We will also be showing you what you need to know when calculating your CRS score.
How to Get Express Entry into Canada for Skilled Immigrants With Offer of Employment
There is a great advantage for persons interested in migrating to Canada with a valid Canadian job offer. If you are immigrating through the points-based Express Entry system, you can get up-to 50 or 200 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points for having a Canadian job offer as earlier stated. The truth is that the more CRS points you have, the higher your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
However, it is rare for Express Entry candidates to obtain these points. According to the Canada Express Entry End of Year Report in 2019, 13 per cent of Express Entry candidates who received ITAs also got additional points for having a job offer.
What is a “valid” job offer in Canada?
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) considers a job offer valid if it is full-time, continuous paid work. Full time means at least 30 hours per week by one employer—or up to two for Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) candidates. It cannot be seasonal work, and it has to be ongoing for at least one year after you get your permanent resident visa.
If you have a new job offer (offer of arranged employment), you need to update your Express Entry profile in your account with the:
- start date
- employer name and address
- Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) number (if you have one)
- National Occupational Classification (NOC) code related to the job.
How much does Canada Express Entry cost?
The cost of immigrating to Canada through Express Entry is about $2,300 CAD for a single applicant, or about $4,500 CAD for a couple. The breakdown of costs include,
- Language tests: Average cost – $300
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Average cost – $200
- Biometrics: $85/person
- Government fees: $1,325/adult & $225/child
- Medical examination fees: average cost – $450/adult & $250/child
- Police clearance certificates: average cost – $100/country
Who is eligible for Express Entry?
Individuals with university or college degrees, skilled work experience and moderate proficiency in English and/or French are ideal Express Entry candidates.
In order to submit a profile through the Express Entry system, candidates must also meet the eligibility requirements for one of the three federal programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
A work permit on its own is not a job offer, even if it is an open work permit.
Your job offer must also meet other criteria to be valid under the Express Entry program you qualify for below.
Federal Skilled Workers and Canadian Experience Class
A valid job offer has to be:
- made by one employer
- continuous
- paid
- full-time (at least 30 hours a week)
- not seasonal
- for at least one year after we issue your permanent resident visa
- in a job that is NOC:
- Skill Type 0 or
- Skill Levels A or B
It also must be made :
- by an employer with a new positive LMIA that approves the offer and names you and your position OR
- if you’re currently working in Canada in a NOC 0, A or B job on a work permit that was issued based on an LMIA, and:
- you’re working for an employer listed on your work permit
- you’re authorized to work in Canada on the day you apply for a permanent resident visa, and when the visa is issued
- your current employer made you an offer to give you a full-time job for at least one year if you’re accepted as a permanent resident OR
- if you have a valid work permit for a NOC 0, A or B job that is exempt from needing an LMIA, and you:
- are currently working for an employer specified on the work permit
- have one year of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work) for that employer
- have a valid job offer from that employer for at least one year after we issue your permanent resident visa.
Federal Skilled Trades workers
A valid job offer has to be:
- made by up to two employers
- for continuous, paid, full-time work (at least 30 hours a week)
- for at least one year
- in a skilled trade occupation (jobs with 2016 NOC codes that start with 72, 73, 82, 92 as well as 632 and 633)
It also must be made:
- by employer(s) who have a new positive LMIA that approves the offer and names you and your position OR
- if you’re currently working in Canada in a skilled trade job a work permit that was issued based on a positive LMIA, and:
- you’re working for an employer listed on your work permit
- you’re authorized to work in Canada on the day you apply for a permanent resident visa and when the visa is issued
- your current employer(s) offered you a full-time job if you’re accepted as a permanent resident, in a job that is in the same three digit level of the NOC as your current job, for at least one year OR
- you have a valid work permit for one of the listed skilled trade occupation and it’s exempt from needing an LMIA, and you:
- are currently working for an employer specified on the work permit
- have one year of full-time work experience (or an equal amount of part-time work) for the employer(s) on your work permit who is making the offer and
- have a valid job offer from that employer for at least one year after we issue your permanent resident visa.
How long does Canada Express Entry take?
The Canadian Express Entry can take up-to six months to process, from submission of the Express Entry profile to the issuance of a permanent resident visa. However, not all cases will be as fast. Your Express Entry profile will remain active in the pool of candidates for 12 months if you do not receive an invitation to apply. If after 12 months you have not received an invitation, you are welcome to resubmit your profile and remain in the pool. To break it down further:
- Your profile will remain valid for 12 months in the Express Entry pool
- Upon issuance of the ITA, you will have 60 days to provide the requested full application of documents
- Once the immigration authorities receive your complete application, your permanent resident visa, IRCC may process your application in about six months
How to Apply for Express Entry Visa In Canada
Applying to Express Entry is a two-step process. The first step is to submit your profile which requires the following documents:
- Language test results
- Educational credential assessment report
- A passport or travel document
After you submit your profile and you receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you will need to provide a more substantial application that includes reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and results of a medical examination.
