Express Entry will reopen in July for the year 2022. Canada expects 1.3 million immigrants from all over the world over the following three years. However, the Canadian government has imposed a yearly limit on the number of permanent residence applications it would accept. So, applicants who want to migrate to Canada will have to wait till next year if they don’t make it out of this pool. This article discusses the Canada express entry visa requirements, process, and how you can improve your chances of getting approved.
What is the Canada Express Entry Program?
Canada Express Entry is an immigration program that allows people to live and work in Canada as skilled workers. The Express Entry Program has a very short processing time and is one of the most popular Canada Immigration options. Citizenship and Immigration Canada will assess, recruit, and select immigrants who are skilled and/or hold the appropriate requirements under federal economic immigration programs. They are:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Training Program (FSTP)
- Canada Experience Class (CEC)
For the express entry program, you only need to create an online profile once for the entire year, and you’ll be automatically entered into two-week draws. If you are not eligible for a Canada Express Entry visa but have a job offer, apply to one of Canada’s 11 Express Entry Linked Provincial Nominee Programs. This method will reduce your application time by nearly a third, bringing it down to 6 months.
How To Apply for a Canada Express Entry Visa?
Applicants who want to migrate to Canada from India must follow these steps to obtain an express entry visa.
- Determine your eligibility for the program.
- Gather all of the necessary documentation.
- Make an Express Entry profile.
- Send in your profile.
- Applicants are chosen based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.
- The applicants with the highest score receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Candidates must apply for PR within 60 days of receiving the ITA.
- If you are chosen, you will be required to provide more documentation, for example, proof of funds.
- After verification, you can apply for PR in Canada.
Canada Express Entry Program Eligibility
Please keep in mind that the standards listed below are the minimum for applying to Canada’s Express Entry system as a skilled worker. Applicants with higher CRS scores and stronger profiles will always be given preference over those who only fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria. Therefore, make sure that:
- You have at least one year of work experience (full-time or comparable part-time) in a skilled occupation in the last ten years.
- You can demonstrate language proficiency (in English or French) on a recognized language test.
- You have finished post-secondary education that has been evaluated per Canadian standards using an Education Credential Assessment.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) – How to Get Approved in One Go
Candidates in the Canada Express Entry pool are ranked using a Comprehensive Ranking System score. To reach the high immigration targets set for 2022, the Canadian government may have to lower the CRS cut-off for Express Entry drawings once again. However, due to the number of candidates in the Express Entry pool, the CRS cut-off will undoubtedly be significantly higher for at least the first half of the year.
We have listed some ways to improve your CRS score and chances of getting approved for a visa.
Attempt CELPIP instead of retaking your IELTS exam
Improving your IELTS/CELPIP score is the most effective approach to gaining points. A strong score on a language competence test might get you up to 160 points. Under the Federal Skilled Worker program, the minimum language competence test score is 7 by Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). You can earn up to 260 Express Entry points by scoring a CLB 9 in all language abilities.
Professional Experience
Your work experience plays a significant role in determining your Express Entry CRS score. If you do not have work experience and do not qualify for the program, apply for a short work visa. Work experience in Canada can provide you with various additional Canadian immigration choices.
Job opportunity
An eligible employment offer can add 50 to 100 points to your express entrance profile, significantly improving your prospects in the express entry draw. Even if you do not have a job offer lined up in Canada, there are immigration programs offered by the Canadian government that can earn you an ITA.
Nomination from the Provinces
If a province nominates you, you will receive an additional 600 points. Although this is a separate process, qualifying for a provincial nomination program can boost your chances of being accepted for express Entry.
Study
A one-year post-secondary certificate program may get you several points. For Express Entry candidates, Canadian educational credentials are highly sought. If you have little job experience or are not qualified for the Express Entry program, consider migrating to Canada as a student.
Hire a Licensed Immigration Consultant
With the help of licensed consultants, it can be effortless to migrate to Canada from India. Having an immigration professional prepare your express entry application will significantly boost your chances of being accepted.
Conclusion
All that remains once you have completed your process, submitted your application, and increased your CRS score is the Express Entry processing period. The Canada express entry visa application is processed within 6 months. Express Entry processing timeframes vary depending on the number of applications received, the system’s load, and the number of applicants permitted to get ITAs.