Moving to Canada through Express Entry

Canada welcomes skilled immigrants from all over the world. Government programs such as International Experience Canada offer skilled immigrants between the ages of 18-35 the opportunity to work and travel in Canada for a fixed period of time, usually one or two years.  

For skilled immigrants who wish to become permanent residents, there are many options to explore. Express Entry, Provincial Nominee Programs and sponsorship are just three examples that a skilled immigrant can consider depending on their particular circumstances. The fastest route to permanent residency, however, is through Express Entry. 

What is Express Entry? 

Express Entry to Canada is an online system that the Canadian government uses to process applications from skilled immigrants who wish to achieve permanent status. This particular system has three main federal programs: 

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) 
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST) 
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) 

There are two main components in submitting an application under Canada Express Entry. The first component involves creating and submitting an online profile. This profile must include results from a recent language test, a copy of a credential assessment report and a passport.  

After the online profile is submitted, eligible candidates will receive an invitation to apply for permanent residency. This application process is far more detailed. Candidates are required to attach more documents including references, police certificates and medical examination results. These documents are then reviewed by an IRCC officer who determines if a candidate should receive permanent residency. The Canada Immigration Express Entry process, on average, takes 6 months from submitting an application to receiving a permanent residency card.  

Express Entry Points System 

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores candidates based on a variety of factors including age, education level, skilled work experience and language proficiency. To receive an invitation to apply for Canada Express Entry, a candidate needs to have a high CRS score. In 2023, the Canadian government announced occupation-based Express Entry draws. This method of selecting skilled candidates does not take a CRS score into account but instead prioritizes the field that a skilled worker is in and how valuable their skillset is.  

Eligibility Requirements for Express Entry 

Immigrants with a third-level qualification, at least one year’s work experience in Canada, skilled work experience and proficiency in English and/or French are eligible to apply for Express Entry in Canada. The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FST) and Canadian Experience Class (CEC) programs also have specific criteria that a candidate must meet before submitting an application. The estimated cost of submitting a complete Express Entry profile is about $2,300 CAD for an individual applicant and an estimated $4,500 CAD for a couple. A job offer in Canada is not a requirement for Express Entry.  

Windmill Microlending Supports Express Entry Candidates 

Our mission at Windmill Microlending is to empower skilled newcomers with permanent status to achieve career success in Canada. Many of our clients become permanent residents through the Canada Express Entry pathway. Some come to Canada by themselves, while others relocate with their families. Getting permanent residency is a priority for many skilled immigrants but research shows that they are more likely to achieve their career and financial goals with the support of immigration organizations and agencies.  

We provide low-interest microloans of up to $15,000 to skilled immigrants who wish to enhance their career prospects in Canada. A loan from us can be used to pay for accreditation, training, licensing fees and even living expenses during a period of study. Getting a Canadian credential strengthens a newcomer’s resume and offers them the opportunity to upskill. Our clients also receive additional support such as mentorship, financial planning and career success coaching. After receiving a Windmill microloan, our clients significantly increase their incomes by an average of 3.5x and are less likely to be under-employed. 

If you are a recent permanent resident with an interest in further education, why not apply for a Windmill microloan to achieve your career goals? More information about our loans and how to submit an application are available to view here.