Canada’s Express Entry system is a popular immigration program that allows skilled workers from around the world to immigrate to Canada and contribute to the country’s economy by becoming a permanent resident. The program, which was introduced on January 1, 2015, is designed to streamline applications for skilled workers with a key benefit of the program being its relatively quick process. The program is designed to process applications within six months, making it a faster and more attractive option for skilled workers than other immigration programs.

As made clear in the 2024-2026 Immigration Levels Plan, Canada intends to welcome just over 110,000 Express Entry applicants into the country in 2024. Further, the number of Express Entry applicants set to be welcomed into Canada is set to rise year over year as in 2025, over 117,000 applicants are expected to be welcomed into Canada.

Express Entry Information

To be eligible for the Express Entry system, applicants must first create an online profile through the Express Entry portal. This profile must include information about their skills, work experience, education, and other relevant details.

Once the profile is created, it is entered into a pool of candidates. The candidates are then ranked based on a points system called a Comprehensive Ranking System. This takes into account factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other considerations. Given that the Express Entry system is a competitive invitation-based program, an individual’s application should include any information that could help build their points under the Comprehensive Ranking System.

Express Entry Draws in 2024

If selected for Express Entry, candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada. These invitations are called “Invitations to Apply” and are issued through regular draws from the Express Entry pool. The minimum Comprehensive Ranking System score used for draws can be found on the Government of Canada website.

These draws happen frequently, and there have already been 13 draws since the start of 2024. Some are targeted to specific industries and applicants through category-based selection, and some are general draws. There have been draws based on French Language Proficiency, Agriculture and agri-food occupations, Healthcare occupations, and Transport occupations. Depending on the category of the draw, invitations may be offered to 100 people, or up to 3000.

Different Express Entry Programs

There are three main programs that are part of the Express Entry system:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program;
• Federal Skilled Trades Program; and
• Canadian Experience Class.

Each of these programs has its own eligibility criteria and is designed to target different groups of skilled workers. There are also the Provincial Nominee Programs, which have some application streams that are included as part of Express Entry.

Federal Skilled Worker Program

The Federal Skilled Worker Program is designed for professionals with work experience in certain skilled occupations. To be eligible for this program, applicants must have at least one year of continuous, full-time (or equivalent) work experience in a skilled occupation within the past 10 years. They must also meet the minimum language requirements. Age, education, language, skilled work experience, existing job offers and adaptability are additional factors that are considered under this program.

Federal Skilled Trades Program

The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed for skilled tradespeople who want to work in Canada. Those who work in the following trades can apply for Express Entry as part of this program:

• industrial;
• electrical and construction work;
• maintenance and equipment operation;
• supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources;
• agriculture and related production;
• processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors or central control operators;
• chefs and cooks; and
• butchers and bakers.

To be eligible for this program, applicants must have at least two years of work experience in a skilled trade within the past five years and must meet the minimum language requirements for the program.

Canadian Experience Class

The Canadian Experience Class is designed for individuals who have already worked in Canada on a temporary basis and want to apply for permanent residence. To be eligible for this program, applicants must have at least one year of full-time (or equivalent) work experience in Canada within the past three years and must meet the minimum language requirements. There is no education requirement as part of the Canadian Experience Class, but education can improve an applicant’s score as part of the Comprehensive Ranking System.

Once an applicant receives an Invitation to Apply, they have 90 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. The application must include all required documentation, such as proof of language proficiency, education, and work experience.

If the application is approved, the applicant will be granted permanent residence in Canada. Permanent residents of Canada have the right to live, work, and study in the country indefinitely. They are also eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship after living in Canada for three out of the preceding five years.

Possible Express Entry Changes on the Horizon

In late March 2024, Canada announced that for the first time, there will be a cap on temporary residents entering Canada. While this is not directly a change to Express Entry, it could have ramifications for the Express Entry system. If Canada is seeking to limit the number of temporary residents, this could mean that there will be more Express Entry draws, as immigration to Canada is set to increase in the coming years. Moreover, if Canada is looking to pursue more domestic draws for immigration, Express Entry applicants will also benefit from this. Overall, it remains to be seen what the cap on temporary resident admissions will mean for Express Entry applicants.

Contact Garson Immigration Law for Assistance with Immigrating to Canada with Express Entry

At Garson Immigration Law, our compassionate team of immigration lawyers can help successfully guide you through the Canadian immigration process and find solutions for your unique immigration concerns and needs. We work to find effective solutions for our clients in all kinds of immigration matters, including permanent residence, inadmissibility, and US immigration. If you have questions about Express Entry or another immigration program, do not hesitate to reach out to us online or call us at 416-321-2860.