How to Get Canada PR Through Regular Express Entry – Eligibility & Process Explained

How to Get Canada PR Through Regular Express Entry: If you’ve been considering moving to Canada for a better life and career opportunities, Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the best ways to achieve your goal of obtaining Permanent Residency (PR). Express Entry is an immigration pathway that allows skilled workers from around the world to live and work in Canada. But the process can be a bit tricky, so it’s important to understand how Express Entry works, the eligibility requirements, and the steps you need to take to be successful.

In this article, we’ll break down how to get Canada PR through Regular Express Entry, explain the key eligibility criteria, outline the process step by step, and give you practical advice to improve your chances of success. Whether you’re new to Canadian immigration or already familiar with the basics, this guide will provide valuable insights that are both easy to understand and professionally informative.

How to Get Canada PR Through Regular Express Entry

Getting Canada Permanent Residency through Express Entry is an exciting but detailed process. By following the steps outlined above, ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements, and taking steps to improve your CRS score, you can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to keep up to date with the latest Express Entry draws and stay informed about changes to immigration policies through official sources like the IRCC website.

What is the Express Entry System?

The Express Entry system is Canada’s most popular immigration program for skilled workers. It is an online process that selects candidates for permanent residency based on points awarded for factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability. Express Entry was introduced in 2015 as a way to streamline and fast-track applications for individuals who have the skills Canada needs.

Express Entry is not a visa or a direct path to permanent residency. Instead, it acts as a fast-track system to manage applications for three main federal programs:

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Each program has its own eligibility requirements, but all three use the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank candidates against one another.

Steps to Get Canada PR Through Express Entry

Let’s take a closer look at the steps involved in applying for Canada PR through the Express Entry system.

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before you begin, you need to check if you qualify for any of the three Express Entry programs.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

To qualify for the FSWP, you need to meet these basic criteria:

• Work Experience: At least 1 year of full-time, skilled work experience (in a NOC 0, A, or B job).
• Language Skills: A minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 in all four language skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening). This is usually proven with IELTS or CELPIP test results.
• Education: A secondary or post-secondary educational credential. If you studied outside of Canada, you’ll need to get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
• Selection Grid: You need a minimum score of 67 points on Canada’s immigration selection grid, based on your age, education, language skills, and work experience.

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

The FSTP is designed for people with experience in skilled trades. To qualify, you need:

• Work Experience: At least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade (within the last 5 years).
• Job Offer: A valid full-time job offer from a Canadian employer for at least one year, OR a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory.
• Language Skills: CLB 5 in speaking and listening, and CLB 4 in reading and writing.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

The CEC is for people who already have Canadian work experience. To qualify:

• Work Experience: At least 12 months of full-time skilled work experience in Canada (within the last 3 years).
• Language Skills: CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, and CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.

Step 2: Create an Express Entry Profile

Once you’ve determined that you meet the eligibility criteria, you’ll need to create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website. Here, you’ll submit your personal details, including:

• Your age
• Education
• Work experience
• Language test results
• Family details (if applicable)

Your profile will then be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on these factors. The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Step 3: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Express Entry draws occur regularly, usually every two weeks, and they invite the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency. The CRS cut-off score varies with each draw and is based on the number of candidates and the demand for specific occupations.

If you are selected in the draw, you’ll receive an ITA. With an ITA, you can proceed to the next step in the process.

Step 4: Submit Your Permanent Residency Application

Once you receive an ITA, you’ll have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency. This application requires detailed documents, such as:

• Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF results)
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report (if applicable)
• Work experience documents (reference letters from employers)
• Police clearance certificates from countries where you’ve lived for six months or more in the past 10 years
• Medical exam results (from an approved panel physician)
• Proof of funds: If you are applying from outside Canada, you need to show that you have enough money to support yourself and your family.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

The average processing time for an Express Entry application is approximately 6 months, but this can vary based on factors such as the completeness of your application and the volume of applications IRCC is handling.

Step 6: Get Your Canada PR

If your application is approved, you’ll receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, shortly thereafter, a Permanent Resident (PR) Card. You can then make your final preparations to move to Canada.

Improving Your CRS Score

A higher CRS score increases your chances of receiving an ITA. Here are some ways you can improve your score:

• Improve your language test results: Taking the language test again and scoring higher can give you a significant boost.
• Get a Canadian job offer: A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can add points to your CRS score.
• Get a Provincial Nomination: If a province nominates you through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), you’ll automatically receive an additional 600 CRS points.

FAQs

1. How can I check my CRS score?

You can use the CRS calculator on the official IRCC website to estimate your score based on your personal information.

2. Can I apply for Express Entry without a job offer?

Yes, a job offer is not required to apply for Express Entry. However, having a job offer will improve your CRS score and increase your chances of getting an ITA.

3. How long does it take to get a decision on PR after submitting the application?

Typically, IRCC processes Express Entry PR applications within 6 months of submission.

4. What if my CRS score is low?

If your score is low, you can improve it by retaking your language test, gaining additional work experience, or obtaining a provincial nomination.