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The Complete Roadmap To Express Entry Immigration Canada
By : Lifeincan   |   Jul 30, 2024

The Complete Roadmap To Express Entry Immigration Canada

If you're looking to become a permanent resident of Canada, the Express Entry system is a great choice. Launched in 2015 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this program is aimed at skilled foreign workers seeking to settle in Canada quickly. The program is also on track to help Canada meet its goal of granting permanent residency to 465,000 immigrants by the end of 2023.

To apply, you'll need to create an Express Entry profile by providing specific details about yourself. In this guide, we will explain all about how you can apply, including the eligibility requirements and criteria. 

How It Works

This system encompasses three primary immigration programs:

  • Canadian Experience Class: This program is specifically designed for skilled workers who have accumulated Canadian work experience in the last three years.

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program: Intended specifically for competent workers with foreign working experience, this program will require candidates to satisfy education and other conditions.

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program: This is a program designed for skilled workers who have qualifications in a trade, this can be in the form of a valid job offer or a certification of competence. Eligible people can also submit a provincial nomination application using Express Entry.

Here are some things to take care of before applying: 

  • Eligibility Check: Go through the eligibility check using the questionnaires or by thoroughly reading the program requirements.

  • Scoring: As eligible profiles are added to the Express Entry pool, the CRS, a points system, is used to rank them. A score higher than a certain minimum is needed to get an invitation.

  • Document Preparation: Make sure to arrange your documents, such as language test results because there could be possible delays in their obtaining.

  • Profile Submission: All your details are uploaded in an Express Entry profile. If you are qualified, they join the pool and receive the CRS score.

  • Invitation and Application: The highest-pitched candidates are sent invitations for an application. Successfully applicants must complete their applications, including all supporting documents, with the due date being clearly stated on the application form.

How To Apply

Applying for permanent residence through Express Entry begins when an invitation to apply is received. The validity of this invitation is 60 days. Immediate action is advised to fill out the online form, ensuring all necessary information and documents are gathered before the invitation expires. Application fees are as follows:

  • Main applicant: $1,525

  • Spouse: $1,525

  • Dependent child: $260

Here are the steps for completing the online form:

Step 1: Apply Online

  • Logging into the account.

  • Accessing the link for the permanent residence application under Express Entry.

  • Ensuring all required documents are submitted.

  • Providing complete and truthful responses.

  • Completing all mandatory fields to enable submission of the application.

Step 2: Scan And Upload Your Documents

Here are some things you need to take care of while submitting the documents:

Requirement

Details

Document Translation

  • Must upload an English or French translation.

  • The translation must be stamped by a certified translator.

Translation Verification

  • All stamps and seals not in English or French must also be translated.

  • Include a scanned copy of a letter if no affidavit is needed because a certified translator was used.

Affidavit Requirements

  • Use only if the translation cannot be completed by a certified translator. 

  • The affidavit must refer both to the translated document and the original document. 

  • A scan of the original document, or a certified photocopy of it, must be provided if the translation was based on it.

Certified Translator Criteria

  • Must be a member in good standing of a professional translation association in Canada or abroad. 

  • Certification must be confirmed by a seal or stamp with the translator’s membership number. 

  • A translator in the process of receiving certification is not considered certified.

Affidavit Definition

  • A document stating that the translation is an accurate version of the original text. 

  • The translator must swear in front of a commissioner or notary public, who is authorized and proficient in English or French, that the translation is accurate.

Who Can Take an Affidavit

  • In Canada: Notary public, commissioner of oaths, commissioner of taking affidavits.

  • Outside Canada: Notary public or equivalent.

Who Can’t Take an Affidavit

The applicant themselves, any family member even if they are a lawyer, notary, or authorized translator, including parents, guardians, siblings, spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners, grandparents, children, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and first cousins.

Passport Validity

  • Must have a valid passport to come to Canada. 

  • If the passport expires within 6 months from the application date, it should be renewed. 

  • Update the passport information in the application after renewal.

Special Instructions for Venezuelan Passport Holders

May need to complete extra steps when creating a profile or filling out an application.

Document Preparation

  • Make electronic copies using a scanner or camera in accepted formats. 

  • Upload the documents in the document checklist once ready.

Step 3: Pay Your Fees

From April 30, 2024, fees for all permanent residence applications have been increased. Applicants who paid the fees before April 30 but have not submitted their applications must pay the difference. The fees include:

  • Processing fee for the applicant and family members.

  • Right of permanent residence fee.

  • Biometrics fee.

  • These fees can be paid through an online account using a debit or credit card. It's advisable to pay all fees upfront when applying to avoid delays.

Refunds

If your application is incomplete, you will be notified and refunded the processing fee and the right of permanent residence fee (if already paid). However, the processing fee is non-refundable once the application processing begins.

Biometrics Fee Details

As of June 14, 2023, certain foreign nationals applying for permanent residence in Canada are required to pay biometric fees. This applies if:

  • The applicant and any dependents aged 14 to 79 are included in the application.

  • The application for permanent residence was submitted on or after June 14, 2023.

  • Biometric fees were not paid at the time of application submission.

  • The applicant and family members are not exempt from the biometric fee requirement.

Paying Additional Fees After Application Submission

If you need to pay the right of permanent residence fee after submitting your application or need to add a spouse or dependent due to marriage or childbirth, this payment must be handled separately from the initial application fees.

After completing all the necessary procedures, you can submit the application. Make sure everything is filled out correctly. 

Conclusion

Whether your application gets accepted or rejected depends upon whether you are eligible for the program. Also, if you are legally allowed in Canada, based on the results of your medical exam, police certificates, and background checks. Once you are approved, you can apply for the next process through the official website.