Since its introduction in January 2015, the Express Entry is the most coveted and popular immigration system used to migrate to Canada. It has completely revolutionised the Canada immigration system by fast-tracking the visa processes for skilled migration. One has seen a consistent increase year-on-year in the number of applicants opting for the Express Entry route.
There are several myths and misconceptions for the lack of knowledge that tags along with the gaining popularity of the Express Entry System. Here we attempt to clarify some of the common Express Entry system myths to give you a clear picture to be well-prepared for a successful visa application.
- Express Entry is a new immigration program.
Express Entry is a new online immigration system which facilitates a smooth visa application process for skilled workers in Canada. It isn’t a full-fledged program, but a segregated online system that administers visa application for skilled applicants. Hence it doesn’t automatically grant a Permanent Residency (PR) status, but increases the chances for qualifying under the system. To be eligible for Express Entry Pool, the candidates should have skilled work experience in National Occupation Code (NOC). - Express Entry is the only way you can become a Canadian economic immigrant.
Express Entry covers most economic immigration programs, but individual provinces can still pick immigrants from outside of the Express Entry system based on their provincial labour market needs under a base ‘Provincial Nominee Program’ (PNP). The province or territory can also select immigrants who are not eligible under Express Entry. The Quebec Experience program is one such example. - Anyone can enter the Express Entry Pool.
Entering the Express Entry requires one to be eligible for one of the existing federal economic immigration programs – – The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – The Canadian Experience Class - You must have a job offer to qualify for Express Entry
One can apply for Express Entry System without a job offer. But an actual job offer increases the chances of qualifying under the system as it carries significant points under the CRS Ranking system. - The eligible occupation list for Federal Skilled Worker Program applies
Express Entry currently does not include an eligible occupation list or occupation caps. Candidates only need to establish that they have at least one year experience in a skilled occupation within last 10 years. This expands the eligibility scope for the potential candidates. However, one needs to check if the select occupation is classified as skilled under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes or isn’t listed in ineligible occupations for the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). - You don’t need to pass any language tests to enter the Express Entry pool
CIC confirms that all candidates must demonstrate their language proficiency in either English or French to be included in Express Entry pool. Hence they need to pass a standardised English or French language test to be eligible to apply. - When you’re invited to apply for permanent residence as an Express Entry candidate, you’ll have plenty of time to gather all the documents and submit your application
The deadline to submit your application once you receive the Invitation to Apply (ITA) is 60 days. If you wait until the ITA is issued you may struggle to gather all the documents, including personal documents, qualifications, credentials, references, recommendation letters, accredited forms etc., required to submit your application in the required time.
Fill out our online Free Assessment form to know if you are eligible to apply under Express Entry System or speak to our immigration expert to explore other options to get your Canadian Visa.