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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Canada Express Entry Program Canada
* The new name of the Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Since these FAQs are from different timelines, CIC used here refers to IRCC.
Q. What is Express Entry?
A . Express Entry was developed by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to help select skilled immigrants using a fair and efficient process, and selecting those who will make the best candidates for Canada's labour market.
Q. Who can use Express Entry?
A . If you have submitted at least one electronic skilled worker profile under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or one electronic application for permanent residence as a member of the Canadian Federal Economic Class (FCE), you can use Express Entry.
Q. What happens next after I am invited to complete a profile?
A . You must create an online Express Entry profile within 60 days of receiving an invitation to complete your profile if you meet all the criteria. If not, without any explanation or reason given by CIC, they will assume that you do not wish to immigrate to Canada under the Express Entry program.
Q. I have a profile in the FSW Program and want to know my ranking. Will I be able to view it?
A . No, due to privacy reasons you will not be able to see your ranking number until you are invited by the Minister of IRCC and receive your profile confirmation number.
Q. I have received an invitation to apply for Express Entry but there is no point code on the letter. What should I do?
A. If you have received an invitation but no point code, please wait until one has been issued before making your application. You will be notified by CIC when a point code appears in your letter.
Q. I have received an invitation to apply for Express Entry with a point code. What does this mean?
A. If you receive an invitation with a point code it means that your profile has been selected from the pool of candidates who meet the criteria of all four Express Entry streams and that you must complete and submit your online Express Entry profile within the next 7 days.
Q. I submitted my profile but did not get an invitation to apply for Express Entry or get a point code. What went wrong?
A. There are several reasons why you may not have received an invitation to apply for Express Entry:
- your rank score and ranking under one of the four Express Entry streams may not be high enough
- you may not have included all of your language test results or educational credentials in your profile
- some of the information you submitted, such as work experience, may have been marked as invalid by using the "Report A Problem" button on your online profile. You must review and update any problem information before you submit your profile.
Q. What happens if I do not complete my online Express Entry profile within the given time?
A. If you do not complete your online Express Entry profile within 7 days of receiving an invitation to apply, your spot in the Express Entry pool will expire and you will be required to re-apply for consideration in a future draw.
Q. What is the minimum number of points required to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada?
A. The Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) calculates your rank score based on a combination of factors including:
- age
- language abilities
- education
- work experience
- your previous federal skilled worker points
- your provincial or territorial nomination, if you have one.
This means that your rank score will vary depending on which of these factors are most important to the Express Entry program and the profile of other candidates in the pool at the time of application. At this time, you need at least 403 points to receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada.*
* This information may change from time to time.
Q. I have received an invitation to apply but do not meet the minimum language requirements, can my spouse help me meet them?
A. Yes. If you are invited to submit your profile and do not satisfy the language test requirements, your spouse or common-law partner may take one of the following tests on your behalf:
- English or French for their first official language
- English or French for their second official language
- If your spouse or common-law partner is not an English or French speaker, they may take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module.
Once you have been invited to apply for Express Entry, you can submit your profile and language test results from the start of the new Express Entry pool.
Q. Can I submit my profile outside of the 7-day period?
A. You may not submit your profile unless you have been invited to do so through an invitation letter or an email sent by IRCC. If you have received an invitation but miss the 7-day submission period, you will not be able to submit your profile. You must wait until you receive another invitation to apply before submitting your profile again.
Q. I submitted my online Express Entry profile and was invited to apply for permanent residence, can I increase my ranking score at this time?
A. No, you cannot adjust your Ranking Score since once you submit your profile, IRCC will conduct a thorough review of your file and assessment criteria before making a final decision.
Q. What is the process for submitting an application for Express Entry?
A. If you have submitted a profile in the new pool and are invited to apply, CIC will send you a letter or an email to tell you that your assessment is complete. If this letter/email does not include an Immigration Application Receipt (IAR) number, please call the Call Centre to find out the status of your application and how you can submit your immigration application as soon as possible.
Q. How long will I have to submit my application for permanent residence after being invited to do so?
A. You should submit your immigration application within 30 days of receiving a notification letter or email confirming that you are eligible to apply for permanent residence in Canada under Express Entry. This notification letter/email will:
- contain an IAR number
- inform you that they have scheduled your biometrics appointment
- help you schedule your medical, security and background checks.
Q. After being notified of my eligibility to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry, will I receive any further correspondence from CIC?
A. Yes. CIC will send two additional email notifications to let you know your file has been updated.
Q. Why do I have to wait for further updates after being notified of my eligibility?
A. They need time to confirm that the details in your profile are correct and up-to-date since they will be used to assess your application for permanent residence under Express Entry.
Q. I have been invited to apply for Express Entry, how do I schedule my biometrics appointment?
A. If you have not already received a notification letter or email from us confirming your eligibility, please wait until you have received this before scheduling your biometrics appointment through the Call Centre.
Once they confirm that you are eligible, CIC will send you a letter or email that tells you to visit the Express Entry profile and submit your biometric information.
Q. After being notified of my eligibility to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry, am I allowed to begin preparing my application?
A. Yes, but you must save all the documents and information you gather. You should not submit anything until they send you a letter or email telling you to do so.
Q. After being notified of my eligibility to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry, am I guaranteed that I will receive an invitation?
A. No, CIC may choose to invite more candidates than the number of spots available in the Express Entry pool. Therefore, your eligibility does not mean that you will surely receive the invitation to apply.
Q. I submitted my profile on or before
A. No, this is not because of a minor mistake you made when filling out your profile form. They are continuing to process existing profiles based on the criteria they used up and will include these profiles in future rounds as soon as possible. CIC may hold back some of your score for further rounds if your profile:
- needs additional review, or
- was completed before the launch of Express Entry and needs to be updated.
Q. I submitted my online Express Entry profile on specified date? however, I have not been invited to apply for permanent residence yet? Is this because CIC is holding back some of my scores for future rounds?
A. No, CIC does not hold back some of your score for future rounds and processes existing profiles based on the criteria they use. But they do include these profiles in future rounds as soon as possible.
Q. If I submit my online Express Entry profile, am I guaranteed an invitation to apply?
A . No, you are not guaranteed an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence when you submit your profile. CIC may choose to invite more candidates than the number of spots available in the Express Entry pool.
Q. I have submitted my online Express Entry profile, when will I receive an invitation?
A . They are working continuously to process existing profiles and as soon as your file is completed you will be ranked according to your score under the Comprehensive Ranking System.
Q. If I am invited to apply, how do I know when and how do I submit my application?
A . IRCC will send you a letter or email telling you exactly what to do, where to go and when to go there. When they invite candidates who are outside of Canada, they need to show the letter or email to a border services officer who will give them further instructions.
Q. When will I find out if I have been selected by a province or territory/federal government?
A . This question can be resolved by contacting the provincial or territorial governments through their respective websites.
Q. I submitted my online Express Entry profile, but I was not selected by a Province or Territory/Federal government. Is this because you are holding back some of my scores for future rounds?
A . No, CIC does not hold back your score and will invite you to apply in the next round when your file is completed.
Q. When is the next round of invitations?
A . One cannot predict when future rounds will happen, but Visa2Immigration Canada visa and immigration consultants can let you known in advance. You also receive email updates if you sign up for Express Entry Connection.
Q. What happens if I do not receive an Invitation to Apply by a certain time?
A . If you are already in the Express Entry pool and you do not get an invitation to apply for permanent residence by a certain time, please contact Visa2Immigration Canadian immigration experts.
Q. I submitted my profile on or after
A . CIC will invite you to complete a profile if they want to make an informed decision on your admissibility and eligibility for Canadian permanent residence.
Q. What is different between online profiles and Online Application for Permanent Residence (OAPR)?
A . The type of information collected through the OAPR process is similar to what is requested on the paper forms, but online profiles and OAPR are used for different purposes. These programs are not directly related to each other.
Q. What is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and what factors go into a ranking?
A . The CRS ranks all candidates in order of their human capital attributes based on information from Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and the Express Entry pool. The ranking factors will be different for permanent economic residents of Express Entry and temporary economic residents of Express Entry in order to maximize the number of successful applicants under both programs.
Q. How many Points do I need to get into the pool?
A . You must have a minimum of 67 points to be invited to complete an online profile. You must have a minimum of 67 points and meet the criteria of one of the federal economic immigration programs to enter the Express Entry pool.
Q. What are the benefits of using Express Entry for skilled immigrants?
A . The benefits include:
- rapid entry for express applicants,
- no need to maintain a separate profile in the FSWP or CEC, and
- less paperwork and administration.
Q. What are the benefits of using Express Entry for employers?
A . The benefits include:
- rapid access to potential employees who can enter Canada quickly to fill available jobs;
- no need to contact foreign governments for work permits; and
- a way of reducing processing time and costs.
Q. How can I check which invitations have been sent to candidates in the pool?
A . Information on invitations issued by IRCC is made available every Tuesday at noon Eastern Standard Time. Regularly check their official website for updates on Express Entry rounds of invitations.
Q. I logged on to my Express Entry profile today and noticed that my information was reset. Why?
A . The information collected, including the number of points for a job offer or nomination from a province or territory is valid for six months from the date you submit your electronic profile form. If, at any time you change your information during those six months, the system will automatically update your profile with the current information for a further six-month period.
Q. When do I need to create my online Express Entry profile in order to be included in the Express Entry pool?
A . You must create an online Express Entry profile within 60 days of receiving your invitation from IRCC to complete your profile. If you do not, without any explanation or reason given by CIC, they will assume that you do not wish to immigrate to Canada under the Express Entry program.
Q. How many times can I enter my information?
A . You can submit an online profile form as many times as you want during the 60-day period following the receipt of your invitation to complete an online profile. Once you receive your confirmation number, you must create and submit a new Express Entry profile if you change any relevant information listed in the profile such as:
- marital status;
- dependents;
- language proficiency; and
- education.
Q. Where can I find my confirmation number?
A . If you have received an invitation to complete an online profile, your confirmation number is included in the letter you receive from IRCC.
Q. How can I maximize my chances of being selected?
A . The most important factor in succeeding at Express Entry is to provide a complete and accurate online Express Entry profile with all the information that is requested on the form. Visa2Immigration experts can help you with that.
Q. Should all applicants provide a valid job offer or provincial nomination?
A . If you are invited to apply, it means that you have received enough points in two categories: the core/human capital factors (education, language and work experience) and, if applicable, you have provided a valid job offer(s) or a provincial/territorial nomination.
Q. What is the maximum number of people I can submit?
A . There is no limit on the number of invitations you can receive as long as you complete your profile and show that you are eligible to be invited to apply for permanent residence. However, remember that if you do not have enough points to be invited, you cannot submit a profile.
Q. I applied for permanent residence as a skilled worker but did not receive an invitation the last time I applied because my language skills were not up to par. Is there any way that I can improve my chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply?
A . The selection factors are the same for the Express Entry pool. So, if you can improve your language skills and IELTS results, you will be a stronger candidate for an invitation to apply.
Q. Who is included in my family? Can I have any visitors?
A . Your family members are your spouse or common-law partner (if he/she is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident) and your dependent children. If you are married, common-law or divorced, the child of your current spouse or partner might be considered as a family member if he/she is: under 19 years old; or over 19 but depended on you for support at the time that you submitted your profile. A friend or relative can also be included in your family if he/she meets the above criteria.
Q. If I'm working abroad and receive an invitation to apply to immigrate, can my family come with me when I immigrate?
A . Yes, but they will need valid passports and study permits if they are studying abroad. A great way to prepare for this eventuality is to start gathering the necessary documentation so that you are prepared when making the transition.
Q. I have a valid work permit but I am not currently working because my employer did not provide me with any assignments during the last few months. Can I still be included in the Express Entry pool?
A . Yes, but you need to have been working for the last six months. If you do not meet that requirement, it might be possible to include your spouse's or common-law partner's valid work permit.
Q. I am currently unemployed but my spouse is employed and can support us financially if they immigrate to Canada. Am I eligible?
A. Yes, you are. You must have a valid job offer before immigrating to Canada or be able to show that you can support yourself and your dependents financially after arriving in the country.
Q. I have just graduated from college with an honours degree in computer engineering and have been working as an intern for the past few months. Can I be included in the Express Entry pool?
A . Yes, provided that you have a valid job offer. If you do not have a job offer, you must have at least one year of full-time work experience within the past three years in an occupation related to computer engineering (i.e., computer programmer analyst or software engineer).
Q. I am currently working for my sister's family business as a manager in their small store. Can I be included in the Express Entry pool?
A . No, this is not considered valid work experience because you are employed by your family member (i.e., not an outside employer). You must have valid work permits from authorized bodies/employers (i.e., not your family) in order to be included in the pool.
Q. I am currently unemployed but have received my permanent residence less than six months ago. Can I be included in the Express Entry pool?
A . Receiving permanent residence is different from becoming a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, so you must be a permanent resident to be included in the pool. Being a permanent resident does not bar you from receiving an invitation to apply for immigration, so if you meet all other criteria, you will remain competitive in the Express Entry pool.
Q. I am currently working as a nurse onshore with an employer-specific work permit and have been working in this capacity for the past two years. Can I be included in the Express Entry pool?
A . Yes, you may. You will need to have a valid work permit to maintain your place in the pool and you must meet all other criteria as well. You can include all of your qualifying work experience (i.e., abroad and onshore) when you are preparing your Express Entry profile.
Q. I have been working abroad for the past few years and now I would like to include my spouse in the pool as well. Will they receive separate invitations?
A . Yes, it is possible that both of you will receive separate invitations but this is not guaranteed because they only send out a certain number of invitations at once. If one or both of you receive an invitation and the other does not, it is still possible to come together as a family unit if your spouse/common-law partner's skills are in demand in Canada (i.e., he/she has a valid job offer in his/her field).
Q. I submitted my application for permanent residence more than six months ago and am still waiting for a final decision from IRCC. Can I be included in the Express Entry pool?
A . No, you can only include your valid work experience (i.e., being employed by an authorized employer) once you receive your work permit. You must receive your work permit before you are invited to apply.
Q. I am currently on a post-doctoral fellowship abroad but want to include my spouse and children in the Express Entry pool as well. Will they all receive separate invitations?
A . No, you and your spouse/common-law partner cannot be included in the pool at the same time so that is not possible. Also, IRCC will only include children who are with a parent who has been invited to apply for permanent residence in Canada and only those children who are under the age of 22. If your children fall outside of these requirements, they cannot be included with you in the pool and must make their own applications for permanent resident visas if they would like to migrate with you to Canada.
Q. I am currently working abroad but my spouse/common-law partner is not and currently has no work experience abroad or onshore. Can they be included in the Express Entry pool together?
A . No, you cannot include your spouse/common-law partner because he/she does not meet the criteria for a qualifying work experience (i.e., having worked for an authorized employer). Only those with valid work permits can be considered as long as they are employed by a company or institution.
Q. My spouse is currently working abroad and has been employed by an authorized employer for the past three years but I am currently unemployed. Can they both be included in the Express Entry pool?
A . No, you cannot include yourself because you do not meet the criteria for having valid employment (i.e., have been employed by an authorized employer for the past three years). Only those who have a valid work permit can be included in the pool.
Q. My spouse/common-law partner does not currently have any work experience but has a post-secondary degree and is looking for a job to use his/her education and skills here in Canada. Can he/she be included in the pool?
A. Yes, your spouse/common-law partner is eligible to be included in the pool as long as he or she has a valid post-secondary degree and meets minimum language requirements. He/she can only receive an invitation to apply after you receive your initial Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence and after he/she has secured employment in his/her field of study.
Q. I have never worked abroad but completed a degree at a Canadian university and am currently looking for work. Can I be included in the pool?
A . No, you cannot be included in the pool because you do not meet the criteria for having valid work experience (i.e., have worked for an authorized employer). You must have a valid work permit to be considered as part of the pool and only those who are able to secure employment in Canada will be invited to apply for permanent residence.
Q. I currently have a valid work permit in my field of study but am currently unemployed. Can I be included in the Express Entry pool?
A . Yes, you can be part of the pool as long as you have a valid post-secondary degree and meet language requirements. You must also demonstrate that you have been actively looking for paid employment in your field by signing an Employment Offer with a Canadian employer, who will be your future employer in Canada. You will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) after your spouse/common-law partner has received his or her ITA and you have secured employment with your new Canadian employer.
Q. I am currently working abroad for a company that is considered an authorized employer by IRCC but my work permit is about to expire. If I submit my Express Entry profile and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), will I be able to renew my work permit?
A . Yes, if you have a valid job offer from an employer in Canada and that person intends to hire you, as long as your foreign work permit is still valid you can apply for an extension.
Q. My spouse/common-law partner has been working abroad for the past three years and has a valid work permit, but he/she will not be accompanying me to Canada because his/her company does not have Canadian operations. Can he/she still be included in the pool?
A . Yes, you can include him/her, as long as he or she meets minimum language requirements; however, he/she will not receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) until after you have received your ITA. He/she is encouraged to apply for a work permit and come to Canada while awaiting the finalization of his or her permanent residence application.
Q. I am currently working in Canada on a valid work permit but my current employer is not in my field, nor does he/she intend to hire me. Can I be included in the Express Entry pool?
A . No, you cannot be part of the pool as you do not meet the criteria for having valid work experience (i.e., have worked for an authorized employer).
Q. I am currently working on a valid work permit in Canada but my current employer is retiring next year and he/she does not have any immediate plans to hire me. Can I be included in the Express Entry pool?
A . No, you cannot be part of the pool; however, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) when your spouse/common-law partner receives his or her ITA and secures employment with a new Canadian employer.
Q. I am currently working on a valid work permit in Canada but my current employer intended to hire me for a job that did not materialize. Can I be included in the Express Entry pool?
A . No, you cannot be part of the pool; however, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) when your spouse/common-law partner receives his or her ITA and secures employment with a new Canadian employer.
Contact our Canadian immigration experts now for any queries related to the Express Entry programme!
