We often receive questions about creating an Express Entry profile to apply for Permanent Residency. Today, we review the process of creating a profile and entering the Express Entry pool.
Step One - Find your National Occupational Classification
Each Express Entry program has different requirements in terms of work experience. To be eligible under the programs, you must have work experience in a position classified as skill type 0, or level A or B.
Skill Type 0: occupations related to management, such as factory managers, resort managers, or office managers.
Skill Level A: professional occupations that usually need a university degree, such as chemists, veterinarians, or pharmacists.
Skill Level B: technical occupations that usually require a college diploma or apprentice training, such as administrative assistants, firefighters, photographers.
To find your NOC, you need to look on the NOC website and find the position that best matches the skills and duties of your job. Most applicants search by job title, however, you must base your NOC code search on job duties and not job titles.
Step Two - Get an Educational Credential Assessment
If you attended school outside of Canada, you will need to get an Educational Credential Assessment to determine the Canadian equivalency of your degree/diploma/certificate. You can get CRS points for your education if you have an ECA. The designated organization we recommend our clients use to obtain an ECA is World Education Services (WES).
Step Three - Take language tests
English or French language tests are required for all programs managed by the Express Entry system. Each program has different minimum requirements.
Canadian Experience Class: CLB 7 if your NOC is 0 or A / CLB 5 if your NOC is B
Federal Skilled Worker Program: CLB 7
Federal Skilled Trades Program: CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing
There are two IRCC-approved English language tests: IELTS (General Training option) and CELPIP (General Test option)
There are two IRCC-approved French language tests: TEF Canada and TCF Canada
Step Four - Check Your Eligibility for Express Entry
Next, you need to check your eligibility to enter the Express Entry pool by reviewing all of the requirements.
Step Five - Calculate Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score
If you’re eligible for Express Entry, you can calculate your CRS score to see if you’re competitive in the pool of candidates.
Step Six - Create an Express Entry Profile
Next, you need to create a GC Key account and create a profile to enter the pool.
First, you’ll be prompted to use the Come to Canada tool, which will collect basic information and then generate a Personal Reference Code, valid for 60 days. You’ll need this code when you create your profile.
What happens next?
Wait for an Invitation to Apply
If you have enough CRS points, you will get an Invitation to Apply in an Express Entry Draw. You will have 60 days to fill additional forms and submit your supporting documents.
Express Entry draws are typically held every two weeks on a Wednesday.
Submit Your Application
After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will need to upload the requested supporting documents. We recommend having these documents prepared in advance to ensure you complete your application before the deadline arrives.
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
