Maple News reports that Canada’s Express Entry system—used to manage applications for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)—requires applicants to submit a range of essential documents to ensure their applications are complete and eligible for review.
The Express Entry process starts when candidates express interest in immigrating to Canada by creating an online profile and self-assessing their eligibility. Once a profile is submitted, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) evaluates the information to determine whether the candidate meets the criteria for one of the Express Entry-managed programs.
Eligible applicants are then entered into the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). CRS scores are calculated based on several factors, including age, education, language proficiency in English or French, skilled work experience, and adaptability elements such as Canadian education or job offers.
Once invited to apply for permanent residence, candidates must submit a full application that includes a set of mandatory documents. According to IRCC, this requirement applies to the principal applicant, their spouse or common-law partner, and any dependent children, even if those family members are not accompanying the applicant to Canada.
One critical component of the application is the immigration medical examination. As of October 1, 2023, applicants are no longer required to undergo the medical exam before submitting their Express Entry application. Instead, they must wait for specific instructions from IRCC after the application is received. This change helps simplify the filing process and reduces upfront barriers for candidates.
Providing a complete application with accurate documentation helps avoid delays, refusals, or missed deadlines that could impact an applicant’s chances in the competitive Express Entry pool. It’s important for applicants to ensure all required documents are gathered in advance and submitted on time once an Invitation to Apply (ITA) is issued.
With processing times averaging six months after an ITA, according to recent IRCC updates, a well-prepared application can be the key to a smoother and quicker path to Canadian permanent residence.
Maple News will continue to provide updates and guidance for candidates navigating the Express Entry system in 2024 and beyond.