In January 2015, Canada consolidated all federal skilled immigration programs into the Express Entry (EE) system. Unlike the previous immigration system, the key difference with this system is that applicants need to first enter a candidate pool to express their intention to immigrate. Once their scores meet the invitation threshold, they can then submit a formal immigration application.
The Express Entry application process is entirely electronic and web-based. Currently, Canada allocates most of its immigration quotas to the Express Entry system, and most Express Entry applications are processed within six months.
To enter the candidate pool, applicants must qualify through one of the following three programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), or Federal Skilled Trades (FST). Provincial nominations through the Express Entry system can earn applicants an additional 600 points, but they still need to qualify through one of the three mentioned programs to enter the candidate pool. Additionally, applicants must ensure that their provincial nomination aligns with the Express Entry system.
