A Step-By-Step Guide to Targeted Express Entry Canada

Eligible Categories under the Targeted Express Entry

To be eligible for these targeted Express Entry draws, candidates must have a minimum of six months of continuous work experience (in Canada or abroad) during the last 3 years, in any of the occupations listed below.

• French-language proficiency
• Healthcare Occupations
• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
• Skilled Trade occupations
• Agriculture and agri-food occupations
• Education Occupations

Language Proficiency

Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in English or French, the two official languages of Canada. This can be done by taking approved language tests, such as the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) for English or the TEF (Test d’évaluation de français) for French. Minimum language score requirements may apply.

Education

Applicants must have completed a minimum level of education, usually equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma or higher. Educational credentials obtained outside of Canada may need to be assessed for their Canadian equivalency.

Work Experience

Candidates must have a minimum of six months of continuous and relevant work experience (in Canada or abroad) during the last 3 years in a specific occupation or field. The work experience requirements can vary based on the targeted category. It is important to have proof of work experience, such as reference letters, job descriptions, or employment contracts.

Age

There are no specific age restrictions for the Targeted Express Entry program. Although the maximum points are awarded to candidates who fall within the age range of 18 to 35 years.

Health and Character

All applicants must undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the health requirements set by the Canadian government. They must also provide police certificates or other documents to prove their good character and meet the country’s security standards.

Proof of Funds

Applicants need to demonstrate that they have enough funds to support themselves and their accompanying family members during their initial stay in Canada. The specific amount required depends on the size of the family and the number of family members immigrating.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

The first step in the Targeted Canada Express Entry process is to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria. This includes factors such as age, language proficiency, education, and work experience. You can use the eligibility criteria provided in the previous section to assess your qualifications.

Step 2: Education Assessment (ECA)

Candidates must get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) document to show that their education is equivalent to that in Canada. You can get this with the aid of some authorized organizations, such as WES.

Step 3: Language Proficiency Test (IELTS or Equivalent)

To prove their proficiency in either one or both English or French (Canada’s official languages), the candidates must pass a language test. They get Express Entry points on the basis of test results which are valid for 2 years.

Step 4: Express Entry Profile Creation

After completing language testing and Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) the candidates must create an Express Entry profile for one of the three federal economic immigration programs.

Step 5: Receive ITA

The candidates are then placed in the Express Entry pool where they are ranked by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on the basis of their CRS Score. After that, they wait to receive an ITA (Invitation to Apply) in the Targeted Express Entry Draw.

Step 6: Medical Exam and Police Verification (PCC)

Those who get invitations must send IRCC their fully completed Application for Permanent Residence (APR) and application fees by the due date. This stage requires you to attach copies of your police clearance and medical examination. After that, IRCC will give you an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).

Step 7: Processing Stage

In this stage, IRCC processes your application and if the visa officer finds that they need some additional documents, they inform the candidates. It usually takes 6-8 months for a typical Canada Express Entry application to process.

Step 8: Confirmation of Permanent Residence (CoPR)

IRCC makes the final decision on your Express Entry application and you receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Step 9: Fly to Canada

After that, candidates can move to Canada as a permanent resident.