What is the Express Entry Program?

The Express Entry system allows foreign skilled workers to apply for permanent residence in Canada. The categories of applications that fall within the Express Entry include: Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Category, Federal Skilled Trades Category, and Provincial Nominee Programs. In order to apply under these categories, qualified foreign applicants must first register an expression of interest with the Express Entry then wait to see if they are invited to apply for permanent residence.

How long does the Express Entry process take?

Once the Express Entry application has been submitted, processing times can take about one year, depending on the workload and priorities of the immigration authorities. Those who wish to remain working in Canada while the application is being processed may be able to apply for a Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP).

What is the minimum score required to qualify for the Express Entry program?

Previous rounds of invitations (express entry draws), and the score needed to get an ITA can be viewed here. The score required to receive an ITA depends on the number of people in the pool, the qualifications of those people, and the number of invitations being given out. For example, in the September 14, 2021 round of invitations, 2000 invitations were issued for the Canadian Experience Class. The lowest ranking candidate invited had a CRS score of 462. In the January 5, 2022 round of invitations, 392 invitations were issued for the Provincial Nominee Program. The lowest ranking candidate invited had a CRS score of 808. There may be several ways for you to improve your score. You can even improve your score while waiting in the pool and updating your profile with your new information.

Proof of Funds for Express Entry Candidates

According to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), candidates for Express Entry must now present further documentation of settlement funds. Candidates for Express Entry through the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Class and the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Class must update their proof of funds updated.

Candidates with a credible job offer in Canada who applied for the FSW or FST are exempt from the proof of funds. Furthermore, proof of funds does not apply to candidates in the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Every year, the required minimum amount of funds is adjusted. It is based on 50% of the low-income thresholds.

Listed below are less than what is currently listed on your papers and you have the necessary proof of settlement money. To remain eligible to move to Canada under these programs, you will need the following amount, see chart below.

The amount of funds required to support your family varies according to its size. Your family consists of you and your partner or spouse, your dependent children, and your spouse's dependent children. Even if your spouse and dependent children are not coming with you to Canada, they must be included, regardless of whether they are Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Minimum Funds Required for Express Entry

# of family members	Funds Required (CAD)
1	$13,000
2	$16,570
3	$20,371
4	$24,733
5	$28,052
6	$31,638
7	$35,224
Additional family members	$3,586 each

The money cannot be borrowed from another person and must be readily available to you. If your spouse is going with you, you can include funds in your joint account. When you apply for immigration and are given a visa for permanent residency, the money must be available. You should provide formal documentation from banks and other financial institutions as proof of the settlement funds.

You may no longer be eligible for immigration as an Express Entry candidate if you do not update your application to include documentation of the required settlement funds.

How Can We Help

The Immigration Law Firm of Matthew Jeffery has over 20 years of experience with Express Entry applications helping clients become permanent residents of Canada. Use our free CRS Calculator to see if you qualify for the Express Entry program.