Express Entry is an online system used by the Government of Canada to manage applications for three of its primary economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). It's a highly efficient, points-based system designed to select skilled workers who are most likely to succeed economically in Canada.
Understanding the Programs Managed by Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): This is for skilled workers with foreign work experience. Candidates must score a minimum of 67 points on the FSWP's own selection grid, which evaluates factors like age, education, and language skills, before they are even eligible to create an Express Entry profile.
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): This program is for skilled workers who have at least one year of eligible Canadian work experience in the last three years. It's an ideal pathway for international students who have graduated and gained valuable work experience in Canada.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): This is for skilled tradespeople who have a minimum of two years of work experience in a skilled trade in the last five years and a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian provincial or territorial body.
Boosting Your CRS Score
There are several key areas you can focus on to improve your score. One of the most effective methods is improving your language test scores. Retaking an English test like the IELTS or CELPIP, or a French test like the TEF or TCF, to achieve a higher score can significantly boost the points you receive for language proficiency.
Another crucial area is education. You can earn valuable points by pursuing another degree or diploma, or by getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for all your foreign credentials. This ensures your international education is recognized and given its proper value within the Canadian system.
Perhaps the most impactful strategy is obtaining a Nominee Program (PNP) nomination. A provincial nomination is worth an additional 600 points, which will almost certainly secure you an ITA in an upcoming draw. Additionally, gaining Canadian work experience is highly valued. Skilled work experience in Canada can add a substantial number of points to your profile, making you a more competitive candidate. Lastly, securing a valid job offer from a Canadian employer can also significantly boost your score, with 50 or 200 points awarded depending on the position's NOC code. By strategically working on these factors, you can make your Express Entry profile more attractive to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
- simplifying your visa journey
- expert visa support every step
- precise documentation help
- timely application submission
- expert visa support
- efficient process management
why choose Fleetwood Immigration
Countless benefits & easy processing
At Fleetwood Immigration, we understand that Canadian immigration rules are dynamic and applying for a student visa can be complicated.
legal immigration success
Since 2021, Fleetwood Immigration boasts an impressive 99% success rate in legal immigration applications.
Required documents support
We make sure that you have all the required documents necessary during visa processing.
Application status tracking
We help you monitor your application's progress via the official IRCC online tracker.
Appointment Scheduling
Our team assists with scheduling necessary appointments, such as for biometrics.
faq
Frequently asked questions
We offer comprehensive support for a wide range of Canadian immigration pathways. This includes temporary resident visas (like visitor visas, study permits, and work permits), as well as permanent resident programs such as Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades), Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), and Family Sponsorship. We're here to help you find the right path to Canada.
Processing times for Canadian immigration applications vary significantly depending on the type of visa or permit, your country of origin, and the completeness of your application.
- Express Entry: Often processed within 6 months.
- Study Permits: Typically range from 3 weeks to 12 weeks, though extensions can take longer.
- Work Permits: Can range from 5 weeks to several months.
- Family Sponsorship: Spousal sponsorship generally takes around 11-12 months, while parent and grandparent sponsorships may take longer.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Can vary, but often take 8 to 19 months depending on whether they are Express Entry-aligned.
We recommend checking the official IRCC website for the most up-to-date processing times, and applying well in advance of your desired entry date.
Absolutely. The accuracy and completeness of your documents are critical for a successful application. We provide comprehensive support in gathering, preparing, and reviewing all required documents, including educational credentials, work experience letters, proof of funds (e.g., currently CAD $22,895 for a single student, plus tuition and travel costs, effective September 1, 2025), language test results, and any necessary forms. We ensure everything is accurate, complete, and properly translated if needed, minimizing the risk of delays or rejections.
Yes. Once your application is submitted, and you receive your Unique Client Identifier (UCI) and application number, you can track its status through the official IRCC Application Status Tracker online. Our team will guide you on how to set up and effectively use this tracker to stay informed about your application's progress.