By Phoenix Global Resettlement Services (Phoenix GRS)
Are you considering immigration to Canada? The Express Entry visa for Canada is the fastest, most popular pathway for skilled professionals. Phoenix GRS—one of India’s top Canada immigration consultants—has created this comprehensive, step-by-step guide to help you at every stage.
1. What Is the Express Entry Visa for Canada?
Launched in 2015, Express Entry is Canada’s dynamic online system for managing economic immigration, primarily for skilled workers. It oversees three key programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Applicants complete online profiles, earn a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and await an Invitation to Apply (ITA), usually within 6–8 months
2. Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility
Before investing time, confirm you’re eligible under one of the Express Entry programs. Key criteria include:
- Education: Minimum high school; additional points for diplomas or degrees, validated through ECA
- Language ability: English (IELTS, CELPIP) or French (TEF, TCF); FSWP requires CLB 7 (IELTS ~6.0), but higher scores boost CRS significantly
- Work experience: At least 1 year of skilled employment (NOC TEER 0–3)
- Proof of funds: Savings based on family size (e.g., CAD 13,310 for a single applicant in 2025)
- Age and adaptability: Maximum CRS points for ages 20–29
At Phoenix GRS, we help assess your eligibility quickly and accurately.
3. Step 2 – Take a Language Test
Choose from approved tests:
- English: IELTS General, CELPIP General, or PTE Core
- French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada
Language scores are valid for 2 years. Aim for CLB 9+ to significantly improve your CRS ranking .
4. Step 3 – Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Applicants with international degrees must validate their education via an ECA from accredited bodies like WES, ICAS, CES, or IQAS . Accurately claiming all credentials—including multiple degrees—can maximize your CRS score .
5. Step 4 – Gather Required Documents
Before creating your Express Entry profile, compile essential documents:
- Passport and ID
- Language test results
- ECA report(s)
- Work experience letters (aligned with NOC duties)
- Proof of funds (bank statements)
- Police certificates and medical exam reports
- Digital photos, civil status documents
Phoenix GRS supports document preparation and ensures no detail is missed.
6. Step 5 – Submit Your Express Entry Profile
Create your profile on the IRCC portal, accurately entering:
- Age, education, language scores
- Work history + NOC code
- Spousal details (if applicable)
- Adaptability factors (e.g. siblings in Canada)
7. Step 6 – Optimize Your CRS Score
If your CRS score doesn’t meet current draw thresholds (~470–500 in 2025), these strategies can help:
- Retake language exams to boost CLB level
- Add spouse credentials
- Secure a valid job offer (+50–200 points)
- Obtain a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination (+600 points)
- Gain more work experience or Canadian education
- Highlight French fluency for bonus points
Phoenix GRS specializes in identifying and applying the best CRS strategies tailored to your profile.
8. Step 7 – Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC conducts draws every 2–3 weeks. Higher CRS always has greater chances, but category-based draws (e.g., French speakers, healthcare workers) can benefit mid-range profiles (~379 CRS) .
Upon receiving your ITA, you’ll have 60 days to submit a complete PR application with supporting documents .
9. Step 8 – Submit Your PR Application
Submit via IRCC’s portal, including:
- Passport, language scores, ECA
- Work references, police & medical clearances
- Proof of funds, marital/child certificates
- Photographs and biometrics
Fees are CAD 1,365 (application + right of PR). No fee is charged to enter the pool \.
10. Step 9 – Biometrics & Medical Exam
After submission, IRCC requests biometrics (fingerprints + photo) and a medical exam by IRCC-approved physicians.
11. Step 10 – Wait for Decision & PR Confirmation
Most Express Entry PR applications are processed within 6 months .
IRCC will issue a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if applicable, a PR visa stamp.
11. Step 10 – Land in Canada
Upon arrival at a Canadian port of entry:
- Present your COPR and travel documents
- Immigration officer grants PR status
- Receive PR card (usually by mail to your Canadian address)
12.Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing wrong NOC codes—ensure duties match your references Language or ECA expiry—both valid for 2 years
- Incomplete documentation delays processing
- Ignoring PNPs prevents you from gaining 600 bonus points
Phoenix GRS ensures full compliance and helps avoid these pitfalls.
13.Why Choose Phoenix GRS?
As one of India’s top Canada immigration consultancies, Phoenix GRS offers:
- Free Express Entry eligibility check for 450,000+ candidates
- Over 70,000 successful visas, 18 years of experience
- Certified, IRCC-authorized consultants based in Bangalore, Chennai & Hyderabad
- Comprehensive support: profile creation, document prep, CRS optimization, PNP, ITA follow-up
- Pre- and post-landing settlement services to help you integrate easily
14. Contact Phoenix GRS Today
Take the first step toward your Canada journey with expert guidance:
📍 Office (Bangalore):
2nd Floor, KMJ Identity, No. 515, 20th Main Rd, Above Chaayos, Koramangala 8th Block, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560095
📞 Phone: +91 9071570020
+91 9164373352
📧 Email: [email protected]
