We understand that becoming a permanent resident of Canada can be stressful. While it is usually the goal for many immigrants, there are always reasons to be overwhelmed with the process’s competitiveness and navigating it overall.


When you apply to immigrate to Canada through Express Entry, you hope to collect enough points to be selected in an upcoming draw. When your skills and abilities are measured with points, it can be stressful to determine if you have done enough to be considered a strong candidate.


Whether you’re concerned about your education level, work experience, or English language ability holding back your score, there are ways you can work to improve it and position yourself for success with the Express Entry points-based immigration system.


When you start with My Visa Source’s free online assessment, we can help you create a plan and to get your immigration process started. If you have concerns about your unique situation, know there is always an option to explore. Are you concerned about not being qualified enough? Are you worried about being away from your family while you collect points? Whatever your concern may be, our team has probably heard it before.


We are passionate about helping our clients reach their immigration goals. If Express Entry immigration is a solution for you, My Visa Source is happy to help.

What is Express Entry?

Canada Express Entry immigration system is a popular method of applying for and obtaining permanent residence. Every couple of weeks, the IRCC selects a certain number of skilled immigrants from a pool of candidates to become Canadian permanent residents. You must create, complete and submit an Express Entry profile to join the pool of candidates.

Express Entry Immigration Programs

To enter the Express Entry pool of candidates, you’ll need to meet the qualifications for one of the following immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

Plus, some Provincial Nominee Programs are connected to Express Entry, so receiving a provincial nomination that can be added to your Express Entry profile will ultimately give you more points.

Express Entry Processing Time

The IRCC aims to process Express Entry applications for permanent residence within six months.

If you receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence (ITA), you must submit your application within 60 days.

Your application can stay in the Express Entry pool of candidates for up to 12 months if you are not selected in any Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) draws until then. However, if you do not receive an ITA within 12 months, you will need to re-enter the pool of candidates.

How Can I Apply for Express Entry to Canada?

Your immigration journey can begin with creating your Express Entry profile or contacting My Visa Source to assist you. You have 90 days to complete your profile and provide all the required information to calculate your score in the points-based CRS.


Once you create a profile, your information will be reviewed to see if you meet the requirements to enter the Express Entry pool. If so, you will join the pool of candidates and be ranked by your CRS score.


After that, it’s a waiting game. You can keep up with the last Express Entry draw updates to see what CRS scores are being chosen and stay aware of any changes to the selection process.

Collecting Express Entry Points

Are you worried about collecting points? It’s not as complicated as you might think! Some of the most basic information that gets scored on your Express Entry profile includes your skills, education, language ability, and work experience. Your information will be considered to determine your qualifications to contribute to the Canadian economy if admitted for permanent residence because Express Entry immigration programs are economic programs.

Improving Your CRS Score

If you’re looking to quickly get more points for Express Entry, consider these options:

• Get a Canadian degree, diploma or certificate
• Get a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
• Get a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program

Securing an applicable job offer will get you up to 200 points immediately. That’s a great way to boost your score and improve your chances of being selected in an upcoming Express Entry draw. A PNP nomination can improve your CRS score by 600 points. That’s pretty much a guarantee that you will be given an ITA for permanent residence.


You can also improve your CRS score by applying with your spouse. This way, you will be able to add points from your spouse’s qualifications in addition to your own. Aside from these options, improving your education and language abilities will improve your CRS score. Getting a higher level in your English test scores or learning some French could really benefit you. While it can be time consuming, if you’re willing to pursue a Canadian diploma or degree, that would greatly improve your score too.

Application Denied?

If you have been waiting in the Express Entry pool for months and finally receive an ITA, you will want nothing more than to submit it and have it approved quickly. However, that may not be the case.

ITAs are most commonly denied for the following reasons:

• Not meeting the requirements
• Failure to understand what the government is looking for
• Errors within your submission
• Failure to optimize points within regulations

To avoid and overcome challenges when navigating Express Entry, contact My Visa Source to learn more about your options and how to proceed best.

Express Entry FAQs