Express Entry operates on a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other criteria. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

One of the significant advantages of Express Entry is its speed and efficiency. Compared to other immigration programs that may take years, Express Entry allows eligible candidates to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in as little as a few months. Once an ITA is issued, applicants have a limited time to submit their complete application and supporting documents.

It’s important to note that while Express Entry provides an efficient pathway, meeting the eligibility requirements and obtaining a competitive CRS score are crucial for success. Additionally, some provinces and territories in Canada have their own Express Entry streams, called Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which can further enhance an applicant’s chances of receiving an ITA by awarding additional CRS points.

The first step in the Express Entry process is to create an online profile (a minimum of 67 points is generally required to be eligible to create an Express Entry profile) and provide accurate information about your qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other relevant details. This step can take a few weeks to gather all the necessary documents and fill out the profile accurately.

After that IRCC generated your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score: Your CRS score is based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. The higher your CRS score, the more likely you are to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency. If your CRS score is high, you may receive an ITA in the next round of invitations.

Invitation to Apply (ITA): Once you receive an ITA, you have 90 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency. It is important to gather all the required documents and submit them within the given timeframe. This process may take a few weeks or months depending on how quickly you can gather the necessary documents.

Application processing time: After submitting your application, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will assess your application for completeness and eligibility. The processing time can vary depending on the volume of applications received and the complexity of your case. Typically, it takes around six months for the IRCC to process an Express Entry application, but it can vary.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score plays a crucial role in the Express Entry program for Canada. The CRS score is used to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool, and higher scores have a better chance of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency.

Increasing your CRS score can reduce the waiting time in the queue and expedite the process of obtaining a visa. There are various factors that contribute to the CRS score, including age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and other additional factors like having a job offer or a provincial nomination. Improving these factors can help boost your CRS score and increase your chances of receiving an invitation.

In addition to the CRS score, it is vital to ensure that you complete and provide all the required documents accurately and in a timely manner. The document requirements may include educational credentials, language test results, work experience letters, police clearance certificates, and proof of funds, among others. 

Submitting all the requested documents correctly and comprehensively will help avoid delays and expedite the visa application process.