It is very common for potential immigrants to Canada to request our advice about the “Express Entry Visa.”  However, to refer to Express Entry in this way is not quite accurate.  Express Entry is not a visa.  Rather, it is an online, expedited system through which skilled workers can obtain the right to work in Canada and gain permanent residence.
 
The Express Entry system manages applications for three different federal immigration programs, as follows:
 
Federal Skilled Worker Program is for workers with foreign skilled work experience who score at least 67 points on their Express Entry profile.  Points are determined based on factors such as age, education level, work experience, having a job offer, having English and/or French language skills, among other things.
 
Federal Skilled Trades Program is for foreign nationals with qualifications and experience in a skilled trade.  Candidates must have at least two years of paid full-time experience in the last five years before applying, have a job offer for full-time employment for one year, and meet the language requirements.
 
Canadian Experience Class Program is for workers with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada during the last three years before applying.  Candidates for this program must also satisfy language requirements.
 
Eligible applications for the above programs are placed in pool.  Candidates with the highest scores are later invited to apply for permanent residence.  The Express Entry process can take as little as 6 months.  The application fee for permanent residence as of the time of this writing (August, 2021) is $1,325.00 for the main applicant, $1,325.00 for a spousal application, and $225.00 for a dependent child.
  
To find out if express entry is right for you, reach out to us at [email protected], Facebook messenger, or visit us at www.gradlaw.ca.
 
 *The above information is meant for general education purposes and is not legal advice nor does providing this information establish a lawyer-client relationship.  For legal advice particular to your needs, please contact our office to speak with one of our licensed immigration lawyers. 

If you want to study or immigrate to Canada, then you must complete the IELTS for Canada.  IELTS stands for International English Language Testing System and is designed to test the proficiency of non-native speakers.  Here are some facts to keep in mind:

1.  There are Two Types of IELTS for Canada

The type of IELTS test you choose depends on your reason for coming to Canada.  The IELTS General Training is geared towards graduates and skilled workers looking to pursue employment in Canada through Express Entry, the Provincial Nominee Program, and for some study programs (usually vocational training programs).

The IELTS Academic version is appropriate for international students seeking to study at the undergraduate or postgraduate level.

2.  How does it work?

The IELTS tests you on listening, reading, writing, and speaking English.  You will receive a score for each of those sections ranging from 1 to 9.  A score of 9 is the best score one can get.

3.  Ideal Score

On the IELTS General Training, you will want to score at least 6 to be competitive.  However, some provinces will accept a lesser score for their nominee programs.

On the IELTS Academic version, many of Canada's top universities will want you to score at least 6.5 overall and no lower than 6 in any individual section.  However, you should check the IELTS requirements of the institution you wish to attend. 

To find out your legal options to enter and study in Canada, reach out to us at [email protected], by messenger, or by visiting us at www.gradlaw.ca.
 
 
*The above information is meant for general education purposes and is not legal advice nor does providing this information establish a lawyer-client relationship.  For legal advice particular to your needs, please contact our office to speak with one of our licensed immigration lawyers.