Canadian Immigration Minister Sean Fraser recently confirmed Express Entry draws to resume on July 6 after being paused for over 18 months.

Draws for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) and Federal Skilled Trades (FST) programs have been on hiatus since December 2020. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program, on the other hand, has been on hold since September 2021.

Express Entry Draws were placed on hold due to the restrictions brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and the backlog of applications for permanent residency.

In preparation for Express Entry draws to resume, here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Express Entry:

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry manages the pool of candidates applying for Canadian immigration programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, Canadian Experience Class, and some Provincial Nomination Programs.

Who is Eligible for Express Entry?

Interested Express Entry candidates should meet the following requirements:

• Have a Bachelor’s Degree;
• Have high proficiency in English and French;
• Have at least three years of Skilled Work experience.

It will also help if the interested candidate has:

• A Master’s degree or a Ph.D.;
• Canadian Education;
• Canadian Work Experience;
• An Arranged Employment offer from an eligible Canadian employer; and/or
• A Provincial Nomination.

How long does an Express Entry application take?

Immigration Minister Sean Fraser recently stated that all new Express Entry applications are to be processed in six months. This means that after being selected in the draw and receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), a candidate can expect their Permanent Residence visa in six months.

How will the New NOC impact the coming Express Entry draws?

Starting in November, the newly revised NOC system will be implemented with five classifications: 0, A, B, C, and D.

The Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER) system represents the level of skills and experience for each occupation. There are six TEERS ranging from 0 (management occupations) down to five (little work experience or formal education).

In preparation for Express Entry draws to resume this July, read more about the Express Entry updates announced earlier this year.

Interested in applying for Express Entry? Determine your eligibility below.