5 Express Entry Canada Tips for Success in 2019

The Canadian Express Entry system continues to be the most popular route to Canada. 2018 was a record-breaking year issuing more invitations to apply for permanent residence than ever before, in fact, a staggering 86,000 newcomers were welcomed into Canada thanks to the Express Entry system. So what’s in store for 2019? Will we see another broken record or will the numbers stay the same? In this article we will reveal 5 Express Entry Canada tips you will need to know for successful immigration in 2019.

What is Express Entry?

Immigration is a time-consuming process no matter who you are or to what country you plan on moving to. For this reason, Canada started the Express Entry system in 2015 to hasten and simplify the process. If you are a skilled worker, you can now apply for one of Canada’s Federal Economic programs through Express Entry. The first step is making your online Express Entry profile. During this time you will be given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on several factors, including your age, language ability, work experience, educational background, and more. Candidates with the highest-ranking scores get issued Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through regular Express Entry draws held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to complete your full application for Canadian immigration.

1 - Greater Targets Greater Competition

2019 will see even larger immigration targets for Canada than any other year as part of the country’s great immigration plan of 2019-2021. Specifically, the target for Express Entry admissions is set at 81,400, 6,500 more than in 2018. Your first reaction might be that your chance to immigrate to Canada in 2019 will be better because of this great target; however, that may not be the case. If Canada needs more newcomers through Express Entry, it is likely that we will see a drop in the CRS score required to qualify for a particular draw. A drop in CRS means more candidates will qualify for immigration, making the competition for ITAs stiffer between candidates. If you would like to overcome this obstacle, you should follow our second tip below.

2 - High CRS Scores Still The Way Forward

Canadian immigration is a merit-based system and as explained above, this merit is determined by your CRS score. The higher your CRS score the more likely you will be selected in the Express Entry draw. Therefore, you will have to boost your CRS score as much as possible if you would like to call Canada home in 2019. There are several ways you can improve your CRS score, for instance, you can retake your IELTS test or you can study further. Some factors are unfortunately out of your control, like your age. Our team of RCICs will help you improve your CRS score by giving you personal advice based on your unique profile. Our expertise could be what you need to make your application a success. 

3 - Biometrics Are a Must

As of 2019, Biometrics is a must for anyone who would like to immigrate to Canada. Simply put, Biometrics is a new method of identification Canada uses to make sure you are who you say you are. It sounds more complex than it really is. In essence, all you need to do is give your fingerprints and you will have to have your portrait taken. For more information about Biometrics, you can watch this informative video. 

4 - Provinces And Territories Have Their Own Express Entry Categories

Apart from the main Federal Economic Programs, you can apply for through the Express Entry system, each Province and Territory of Canada has its own Express Entry category as of 2018. It is essential that you familiarize yourself with each of them because you may qualify for one of them eliminating the competition of the larger Express Entry pool from which candidates are chosen. Some provinces even have multiple Express Entry categories.

Province or Territory	Express Entry Program
Alberta	Alberta Express Entry Stream
British Columbia	Skilled Worker Category Healthcare Professional Category International Graduate Category International Post Graduate Category
Manitoba	Manitoba Express Entry Pathway
New Brunswick	New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program Express Entry Labour Market Stream
Newfoundland and Labrador	Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Stream
Northwest Territories	Express Entry Stream for Skilled Workers
Nova Scotia	Nova Scotia Demand: Express Entry Stream Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry Stream
Ontario	Ontario Express Entry Human Capital Priorities Stream Ontario Express Entry French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream Ontario Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
Prince Edward Island	Prince Edward Island Express Entry Stream
Saskatchewan	International Skilled Worker: Saskatchewan Express Entry
Yukon	Yukon Express Entry Stream

5 - What the Election Year Could Mean for Immigration

2019 is an election year for our country. Meaning the time is coming for us to decide if Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gets to serve a second term in office. As we all know by now one of Trudeau’s main platforms is his openness to immigration. Thanks to him we have seen a great influx of skilled workers entering Canada. The conservatives of Canada do not look as kindly on the matter of immigration. In 2018, Quebec voted for François Legault the leader of the CAQ conservative party in the provincial by-elections. Following his coming into power, Quebec lowered their immigration targets for the coming years. This wave of conservatism makes us wonder what could happen to immigration in Canada following the next elections. One thing is for sure, now is the perfect time to get your application started. Follow our 5 Express Entry Canada tips and you'll be on your way to a new life in the Great White North.