The Canada Express Entry system provides a streamlined way for skilled professionals from Pakistan to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR). To apply, candidates must first check their eligibility, complete an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), and take an approved English or French language test such as IELTS or TEF.
After creating an online profile on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal, applicants receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors like education, work experience, age, and language proficiency.
Those with the highest scores are invited through Express Entry draws to submit their full PR application, along with required documents such as proof of funds, medical, and police certificates. This process offers Pakistani applicants a transparent and efficient route to settle and work in Canada.
What is Canada Express Entry System?
The Canada Express Entry system is an online immigration platform established by the Government of Canada to manage permanent residence applications for skilled individuals. It enables qualified professionals from around the world, including Pakistan, to apply for Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) through a transparent and merit-based points system.
The Express Entry programme evaluates each applicant according to factors such as education, language ability, work experience, age, and adaptability. The scoring is done through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through Express Entry draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
What are the Types of Programmes under Canada’s Express Entry System?
The Express Entry system manages applications for three main federal immigration programmes designed for different categories of skilled workers.
- Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Programme (FSWP) is a type of immigration route for individuals with foreign work experience who wish to live and work permanently in Canada.
To be eligible for the FSWP, applicants must:
- Have completed an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an approved organisation.
- Possess at least one year of continuous full-time employment in a skilled occupation.
- Demonstrate language proficiency in English or French through an accepted exam (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
- Provide proof of funds to support themselves and their dependents.
- Fulfil minimum points under the Canada Immigration Points Calculator based on age, education, and work experience.
FSWP candidates who meet all requirements are placed into the Express Entry pool, where their CRS score determines their ranking among other applicants.
Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Programme (FSTP) is a type of Canadian immigration route designed for skilled workers in technical and manual occupations.
Eligibility criteria for the FSTP are as follows:
- A minimum of two years of full-time work experience in an eligible trade within the last five years.
- Possession of a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority or a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- Meeting the language requirement of at least CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
- Submission of proof of funds and a clear intention to reside outside the province of Quebec.
This visa stream is particularly suitable for Pakistani tradespersons with technical skills and certified qualifications.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is a programme for applicants who have gained skilled work experience in Canada.
Applicants for the CEC programme must:
- Have at least one year of Canadian work experience in a skilled occupation under a valid permit.
- Meet the language proficiency requirements for English or French.
- Apply within three years of obtaining Canadian work experience.
- Intend to live outside the province of Quebec.
The CEC is one of the most direct pathways to permanent residency for Pakistani students and professionals who have studied or worked in Canada under a Study Permit or Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).
What are the Requirements for Express Entry to Canada?
To apply for Express Entry to Canada, applicants from Pakistan must meet the following requirements:
- Be aged 18 years or older.
- Hold a valid passport and identity document.
- Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from a designated organisation.
- Prove language proficiency in English or French.
- Have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience.
- Show proof of funds to support themselves during resettlement.
- Submit a medical examination certificate and police clearance.
- Intend to live outside the province of Quebec.
What is the Express Entry Points-Based System and How Does it Work?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points-based framework used to assess and rank Express Entry candidates.
Points are awarded under the following categories:
- Core factors: Age, education, work experience, and language ability.
- Spouse or partner factors: Education and language scores of the accompanying spouse.
- Skill transferability: Combination of education, work experience, and language performance.
- Additional points: Provincial nomination (PNP), Canadian education, or valid job offer.
Applicants with the highest CRS scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence during Express Entry draws held regularly by IRCC.
What Documents are Required for Canada’s Express Entry?
The documents required for Express Entry to Canada from Pakistan are listed below:
- Passport with at least one blank page and validity beyond visa expiry.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) certificate.
- Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
- Proof of funds such as six-month bank statements or sponsorship letters.
- Work experience certificates and reference letters from employers.
- Medical certificate issued by an approved panel physician.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Digital photograph in accordance with IRCC standards.
All documents must be submitted in English or French, and certified translations are required for any documents not originally in these languages.
What are the Steps to Apply for Express Entry to Canada?
The steps to apply for Express Entry from Pakistan are listed below.
- Check eligibility using the Canada Immigration Points Calculator.
- Complete an ECA to verify educational qualifications.
- Take an approved language test (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
- Create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC portal.
- Receive a CRS score and enter the Express Entry pool.
- Await an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from IRCC.
- Submit PR application online along with required documents.
- Undergo medical and background checks.
- Receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and the PR card.
What is the Difference Between Express Entry and PNP for Canada?
Both Express Entry and the Provincial Nominee Programme (PNP) provide routes to permanent residency in Canada; however, they differ in management and selection criteria.
- The Express Entry system is a federal immigration pathway managed by the Government of Canada.
- The PNP is a provincial immigration programme in which provinces such as Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia nominate applicants based on their economic and demographic needs.
A provincial nomination grants an additional 600 CRS points, which substantially increases the chances of receiving an ITA under Express Entry.
How Can Go Foreign Assist You in Applying for Express Entry to Canada?
Go Foreign provides professional assistance to Pakistani applicants in preparing and submitting their Express Entry applications.
Services offered by Go Foreign include:
- Eligibility assessment and CRS points evaluation.
- ECA and IELTS documentation guidance.
- Assistance with Express Entry profile creation.
- Document uploading and application submission through official channels.
- Coordination with licensed consultants such as Total Law and Immigration Advice Service (IAS).
- Post-landing guidance related to settlement and employment in Canada.
Applying through professional consultants helps avoid common errors, such as incomplete documents, incorrect proof of funds, or missed eligibility criteria. Get expert guidance from the Best Canada Immigration Consultant, we handle everything from eligibility checks to PR application submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Canada Express Entry Cost from Pakistan?
The total cost of applying for Express Entry from Pakistan, including the IRCC fee, biometrics, medical, and ECA charges, is approximately CAD 2,300 to CAD 3,000 per applicant.
Do I need IELTS for Canada’s Express Entry Programme?
Yes, applicants must provide results from an approved English or French language test, such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF, to prove language proficiency.
What is the Required IELTS Score to Apply for Express Entry to Canada?
The minimum IELTS requirement is CLB 7, which equals 6.0 in each band, for FSWP. Higher scores improve the CRS ranking.
What is the Average Time Duration for Canada’s Express Entry Process?
The average processing time for Express Entry applications is six to eight months, depending on the volume of applications handled by IRCC.
What is the Minimum CRS Score Required for Canada’s Express Entry Programme?
The CRS cut-off varies per draw but generally ranges between 470 and 520 points.
How Much Proof of Funds is Required to Apply for Express Entry to Canada?
Applicants must show sufficient funds to support themselves and dependents:
- Single applicant: CAD 14,690
- Couple: CAD 18,300
- Family of four: CAD 27,300
The funds must be maintained in a recognised financial institution for at least six months before applying.
What is an Express Entry Draw?
An Express Entry draw is a selection round conducted by IRCC, during which applicants with the highest CRS scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.
Can I Apply for Canada’s Express Entry Programme Without Work Experience?
No. To be eligible, applicants must have at least one year of continuous full-time skilled work experience in occupations classified under NOC 0, A, or B.
