Express Entry Steps:

1. Go on CIC website to see how many points you get and if you qualify for Express Entry
- save the personal reference code you get at the end. You use it to start your initial applic.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least 1 year or more before doing below steps.

----assuming you qualify----
2. Apply for educational credential assessment with WES ~$200
3. Sign up for and reserve test date for IELTS
4. Start gathering and arranging proof of funds and submit fingerprints for police background check (FBI takes 6-8 weeks. It is advisable to also get state background check.)
5. Create express entry profile online
6. Submit profile and wait for invite to apply (in this prelim stage you join a pool of candidates and those with highest points get selected. Your applic is active in the pool for up to 1 year. There are drawings from the pool every 2-3 weeks and the minimum point threshold fluctuates. It could take 4-8weeks to get selected.)

You also need to activate your profile in the job bank. Make sure it remains active the entire time you are in the pool and waiting for ITA. See CIC website for this.

While you wait for invite (ITA) gather all your remaining docs such as proof of funds, employer reference letter, police report/background check of countries you have resided in past 10 yrs, etc.

7. Once you receive ITA, you have 90 days to upload all info. Target submitting within 60 days and do not wait for 90 day mark.
You have to get medical exam done in this period. Depending on how busy doc is, it could take a couple weeks to get an appointment. So call early.

Exam results from immig exam doctor come to you in about 7-10 days. They are valid 1 year from day of exam. Wait to get the exam close to 45 day mark because your deadline to enter canada is earlier of medical exam expiration or passport expiration.

Upload all docs and submit final app.

8. This stage takes longest - CIC will review your application and do background check, follow up with employer, etc. Once they approve app, they will send you request for passport (or passport copy - depending on country) for PR stamping.

You will get a conditional PR which is based on your entering Canada within allotted time.


CIC reviews and processes applications during each stage in batches. So there could be a delay of 2-3 weeks in last 2 stages (approval and passport stamping) as they wait to gather other applic for batch processing.

This is the best website to use throughout Canada visa applic process.
http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-imm...tshell.394158/

The website above has other applicants sharing their experiences and they provide good info on what to submit if you can't get employer ref letter or proof of funds or run in to other issues during the process.