So, you’ve been thinking about moving to Canada, right? Maybe you’ve seen those snowy photos of Toronto or the peaceful neighborhoods in Alberta and thought, “Hmm, I could see myself there.” Well, you’re not alone. Thousands of Africans are exploring the Canadian Express Entry pathway every year, and for good reason.
But here’s the catch: the process can look confusing at first glance. Don’t worry I’ve got you. In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to apply for the Canadian Express Entry from Africa, step by step, just like I did when I started my own journey. Grab your cup of tea, and let’s break it down together.
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What Exactly Is the Canadian Express Entry?
Let’s start with the basics. Express Entry isn’t a visa itself, it’s an online immigration system used by the Government of Canada to manage skilled worker applications.
Through it, you can apply for three main programs:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – for people with work experience outside Canada.
2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – for those in technical or trade jobs.
3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – for people who’ve already worked or studied in Canada.
Most Africans qualify through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, so that’s what we’ll focus on here.
Most Africans qualify through the Federal Skilled Worker Program, so that’s what we’ll focus on here.
Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible
Before you dive in, make sure you’re eligible. Canada doesn’t want you wasting time on a system you can’t benefit from.
Here’s what they’ll look at:
Age – You get more points if you’re between 20 and 29.
Education – At least a secondary school diploma, but higher degrees get you more points.
Work Experience – Minimum of one year of continuous, full-time skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, or B).
Language Skills – English or French test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).
Adaptability – Things like a spouse with language skills or relatives in Canada can boost your score.
Tip: Use Canada’s official “Come to Canada” tool online. It’ll tell you if you’re eligible within a few minutes.
Step 2: Take Your Language Test
Ever wondered why everyone keeps talking about IELTS when it comes to Canada immigration? That’s because it’s one of the main ways to prove your English proficiency.
You’ll need to take either:
- IELTS General Training, or
- CELPIP General Test (less common in Africa).
Your score will convert to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB). Aim for CLB 9 or higher to get maximum points.
I remember the first time I wrote my IELTS test, my speaking section felt like a friendly chat, but my listening section? Whew! Train your ears to handle different accents, that’s where most people struggle.
— that’s where most people struggle.
Step 3: Get Your Education Credentials Assessed (ECA)
If you studied in Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, etc.), you’ll need an Education Credential Assessment (ECA) to prove that your degree is equivalent to a Canadian one.
You can use organizations like:
- WES (World Education Services)
- ICAS (International Credential Assessment Service)
- IQAS or CES
Once you submit your documents, it usually takes 4–8 weeks. When you get your report, keep it safe you’ll need it for your Express Entry profile.
Step 4: Create Your Express Entry Profile
Now the real fun begins! Go to the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website and create your Express Entry profile.
You’ll enter details about:
- Your education
- Language test scores
- Work history
- Family details
- Proof of funds
After submitting, you’ll receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, a number out of 1200 that determines your position in the Express Entry pool.
Step 5: Wait for the Invitation to Apply (ITA)
This is the “sit tight” phase. Canada holds Express Entry draws (usually every two weeks), inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence.
If your CRS score is high enough, congratulations! You’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
But what if your score is low? Don’t lose hope. You can:
Improve your language score.
Gain more work experience.
Get a job offer from Canada.
Or apply through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) for an extra 600 points.
Step 6: Submit Your Permanent Residence Application
Once you receive your ITA, you’ll have 60 days to submit all your documents online. That includes:
Medical exam results
Police clearance certificates
Proof of funds
Work reference letters
Passport and photos
Double-check everything before submitting. One missing document can delay your application for months.
Step 7: Wait for the Decision
After submission, IRCC will review your application. The processing time is usually six months or less (but can vary).
When that golden email lands in your inbox — “Your Permanent Residence Application Has Been Approved” it feels surreal. That’s when you’ll get your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can plan your big move!
Final Thoughts: Your Dream Is Valid
Moving to Canada from Africa through Express Entry isn’t an overnight journey but it’s absolutely doable. Thousands have done it, and you can too.
Here’s the key:
- Be patient.
- Stay organized.
- Keep learning.
Remember, your first attempt doesn’t have to be perfect. Keep improving your profile and re-entering the pool until it happens.
Ever imagined yourself sipping hot chocolate on a cold morning in Toronto or hiking in Vancouver? Well, that dream could start with the first small step creating your Express Entry profile today.
Over to you:
Have you started your Express Entry journey yet? Drop a comment below let’s share experiences and encourage one another!
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