How to Apply for Canada Express Entry from Delhi in 2025: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Canada has consistently continuously been one of the most favorite destinations for skilled professionals across the world. With the high quality of life and the country's welcoming immigration policies, it’s no surprise that many residents in Delhi are finding options to move to Canada. One of the most popular and efficient pathways is the Express Entry system, a points-based immigration program designed to invite skilled workers for Canada PR visa.

If you are currently living in Delhi and planning to migrate to Canada in 2025, this guide will walk you through each step of the Express Entry process—from checking your eligibility to receiving your permanent residency.Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for Express Entry

Before you start it’s very important to ensure that you meet the basic criteria for one of the economic immigration programs managed under the Express Entry system. These include:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For residents of Delhi, the Federal Skilled Worker Program is often the most relevant. The key eligibility requirements for this program include:

• Age: Individuals aged 18–35 earn the highest points. You can still apply if you are older, but your CRS score may be lower.

• Education: A minimum of secondary education is required, although higher education earns more points.

• Work Experience: At least one year of continuous, full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled occupation listed under Canada’s National Occupation Classification (NOC).

• Language Proficiency: You must prove your language ability in English or French through an approved language test.

• Proof of Funds: You will need to show that you can support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada.Step 2: Take an Approved Language Test

Language proficiency plays a major role in determining your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Most candidates from Delhi choose the IELTS General Training exam for English. To qualify for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, a minimum of CLB 7 (Canadian Language Benchmark) is required, which translates to:

• Listening: 6.0

• Reading: 6.0

  Writing: 6.0

• Speaking: 6.0

Higher scores, especially CLB 9 or above, can significantly boost your CRS. Alternatively, you can take CELPIP General for English or TEF Canada for French, depending on your comfort with the language.

Step 3: Get Your Educational Credentials Assessed (ECA)

If your education was completed outside of Canada, you’ll need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to verify its Canadian equivalency. This step is mandatory for gaining CRS points for education under Express Entry.

Several organizations are designated by IRCC to issue ECAs, including:

World Education Services (WES)

• International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)

• International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)

• Comparative Education Service (CES)

Make sure you request the right type of ECA for immigration purposes, not for academic use.

Step 4: Create and Submit Your Express Entry Profile

Once you have your language test results and ECA report, you're ready to create an Express Entry profile on the IRCC website. In your profile, you’ll enter information about:

Age

• Education

• Language test scores

• Work experience

• Marital status

• Adaptability (relatives in Canada, education or work experience in Canada)

• On the Basis of these inputs, you will receive a CRS score. This score determines your rank within the Express Entry pool. Keep in mind that this is not an application for Canada PR yet—it's just the first step to entering the candidate pool.

Step 5: Enter the Express Entry Pool

Once your profile is submitted and accepted, you officially enter the Express Entry pool. IRCC conducts regular Express Entry draws, usually every two weeks. Candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence.

The minimum CRS score required varies in each draw depending on the program targeted (e.g., general, PNP, occupation-specific). If your CRS score is high enough, you may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in the next draw.

Step 6: Collect Required Documents for PR Application

If you receive an ITA, you'll have 60 days to submit your complete application for permanent residency. It's crucial to have all your documentation ready, accurate, and in the required format. Common documents include:

Valid passport

• Language test results (original)

• ECA report

• Employment reference letters

Police Clearance Certificates (PCC) from all countries lived in for 6+ months

Medical examination results from a panel physician

• Proof of funds (bank letters/statements)

• Digital photos

• Marriage certificate or children's birth certificates (if applicable)

Make sure every document is scanned clearly and translated if not in English or French.

Step 7: Submit Your PR Application Online

With all documents ready, you can now submit your application through the IRCC online portal. You’ll also need to pay the required government fees:

• Application processing fee: CAD 850 per adult

• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): CAD 515

• Biometrics fee: CAD 85

(These amounts may vary slightly in 2025, so check the latest fee structure on the official IRCC site.)

Step 8: Give Biometrics and Respond to Any IRCC Requests

After submission, you will be instructed to visit the Visa Application Centre in Delhi to complete your biometrics (fingerprints and photos). IRCC may request additional documentation during the background verification phase. Respond promptly and accurately to avoid delays.

Step 9: Wait for the Final Decision

Once everything is verified, IRCC will make a decision on your application. Most complete applications are processed within 6 months, although processing times can vary depending on the volume of applications and your specific case.

If approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and your passport will be stamped with a Canada PR visa.

Step 10: Prepare for Your Move to Canada

Once you receive your COPR, it's time to plan your journey to Canada. Some final steps include:

Booking your flight

• Arranging temporary or permanent accommodation

• Carrying essential documents like COPR, passport, and proof of funds

• Packing according to Canadian weather

• After landing, you’ll go through immigration formalities, and your PR card will be mailed to your Canadian address in a few weeks.

Tips to Improve Your CRS Score from Delhi

If your CRS score is not high enough to receive an ITA, there are several ways to improve it:

1. Improve Language Scores: Retake IELTS or CELPIP and aim for CLB 9 or above.

2. Add a Spouse’s Credentials: If your spouse has a strong language score or educational background, it can boost your score.

3. Gain More Work Experience: More years of skilled work experience adds valuable points.

4. Pursue Higher Education: A higher qualification like a postgraduate diploma or degree increases CRS points.

5. Apply Through a PNP: Provincial Nominee Programs offer 600 bonus CRS points if you receive a nomination.

6. Learn French: Extra language points are awarded for French proficiency.

7. Get a Job Offer: A valid job offer supported by an LMIA can add up to 200 points.

Conclusion

Applying for Canada PR through Express Entry from Delhi is a clear and structured process, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. From language tests and credential assessments to creating a profile and submitting documents, every step plays a crucial role in your journey.

Thousands of skilled professionals in Delhi have already successfully transitioned to life in Canada through Express Entry. With the right preparation and persistence, you can too. Whether you're applying independently or with expert support, understanding the entire process increases your chances of success.

Anjali is the best immigration consultant simplifying Canada PR and visa processes through clear, informative guides for global candidates.