Express Entry to Canada: Your Complete Guide to Migrating With a $30,000+ Scholarship

Canada is among the most desirable destinations for immigrants, providing top-tier education, a high quality of life, and outstanding job prospects. The Express Entry system provides one of the quickest routes to permanent residency if you aspire to relocate to Canada.

But what if you could enhance your odds by obtaining a scholarship of over $30,000 to study in Canada first? With this guide, you’ll be taken through the whole procedure—from scholarship applications to Express Entry profile submissions—so that your dream of going to Canada can come true.

Why Choose Canada for Immigration?

Canada welcomes over 400,000 immigrants annually, with Express Entry being the most popular pathway. Here’s why:

• High-quality education with globally recognized degrees.
• Strong job market with opportunities in tech, healthcare, and engineering.
• Pathway to permanent residency for international students.
• Access to healthcare and social benefits once you become a resident.

Combining Express Entry with a scholarship makes your journey smoother and more affordable.

Step 1: Secure a $30,000+ Scholarship

Before applying for Express Entry, studying in Canada can enhance your CRS score, which facilitates obtaining an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Here’s how to secure a scholarship:

Top Canadian Scholarships for International Students

• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships – Up to $50,000 per year for PhD students.
• University of Toronto Lester B. Pearson Scholarship – Covers tuition, books, and living expenses.
• University of British Columbia (UBC) International Leader of Tomorrow Award – $40,000+ based on need and merit.
• Canada Graduate Scholarships-Master’s Program (CGS-M) – $17,500 for one year.

How to Apply for Scholarships

1. Research early – Check university websites and government portals like EduCanada.
2. Meet eligibility criteria – Strong academics, leadership, and extracurriculars help.
3. Prepare a standout application – Write a compelling personal statement and secure strong recommendation letters.

Step 2: Study in Canada to Boost Your Express Entry Profile

Once you secure a scholarship, your next step is to study in Canada, which gives you:

• Canadian work experience (through part-time jobs or co-op programs).
• Additional CRS points for Canadian education.
• Eligibility for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP), allowing you to work for up to 3 years after graduation.

Step 3: Apply for Express Entry After Graduation

After completing your studies, you can apply for Express Entry under one of these programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For skilled professionals.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – If you have Canadian work experience.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For trade professionals.

How to Maximize Your CRS Score

Your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score determines your rank in the Express Entry pool. Here’s how to increase it:

• Canadian degree/diploma (+15 to 30 points).
• Canadian work experience (+40 to 80 points).
• High language scores (IELTS/CELPIP) (+24 to 136 points).
• Provincial Nomination (PNP) (+600 points).

Step 4: Get Your Permanent Residency (PR)

If your CRS score is high enough, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Next steps:

1. Submit your PR application within 60 days.
2. Complete medical exams and police checks.
3. Wait for approval (processing time: ~6 months).

Once approved, you’ll get your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and can move to Canada as a permanent resident!

Common Express Entry Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)

Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the fastest ways to get permanent residency—but small mistakes can delay or even reject your application. Here are the most common errors applicants make and how to avoid them.

1. Not Checking Eligibility Before Applying

❌ Mistake: Assuming you qualify without verifying.
✅ Fix: Use the CRS calculator and check if you meet the minimum score (usually 67/100 for FSWP).

2. Low Language Test Scores

❌ Mistake: Scoring below CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0) or retaking tests too late.
✅ Fix: Prepare early, take CELPIP or IELTS General, and aim for CLB 9+ (IELTS 7.0+) for maximum points.

3. Incorrect Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

❌ Mistake: Using an unapproved organization or not evaluating all degrees.
✅ Fix: Only use WES, ICAS, or CES and assess all post-secondary degrees for extra points.

4. Incomplete or Inconsistent Work History

❌ Mistake: Gaps in employment, mismatched job titles, or missing reference letters.
✅ Fix: Provide detailed reference letters with job duties, hours, and salary matching your NOC code.

5. Missing Proof of Funds (If Required)

❌ Mistake: Not showing enough settlement funds (varies by family size).
✅ Fix: Keep 3–6 months of bank statements with the required amount (e.g., $13,757 for a single applicant in 2024).

Success Stories: How I Migrated to Canada With a $30K Scholarship

Do you dream of relocating to Canada but are concerned about the expenses involved? The real-life success stories demonstrate that with the right strategy, it is possible to study, work, and immigrate to Canada—even securing a scholarship!

1. From Nigeria to Permanent Residency: Ada’s Journey

🎓 Scholarship: $32,000 – University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship
📌 Pathway: Master’s Degree → PGWP → Express Entry (CEC)

Ada always wanted to move to Canada but couldn’t afford tuition. She applied for 10+ scholarships and won the University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship, covering most of her MSc fees.

How She Did It:
✔ Researched early – Applied a year before her program started.
✔ Worked part-time – Gained Canadian experience while studying.
✔ Landed a job after graduation – Used her PGWP to work for 3 years.
✔ Applied through Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – Got PR in 8 months!

Her Advice: “Don’t wait for ‘perfect’ IELTS scores—apply for scholarships first!”

2. Engineer to Canadian PR: Raj’s Story

🎓 Scholarship: $28,500 – University of Alberta International Entrance Scholarship
📌 Pathway: Bachelor’s Degree → Co-op Work → Express Entry (FSWP)

Raj, an Indian engineer, got a $28.5K scholarship for his undergrad at UAlberta. His co-op work terms helped him secure a full-time job before graduation.

Key Moves:
✔ Chose a co-op program – Gained 1.5 years of Canadian work experience.
✔ Boosted CRS score – Canadian degree + work experience = 523 points.
✔ Got PR before graduation – Applied under Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP).

Post-ITA Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting a Perfect PR Application

It’s thrilling to get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residency, but the real work starts now. Your application can be delayed or rejected due to one minor error. Here are the precise steps to take after receiving your ITA to guarantee a smooth approval process.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents (Within 7 Days)

You only have 60 days to submit your application. Start collecting these immediately:

Mandatory Documents

• Passport bio pages (all pages with stamps/visas)
• Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP) – Must be valid when you submit.
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) – If using foreign education.
• Proof of work experience – Reference letters (must include job duties, salary, hours).
• Police certificates – From every country you lived in for 6+ months since age 18.
• Medical exam – Book with an IRCC-approved panel physician.
• Proof of funds – Bank statements showing required settlement funds (if applicable).

Common Pitfalls

• Missing translations – Non-English/French docs must be certified.
• Expired documents – Police certificates and medicals expire.
• Inconsistent dates – Work history must match your Express Entry profile.

Step 2: Complete Your Online Application

Log into your IRCC account and fill out the forms:

1. Personal details (name, address, travel history).
2. Dependents’ information (if applicable).
3. Work and education history (must match your EE profile).
4. Upload documents in the correct format (PDF, under 4MB).

Pro Tip:

• Save drafts frequently – IRCC’s portal can time out.
• Double-check spellings – Even small typos can cause delays.

Step 3: Pay Fees & Submit (Before the 60-Day Deadline!)

• Processing fee: $1,365 CAD (main applicant + spouse).
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $515 (can be paid later).
• Biometrics fee: $85 (if required).

Important:

• Payment issues? Use a credit card (debit cards often fail).
• Receipts matter – Save confirmation emails.

Bringing Your Family to Canada Through Express Entry: A Complete Guide

A major benefit of Canada’s Express Entry system is that it enables you to sponsor your family members for permanent residency (PR), either as part of your initial application or after you have settled in Canada. Here’s all the information you need for reuniting with your loved ones.

How to Include Family in Your Express Entry Application

1️⃣ Declare Them in Your Profile

When filling out your Express Entry profile, you must list:

• Your spouse/partner (if accompanying you)
• All dependent children (even if they aren’t coming right away)

⚠️ Failure to declare family members now can block future sponsorship!

2️⃣ Submit Their Documents with Your PR Application

After receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must provide:

• Passport copies for each family member
• Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• Birth certificates for children
• Medical exams & police certificates (if accompanying you)

3️⃣ Pay Additional Fees

• Processing fee per adult: $1,365 CAD
• Processing fee per child: $230 CAD
• Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $515 per adult

 Total cost for a couple + 1 child: ~$3,615 CAD

Express Entry Processing Time: How Long Does It Take in 2024?

Although Canada’s Express Entry system is among the quickest immigration pathways, processing times differ based on your application type and personal circumstances. Here’s the information you need regarding current wait times and how to expedite your application.

Current Express Entry Processing Times (2024)

Application Stage	Estimated Timeframe
ITA to Submission	60 days (strict deadline)
AOR to Biometrics Request	1-30 days
Medical & Background Check	2-5 months
Final Decision (PPR)	6 months (average for most applications)

Note:

• 80% of applications are processed within 6 months (IRCC’s official standard).
• Some cases take longer (e.g., security screenings, missing documents).

Factors That Affect Processing Time

1️⃣ Program Category

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) → Fastest (~4-6 months)
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) → ~6 months
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) → ~6-8 months

2️⃣ Completeness of Application

❌ Missing documents → Delays or refusal
✅ Complete, error-free applications → Faster processing

3️⃣ Background & Security Checks

• Complex travel history? Longer processing.
• Military/work in sensitive sectors? Additional screening.

4️⃣ IRCC Workload

• Draw size & application volume affect speed.
• PNP-linked Express Entry may take slightly longer.

How to Speed Up Your Application

✔ Submit a complete application (use IRCC’s checklist).
✔ Book biometrics & medical exams ASAP after ITA.
✔ Respond quickly to any IRCC requests.
✔ Avoid changing jobs/addresses mid-process.

Conclusion

Migrating to Canada through Express Entry with a $30,000+ scholarship is a smart strategy. By studying first, you gain extra CRS points, work experience, and a smoother transition to PR. Start researching scholarships today, and take the first step toward your Canadian dream!

Ready to begin? Check out Canada’s official immigration website for the latest updates on Express Entry and scholarships.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Express Entry to Canada with a $30,000+ Scholarship

1. Can I apply for Express Entry while studying in Canada?

No, Express Entry is for permanent residency (PR), not temporary study permits. However, after completing your studies, you can apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) and then transition to Express Entry.

2. Do scholarships affect my Express Entry CRS score?

No, scholarships themselves don’t increase your CRS score. However, studying in Canada with a scholarship helps you:

• Gain Canadian education points (+15 to 30 CRS points).
• Work part-time, adding Canadian work experience (+40 to 80 CRS points).

3. How can I find the best scholarships for Canada?

• Check university websites (e.g., UBC, U of T, McGill).
• Visit EduCanada for government-funded scholarships.
• Look for private organizations offering grants for international students.