Canada Express Entry
The primary system for managing applications for Canada’s economic immigration programs.
The Canadian immigration framework was revamped in 2015 by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), which is now officially known as Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This revised system, called Express Entry, is designed to facilitate the migration of highly qualified applicants with specific skill sets, enabling them to contribute significantly to Canada’s continued economic and social progress.
1. What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing permanent residence applications from skilled workers. It covers three federal immigration programs:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Candidates submit an online profile, and IRCC determines whether they qualify for one of these programs. Eligible applicants enter the Express Entry pool and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and other human capital elements.
Candidates with the highest CRS scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. IRCC may also issue ITAs through category-based selections that target specific economic priorities.
2. How does Express Entry work?
The process has two main stages:
Profile submission – Eligible candidates submit an expression of interest and enter the pool.
Invitation rounds (draws) – IRCC regularly invites top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.
There are three types of Express Entry draws:
General draws: highest CRS scores across all programs
Program-specific draws: candidates eligible under a specific program
Category-based draws: candidates in targeted categories aligned with economic needs
Steps to immigrate through Express Entry:
Confirm eligibility under FSWP, CEC, or FSTP
Complete language testing and obtain an ECA (if required)
Submit an Express Entry profile online
Receive an ITA (if selected)
Submit a complete permanent residence application with fees and documents
Provide biometrics when requested
Await a final decision (typically within 6 months)
Approved applicants receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if required, a visa to enter Canada.
3. What are targeted Express Entry draws?
Targeted or category-based draws invite candidates who meet specific economic or labour market needs set by the immigration minister. CRS scores still apply, meaning candidates must meet the minimum cut-off even within a targeted category.
4. How long does Express Entry take?
An Express Entry profile is valid for up to one year. Once an ITA is issued and a complete application is submitted, IRCC aims to process applications within six months. If no ITA is received within a year, candidates may submit a new profile.
5. Pros and cons of Express Entry
Advantages:
Faster processing compared to the old system
Selection based on factors linked to economic success
Strong labour market outcomes for Express Entry immigrants
Multiple chances to improve CRS scores
Limitations:
No guarantee of receiving an ITA
Only top-ranked candidates are invited
CRS scores can be improved through provincial nominations, better language results, Canadian education, or additional work experience. Canada also offers over 100 alternative skilled immigration pathways.
6. How much does Express Entry cost?
Creating an Express Entry profile is free, but candidates may incur costs beforehand, such as:
Language tests
Educational Credential Assessments
Document translations
After receiving an ITA, government fees include:
Principal applicant: $1,525
Spouse or partner: $1,525
Dependent child: $260 per child
Additional costs may include medical exams, police checks, and biometrics.
7. Do I need a lawyer for Express Entry?
A lawyer is not required but can be helpful. An experienced immigration lawyer can improve CRS scores, prevent errors, and guide applicants through the full process, especially after receiving an ITA.
8. Do I need a job offer?
No. A job offer is not required to succeed under Express Entry. As of March 25, 2025, job offers no longer provide CRS points. However, job offers may still help establish eligibility for certain programs.
9. Do Express Entry immigrants succeed in Canada?
Yes. IRCC studies show Express Entry immigrants have strong employment outcomes, higher earnings, and low unemployment rates. Their skills align well with Canada’s labour market needs.
10. Who immigrates through Express Entry?
Canada welcomes skilled workers from over 100 countries. Selection is based on skills and adaptability—not nationality. Immigrants come from diverse professional and educational backgrounds.
11. Can my family come with me?
Yes. Successful applicants can include:
A spouse or common-law partner
Dependent children
All accompanying family members receive permanent residence.
Express Entry Eligibility and CRS
Eligibility programs:
FSWP: Skilled work experience, language proficiency, education, and a minimum of 67 points
CEC: At least one year of skilled Canadian work experience
FSTP: Skilled trade experience, job offer or trade certification, and language ability
Improving CRS scores
You can raise your CRS score by:
Improving language test results
Gaining more education or work experience
Studying or working in Canada
Obtaining a provincial nomination (+600 CRS points)
CRS cut-offs change frequently, so entering the pool is often worthwhile even with a lower score.
Express Entry vs PNP
Express Entry is federally managed, while the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) allows provinces to nominate candidates. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA.
Submitting an Express Entry profile
You will need documents such as:
Passport
Language test results
ECA
Proof of funds
Job offer or provincial nomination (if applicable)
Profiles expire after one year and can be updated while active.
Language tests accepted
English:
IELTS General
CELPIP General
PTE Core
French:
TEF Canada
TCF Canada
Only one set of language test results can be used, but candidates may retake tests to improve scores.
Final notes
Express Entry is competitive, but it offers one of the fastest and most effective routes to Canadian permanent residence. Even if your CRS score is low, being in the pool opens doors to provincial nominations and alternative immigration pathways.
