Permanent Residence
Express Entry
Canada's points-based system managing applications for three federal economic programs.
Overview
Express Entry is the federal system that manages applications for permanent residence under three economic programs: the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Rather than applying directly for permanent residence, eligible candidates first create an online profile. IRCC ranks profiles using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which awards points for age, education, official language ability, and Canadian and foreign work experience, plus combinations of these skills. Additional points are available for a provincial nomination (600 points), strong French ability, Canadian education, or a sibling in Canada. Since March 2025, a job offer no longer adds CRS points.
IRCC invites the highest-ranked candidates through regular rounds. General rounds draw from the whole pool, program-specific rounds target one program or provincial nominees, and category-based rounds target candidates with attributes IRCC prioritizes each year, such as French ability or recent experience in certain occupations. Candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) have 60 days to submit a complete application.
Who may consider this: Skilled workers with the education, work experience, and language ability to settle economically in Canada.
Express Entry Programs
Express Entry contains more than one pathway. Each works a little differently — explore the one that best matches your background.
Canadian Experience Class
For candidates with qualifying skilled work experience in Canada.
Suitable for: People who have worked in Canada in a skilled occupation on valid temporary status.
Explore
Federal Skilled Worker Program
For candidates with foreign skilled work experience assessed on a points grid.
Suitable for: Skilled workers applying from outside Canada, or with foreign work experience, who meet the selection factor criteria.
Explore
Federal Skilled Trades Program
For candidates with qualifying experience in an eligible skilled trade.
Suitable for: Workers with experience in an eligible trade occupation, with or without a certificate of qualification.
ExploreEligibility Considerations
- Meeting the minimum criteria for at least one of the three Express Entry programs
- Results from an approved language test (CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training, PTE Core, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada) that are less than two years old
- An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), less than five years old, for education completed outside Canada where you need it for eligibility or points
- Proof of settlement funds, unless exempt (Canadian Experience Class candidates, or candidates authorized to work in Canada with a valid job offer)
- No criminal, medical, or security inadmissibility concerns
How It Works
Confirm Eligibility
We review your education, work history, and language results against all three programs — see the program pages for each one's criteria.
Prepare Documents
Language tests, an ECA, and detailed reference letters are completed before your profile is created, so every point you claim can be supported.
Create Your Profile
Your Express Entry profile is submitted with accurate occupation codes and work history, generating a CRS score.
Ranked in the Pool
Your profile stays in the pool for up to 12 months. We monitor recent rounds and look for realistic ways to improve your score.
Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence.
Complete Application
We prepare and submit the full application, with police certificates, medical exams, and every supporting document, within the deadline.
Processing & Decision
IRCC processes the application; we handle any requests for additional documents until a decision is made.
Documents You May Need
Document requirements vary by applicant and pathway — not every applicant needs every item below. We confirm your specific list during an assessment.
- Valid passport or travel document
- Language test results from an approved test
- Education records (diplomas and transcripts), plus an Educational Credential Assessment for education completed outside Canada
- Work reference letters showing duties, hours, pay, and dates of employment
- Proof of funds, where required
- Police certificates and medical exam results
- Provincial nomination documents, where applicable
Common Issues to Watch For
These are presented to help you prepare, not to cause concern — most are avoidable with careful preparation.
- Choosing a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code or TEER category that doesn't match your actual duties
- Claiming points in your profile that you can't document later
- Language results or an ECA that expire while you're in the pool or before you apply
- Work history that is inconsistent across your profile, reference letters, and other records
- Missing or insufficient proof of funds when it's required
- Waiting until the Invitation to Apply arrives to start gathering documents
How We Help
- Assess your profile against all three Express Entry programs, not just one
- Check occupation codes, dates, and claimed points against your documents before the profile goes in
- Identify realistic ways to strengthen your CRS score before or after profile creation
- Manage profile and application deadlines so nothing is missed
- Prepare a complete application package once you receive an invitation
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the three Express Entry programs?+
They're built around different types of experience — Canadian work experience, skilled work experience abroad, or a skilled trade — each explained on its own program page.
Is there a 'good' CRS score?+
There's no fixed passing score. Cut-off scores change from round to round and differ by round type, so we compare your score with recent rounds you'd actually be eligible for, and look at realistic ways to raise it, such as retaking a language test.
Does creating a profile guarantee permanent residence?+
No. A profile only places you in the pool. You need an invitation, and then a complete application that IRCC approves after reviewing your eligibility and admissibility.
How does a provincial nomination help?+
A nomination through an Express Entry-linked provincial stream adds 600 CRS points, which places a candidate near the top of the pool. Provinces nominate under their own criteria, so a nomination is never automatic.
What happens after I receive an Invitation to Apply?+
You have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. Processing times after that vary and change over time, so we check current IRCC figures rather than relying on past experience.
Can I apply from outside Canada?+
Yes. Candidates inside and outside Canada can enter the pool. The Canadian Experience Class requires Canadian work experience, but you don't need to be living in Canada when you apply.
The information on this website is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies, fees, processing times, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Please verify current requirements with official government sources or a qualified immigration professional before making decisions.