Express Entry
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing applications from skilled workers who want to become permanent residents. It streamlines the process for selecting and inviting candidates with the skills and experience needed in Canada. The system manages applications for three federal programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
How It Works
Profile Submission:
Interested candidates create an online profile. The Canadian government assesses the profile to determine eligibility under one of the three programs.
Eligibility and Ranking:
Eligible candidates enter the Express Entry pool and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS evaluates candidates based on factors such as:
- Age
- Education
- Work Experience
- Language Proficiency (English or French)
- Additional Factors (e.g., job offers, provincial nominations, or Canadian education).
Invitation to Apply (ITA):
The Canadian government invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence during regular draws from the Express Entry pool.
Category-Based Selection
Canada also uses category-based selection to invite candidates with specific skills, work experience, or qualifications aligned with labor market needs. This ensures that certain industries or regions benefit from skilled newcomers.
Express Entry provides a fast and transparent pathway to Canadian permanent residence for qualified individuals seeking to build a future in Canada.
How Does Express Entry Work?
Express Entry simplifies the process of applying for permanent residence in Canada by dividing it into two major stages:
Expression of Interest:
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria submit an online profile, expressing their interest in becoming permanent residents of Canada.
Invitation to Apply:
The Canadian government holds regular rounds of invitations (or “draws”) to select the highest-scoring candidates based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and invites them to apply for permanent residence.
Types of Express Entry Draws
General Rounds:
The top-ranking candidates across all Express Entry programs are invited based on CRS scores.
Program-Specific Rounds:
Invitations are extended to candidates eligible for specific programs, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) or the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
Category-Based Rounds:
These draws focus on candidates with specific skills or attributes that align with Canada’s economic priorities, such as healthcare, trades, or French language proficiency.
Step-by-Step Process for Express Entry
Determine Your Eligibility:
Ensure you meet the requirements of at least one of the Express Entry programs: FSWP, CEC, or the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP).
Complete Language Testing and Educational Assessment:
- Take an approved language test (e.g., IELTS or CELPIP).
- Obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if necessary.
Submit Your Express Entry Profile:
Create an online profile through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
- Monitor IRCC draws to see if you receive an ITA based on your CRS score.
Apply for Permanent Residence:
- Submit your Application for Permanent Residence (APR) within the deadline.
- Include all necessary documents, such as medical exams and police certificates.
- Pay the required fees.
- IRCC will issue an Acknowledgment of Receipt (AOR).
Provide Biometrics:
Submit your biometrics once requested by IRCC.
Wait for Final Decision:
IRCC aims to process applications within 6 months or less.
- If approved, you’ll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if applicable, a visa to travel to Canada.
The following fees apply to Express Entry applications:
Primary Applicant
- Processing Fee: $950
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $575
- Total: $1,525
Spouse or Common-Law Partner
- Processing Fee: $950
- Right of Permanent Residence Fee: $575
- Total: $1,525
Dependent Child
- Fee Per Child: $260
Express Entry Eligibility and CRS Score
Am I eligible for Express Entry?
To qualify for Express Entry, you must meet the criteria for one of the following federal economic immigration programs:
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- At least 1 year of full-time paid skilled work experience in the past 10 years (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
- Validated language proficiency in English or French (intermediate or better).
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education.
- Achieve at least 67 points on the FSWP grid.
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years.
- Meet language proficiency standards.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Minimum 2 years of full-time skilled trade work experience in the last 5 years.
- Meet job requirements of the trade.
- Hold a valid job offer in Canada for at least 1 year or a Canadian-issued certificate of qualification.
- Meet language proficiency criteria.
Candidates must also obtain a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to compete in the Express Entry pool.
Express Entry Category-Based Draws
Canada has introduced category-based Express Entry draws to enhance its immigration system by targeting candidates who meet specific economic priorities. These draws are designed to complement existing Express Entry draws, such as:
- CRS-based general draws, where candidates with the highest Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs).
- Program-specific draws, which invite candidates eligible for particular programs like the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Six Categories for Category-Based Draws:
Candidates with experience or skills in the following areas may receive invitations:
- Healthcare
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) professions
- Skilled trades (e.g., carpenters, plumbers, contractors)
- Transport
- Agriculture and agri-food
- French language proficiency
Eligibility for Category-Based Draws:
To qualify, candidates must:
- Meet all requirements specified by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the draw.
- Rank among the top candidates within the pool for the targeted category.
These targeted draws allow IRCC to invite candidates who align with Canada's economic and linguistic goals while still maintaining other forms of Express Entry draws.
