Express Entry Canada: Immigrate to Canada through Express Entry

How Express Entry works

Express Entry is an online system that is used to manage immigration applications from skilled workers.

There are 3 immigration programs managed through Express Entry:

Canadian Experience Class

• for skilled workers who have Canadian work experience
• work experience must have been gained in the 3 years before you apply

Federal Skilled Worker Program

• for skilled workers with foreign  work experience
• must meet criteria for education and other factors

Federal Skilled Trades Program

• for skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade
• must have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification

If you’re eligible for any of the above programs, you should also apply through Express Entry for the Provincial Nominee Program. If you’re nominated, you’ll get extra points so it is possible to be invited to apply quickly.

How To Apply For Express Entry

Step 1: Find out if you’re eligible

Eligibility for Express Entry programs

There are 2 ways to know if you’re eligible for a program that is part of Express Entry:

• answer a few pre-determined questions to see if you meet the minimum requirements

If you’re married or have a common-law partner, one of you must be the main or principal applicant. This person will submit a profile and list the spouse or partner in it.

• check the detailed requirements for each program

Step 2: Check your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score

If you’re eligible for more than one of the Express Entry programs and submit your profile, you’ll be ranked in the Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

The CRS is a points-based system we use to

• assess and score your profile and
• rank it in the Express Entry pool

To be invited, you’ll have to score above the minimum points score required for your round of invitations.

• Use the CRS tool to estimate your score.

Step 3: Get your documents ready

To fill out your Express Entry profile, you’ll need documents, such as language test results, to show you’re eligible for Express Entry.

Some documents take quite a while to get, so you ought to get them ready early.

• See the documents you need

Step 4: Create your Express Entry profile

An Express Entry profile is an electronic form submitted by eligible candidates that includes personal details such as age, work experience, education, ability in French and English, family details, and ties to Canada.

Using these details, Canada ranks profiles in the Express Entry pool against one another and determines who receives an invitation.

If you’re eligible, we’ll accept you into our pool of candidates and have a CRS score.

• Submit your profile

Step 5: Get an invitation and apply

We send invitations to apply to the candidates with the highest scores in the pool. If we invite you to apply, you’ll have 60 days to submit your application.

We’ll process most complete applications that have all supporting documents in 6 months or less.

• Apply through Express Entry

FAQs

What is Express Entry, and how does it work?

Express Entry is an online immigration system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence under three main economic programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Candidates create an online profile, receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, and enter the Express Entry pool. The highest-ranking candidates are then invited through periodic Invitation to Apply (ITA) draws for permanent residence in Canada.

What are the basic eligibility requirements for Express Entry?

To be eligible for Express Entry, applicants must meet the criteria of at least one of the three programs (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC). Generally, you will need:

• A minimum of one year of skilled work experience.

• Language proficiency in English or French (tested via IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF).

• Educational credentials (high school or higher, with an ECA if studied outside Canada).

• Proof of sufficient settlement funds (unless applying under CEC or with a valid job offer).
  Meeting these requirements allows you to create a profile, but receiving an ITA depends on your CRS score and the cut-off points of each draw.

How can I increase my chances of getting selected through Express Entry?

There are several ways to boost your CRS score and improve your chances of receiving an ITA, including:

• Improving language scores (retaking IELTS/CELPIP/TEF).

• Gaining more skilled work experience inside or outside Canada.

• Obtaining a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination, which adds 600 points to your CRS score.

• Pursuing higher education or getting an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for additional qualifications.

• Securing a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.

Consistently updating your profile and staying aware of immigration draw trends also helps maximize your opportunities.