Express Entry

Skilled immigrants are chosen as permanent residents based on their ability to settle in Canada and take part in our economy. Express Entry is the electronic selection system used to manage how people with skilled work experience apply to immigrate to Canada. It accelerates the selection and application process for various immigration programs and the average time is about 6 months. 

• Federal Skilled Worker Program
• Federal Skilled Trades Program
• Canadian Experience Class

Provinces and territories can also recruit candidates from the Express Entry pool through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to meet local labour market needs.

There are two steps to apply. First, you must meet the eligibility requirements for one of the federal programs. An Express Entry profile is created, where your personal information such as your skills, education, language ability, work experience and other details are entered into the system. If you meet the criteria, you will then be accepted into the pool of candidates.

Second, the highest-ranking candidates in the pool are invited to apply for permanent residence.  You will be ranked in the Express Entry pool using a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), 90 days are given to submit all necessary supporting documents with an online application for permanent residence.  If successful, candidates and their dependants can land in Canada as Permanent Residents.

You can stay in the pool for up to 12 months as long as you meet the criteria for one of the federal programs. If any changes happen in your life, such as you obtained a new test score, or education credential, your profile can be updated anytime.  If you are not invited to apply for permanent residence within 12 months of submitting an Express Entry profile, a new profile can be submitted, and you can re-enter the pool providing that you still meet the criteria.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is the points-based system used to assess and score a candidates profile and rank them in the Express Entry pool.

The CRS gives a score based on your profile, including your:

• skills
• education
• language ability
• work experience
• other factors

The CRS also gives points for:

• Canadian degrees, diplomas or certificates
• a valid job offer
• a nomination from a province or territory
• other factors

Invitations to apply are sent to the highest-ranking candidates in the pool. If invited, you can apply to immigrate as a permanent resident.