Canada Express Entry

Express Entry — Canada's Fastest Route to Permanent Residency

The Express Entry system manages three federal economic immigration programs. Bi-weekly draws invite the highest-scoring candidates in the pool to apply for permanent residency — often within 6 months.

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Three Programs Under Express Entry

Your profile automatically considers all programs you are eligible for.

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

Designed for skilled professionals with relevant work experience outside Canada. Requires at least one year of continuous full-time skilled work experience.

✓Minimum 67 points on the selection factors grid
✓CLB 7 language proficiency (IELTS 6.0 overall)
✓Educational credential assessment (ECA) required
✓Valid job offer or qualifying work experience

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Tailored for skilled tradespeople with expertise in in-demand trades such as industrial, electrical, construction, and maintenance.

✓Job offer or Certificate of Qualification in Canada
✓CLB 5 for speaking & listening, CLB 4 for reading & writing
✓2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade
✓Meet job requirements set by IRCC

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Prioritizes skilled workers who have already gained valuable Canadian work experience through a work permit or other means.

✓1 year of skilled work experience in Canada in the past 3 years
✓CLB 7 (NOC TEER 0 or 1) or CLB 5 (NOC TEER 2 or 3)
✓Work must be in Canada and paid
✓No minimum education requirement

CRS Score Factors

The Comprehensive Ranking System scores you out of 1,200 points. Most draws invite candidates with 470–550+ CRS.

AgeMaximum points at 20–29; points reduce after 30. No cutoff age.

EducationFrom secondary school (10 pts) to two+ doctoral degrees (150 pts).

Work Experience3 years+ foreign skilled experience earns maximum foreign experience points.

LanguageCLB 9+ in all four abilities scores highest. IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF accepted.

AdaptabilitySpouse education, Canadian job offer, Canadian study/work, relatives in Canada.

Job OfferValid LMIA-exempt or LMIA-backed offer adds 50–200 bonus CRS points.

Application Procedure

STEP 01

Get Language Test

Take IELTS General Training or CELPIP. Aim for CLB 9+.

STEP 02

Get ECA (if needed)

Education credential assessment for foreign degrees via WES, IQAS, etc.

STEP 03

Create EE Profile

Submit your Express Entry profile online. You receive a CRS score.

STEP 04

Enter the Pool

Your profile sits in the pool. Bi-weekly draws invite top-scoring candidates.

STEP 05

Receive ITA

Once invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete PR application.

STEP 06

Receive COPR

IRCC processes your application (typically 6 months) and issues your PR.

Explore Related Visas

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Explore province-specific pathways that can boost your CRS score by 600 points.

Work Permit

Start working in Canada and build Canadian work experience for the CEC stream.

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