Express Entry is an efficient online system designed by the Government of Canada to manage immigration applications from skilled workers. It is one of the fastest routes to Canadian permanent residence (PR), offering streamlined processing and faster application times.
Fast track to Canadian permanent residence
Express Entry manages three key immigration programs:
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): for skilled workers with eligible Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): for skilled workers with foreign or Canadian work experience.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): for skilled workers qualified in a trade.
A step-by-step guide
- Determine eligibility
Check whether you qualify for one of the three Express Entry programs (CEC, FSWP or FSTP) based on your work experience, language skills and education.
- Estimate your CRS score
Use the CRS calculator to see how your profile ranks on factors such as age, education, work experience and language proficiency.
- Create your Express Entry profile
Submit your details online to join the Express Entry pool, where your profile is ranked by its CRS score.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your CRS score is above the cut-off in a round of invitations, you will receive an ITA to apply for permanent residence.
- Submit your PR application
Complete and submit your application within 60 days of receiving your ITA, including all required documents for final processing.
Eligibility criteria
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
- Work experience: minimum of 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last 3 years (in TEER 0/1/2/3 occupations).
- Language:
- TEER 0/1: Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) 7 (all four language skills)
- TEER 2/3: CLB 5 (all four language skills)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Work experience: at least 1 year of continuous skilled work experience in TEER 0/1/2/3 (Canada or abroad).
- Language: CLB 7 for all four language abilities.
- Education: minimum education equivalent to a Canadian high school diploma.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Work experience: 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the last 5 years.
- Language:
- CLB 5 for speaking and listening
- CLB 4 for reading and writing
- Job offer: must have a valid job offer for at least 1 year, or a certificate of qualification in your trade from a Canadian authority.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Once you qualify for an Express Entry program and submit your profile, you are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Your CRS score determines whether you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Use the CRS tool to estimate your score and improve your chances of success.
Ready to start your journey?
Express Entry offers skilled workers a fast and reliable pathway to becoming permanent residents of Canada. Whether through the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Federal Skilled Trades Program, Express Entry opens doors for people with the right skills and experience. If you want to stay up to date on new immigration programs, or need help with the Express Entry process, get in touch with us today.