Express Entry to Canada: How the System Works
Express Entry is the online system Canada uses to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers under three federal programs. People create a profile, are ranked against each other, and the highest-ranked are invited to apply.
- Express Entry manages the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
- Candidates get a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors such as age, education, language, work experience and a job offer or nomination.
- A provincial nomination adds a large number of points to a candidate's score.
- An invited candidate has a limited time, 60 days, to submit a complete application.
The three programs
- Federal Skilled Worker Program: for skilled workers with foreign or Canadian experience, who meet minimum requirements and a selection factor test.
- Canadian Experience Class: for people with skilled work experience in Canada, with language requirements.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program: for people qualified in a skilled trade, with a job offer or a certificate of qualification in some cases.
How the process works
- Check the eligibility requirements of at least one program, including language, education and work experience.
- Take an approved language test and, for foreign education, get an educational credential assessment.
- Create an Express Entry profile with accurate information. Mistakes can cost you later.
- Receive a CRS score and be placed in the pool.
- If your score is high enough in a draw, you get an invitation to apply (ITA).
- Submit your complete application with documents, fees, medical exams and police certificates, within the time allowed.
Improving your score
- Higher language test results, in English or French, are among the most effective changes.
- A second language and Canadian work or study experience add points.
- A provincial nomination adds a large amount of points.
- A spouse or partner's education and language results can add to the total.
- Scores and cut-offs change with each draw, so no number is a guarantee.
Things that go wrong
- Information in a profile that does not match later documents, which can lead to refusal for misrepresentation.
- Language test results that expire before an application is submitted.
- Missing documents or police certificates when an invitation arrives, since the deadline is short.
- Relying on an unlicensed person who promises a result.
Who can help
Only lawyers, Quebec notaries and consultants licensed by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants can provide immigration advice and representation for a fee. Check a representative's licence before you pay anyone. Paralegals cannot.
Common questions
Do I need a job offer?
Not necessarily. A job offer can add points in some cases, but many people are invited without one.
How long does it take after the invitation?
Processing times change often. IRCC publishes current estimates, and they vary by program and by the complexity of the file.
Who can help. Immigration is regulated work. Speak to a lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant about your own application.
This guide is general information for people in Ontario, not legal advice. Rules, forms and deadlines change, and every situation is different. Check the current rule or speak to a licensed legal professional before you act.
Not sure where you stand? A licensed paralegal can look at your documents and tell you your options.
Book a Free Consultation
PIPEDA-compliant