Express Entry

Express Entry is the application process for skilled workers in Overseas or Canada who want to settle in Canada permanently. This is the fastest and most popular pathway for newcomers seeking a new life in Canada. Interested Candidates are required to submit an online application to express their interest by creating Express Entry (EE) profile and, providing information about their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and some other details. After submitting the profile, candidates get a score to determine their place in the pool using the point-based system called Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS system considers skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other factors (e.g. having a sibling in Canada, Canadian education or a valid job offer in Canada, etc.) to award points. Highest ranking candidates from Express Entry pool are regularly invited to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence. Express Entry manages applications for permanent residence under these federal economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Express Entry streams of the Provincial Nominee Programs

Key Programs Managed by Express Entry

The primary economic immigration programs managed through Express Entry include the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for Express Entry, candidates must meet the criteria of at least one of the three economic immigration programs and obtain a minimum score on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS assigns points to candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency in English and French, and adaptability factors like having a job offer or Canadian education.

Express Entry Pool

Eligible candidates submit their profiles into the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked against each other based on their CRS scores. Periodically, the highest-ranking candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.

Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Candidates who receive an ITA have a specified timeframe to submit a complete application for permanent residence, including supporting documents and medical and criminal background checks.

Express Entry Draws

Regular draws are conducted from the Express Entry pool, where candidates with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for permanent residence. The minimum CRS score required for an ITA may vary depending on the needs of the Canadian labor market and other factors.

Processing Times

Processing times for Express Entry applications can vary, but the system generally aims to process complete applications within six months from the date of submission.

Post-Permanent Residence

Once granted permanent residence, individuals have the right to live, work, and study anywhere in Canada. They may also be eligible for Canadian citizenship after meeting certain residency requirements.