Canada’s Express Entry System: A Complete Guide for Skilled Immigrants
Canada has long been one of the top destinations for skilled immigrants seeking a better life, thanks to its high quality of life, strong economy, and multicultural society. At the heart of Canada’s skilled immigration process is a system called Express Entry — a fast, competitive, and points-based pathway to permanent residency.
Whether you're a professional, a tradesperson, or an international graduate, understanding how the Express Entry system works can be the key to starting a new chapter in Canada. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online immigration application system launched by the Government of Canada in 2015. It manages applications for permanent residence under three main federal immigration programs:
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Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
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Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
It is also used by many provinces and territories to select candidates for their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Unlike traditional immigration systems, Express Entry is competitive. Applicants are ranked using a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and the highest-scoring candidates are invited to apply (ITA) for permanent residency through regular draws.
Step-by-Step: How Express Entry Works
1. Determine Eligibility
First, you must find out if you're eligible for one of the three federal programs. This typically depends on:
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Work experience
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Education
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Language ability (English or French)
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Age
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Adaptability (e.g. family in Canada, past studies/work)
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Job offers (optional but helpful)
You can use the Come to Canada tool on the IRCC website to check.
2. Get Your Documents Ready
Before creating your profile, you’ll need:
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Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF/TCF for French)
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Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education is from outside Canada
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Valid passport
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Work experience details
Optional but helpful:
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A job offer from a Canadian employer
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A nomination from a province or territory
3. Create an Express Entry Profile
If you're eligible, you can create an online Express Entry profile. You’ll enter your personal, educational, and professional details.
Based on the information you provide, you'll receive a CRS score out of 1,200 points.
Understanding the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System)
Your CRS score is based on:
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Core human capital (age, education, language skills, work experience)
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Spouse/common-law partner factors
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Skill transferability (e.g., education + language combination)
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Additional points (e.g., Canadian job offer, provincial nomination, study in Canada, French proficiency)
Example:
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Age 29 = 100+ points
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Master’s Degree = 135 points
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IELTS CLB 9 = 124 points
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3+ years foreign work experience = 50 points
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Total: 450–500+ (depending on combinations)
CRS cut-off scores vary per draw. In recent draws, the cut-off has ranged between 470 to 530, depending on the stream and draw type.
4. Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC holds regular Express Entry draws, usually every two weeks. If your CRS score is above the cut-off in a draw, you’ll receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
You then have 60 days to submit a full application with supporting documents, including:
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Police certificates
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Medical exam results
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Proof of funds (unless exempt)
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Work and education documents
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Identity documents
5. Processing and Approval
Once submitted, the application is processed. Most Express Entry permanent residence applications are processed within 6 months or less, although times can vary depending on the stream and volume.
If approved, you will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa, allowing you to move to Canada.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) and Express Entry
Many Canadian provinces use Express Entry to find candidates who meet local labor market needs. If a province nominates you through Express Entry, you get 600 extra CRS points, almost guaranteeing an ITA.
Some provinces with active Express Entry-linked PNPs include:
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Ontario (OINP)
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British Columbia (BC PNP)
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Alberta (AAIP)
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Saskatchewan (SINP)
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Nova Scotia (NSNP)
You can either:
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Apply directly to a province, and then link your nomination to Express Entry
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Be selected from the Express Entry pool by a province
Benefits of Express Entry
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Fast processing (compared to traditional immigration streams)
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Transparency – you can calculate your score and monitor draw trends
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Pathway to PR – permanent residency status includes access to healthcare, education, and the path to Canadian citizenship
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Family inclusion – spouse and children can be included in the application
Common Challenges and Tips
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Low CRS score? Consider:
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Retaking language tests
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Completing more education
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Getting a job offer in Canada
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Studying or working in Canada temporarily before applying
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Applying for a PNP
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Inaccurate info? Don’t guess on your profile. If your documents can’t prove your claims, your application may be rejected or banned for misrepresentation.
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Expired test results? Language tests and ECAs must be valid when you receive your ITA.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s Express Entry system is a powerful tool for skilled individuals looking to build a life in one of the world’s most welcoming countries. With the right preparation, qualifications, and strategy, Express Entry can be your gateway to permanent residency and Canadian citizenship.
Whether you're applying solo, with your spouse, or planning a long-term move with your family, Express Entry is one of the fastest and most accessible immigration options — but it rewards those who understand the system and plan carefully.