Express Entry is Canada's primary intake system for economic immigrants. Launched in January 2015 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), it manages three federal skilled worker programs and uses a points-based ranking system to select candidates for permanent residence. This guide explains how the system works from start to finish.
The Three Express Entry Programs
Express Entry manages three distinct immigration programs. Your eligibility for one or more of these determines whether you can enter the pool.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The FSWP is designed for foreign nationals with skilled work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently. To be eligible, you need:
- At least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation within the last ten years
- A minimum CLB 7 on an approved English or French language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada)
- A Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential, or a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
- A minimum selection score of 67 points on the six-factor FSWP grid (language, education, experience, age, arranged employment, adaptability)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The CEC is for people who already have skilled work experience in Canada. It is the most common pathway for international students and temporary foreign workers who want to transition to permanent residence. Requirements:
- At least one year of skilled Canadian work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in the three years before you apply
- Language requirement: CLB 7 for TEER 0 and 1 occupations; CLB 5 for TEER 2 and 3
- You must intend to live outside Quebec (Quebec has its own skilled worker programs)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The FSTP targets workers in skilled trades. Requirements include two years of full-time paid work experience in a skilled trade (NOC TEER 2 or 3) within the last five years, a valid Canadian job offer or certificate of qualification from a provincial or territorial body, and minimum language scores of CLB 5 for speaking and listening and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
Creating an Express Entry Profile
Once you confirm you meet the minimum requirements for at least one program, you create an online Express Entry profile through your IRCC secure account. You enter your personal details, work history, education, language scores, and any adaptability factors. The system calculates your CRS score based on this information.
Your profile is then placed in the Express Entry pool, where it sits alongside other candidates. Profiles are ranked by CRS score. The highest-ranked candidates receive Invitations to Apply in regular draws.
How the CRS Works
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns points across four main areas:
Core/Human Capital Factors (up to 500 points for single applicants)
- Age: Maximum points (110) for candidates aged 20-29; points decline after 30
- Education: Up to 150 points; a Master's or PhD scores higher than a bachelor's degree
- Language. first official language: Up to 136 points; CLB 10+ in all four abilities scores highest
- Language. second official language: Up to 24 points
- Canadian work experience: Up to 80 points for five or more years
Spouse/Common-Law Partner Factors (up to 40 points)
If you are accompanying a spouse or common-law partner, additional points are available for your partner's language results, education, and Canadian work experience.
Skill Transferability Factors (up to 100 points)
Points for combinations of foreign work experience plus strong language scores, or foreign work experience plus Canadian credentials.
Additional Points (up to 600 points)
- Provincial nomination: 600 points (virtually guarantees an ITA in the next draw)
- Valid job offer. NOC TEER 0 or 00: 200 points
- Valid job offer. NOC TEER 1, 2, or 3: 50 points
- Canadian study credentials (post-secondary, 1-2 years): 15 points; (3+ years or PhD/Master's): 30 points
- Sibling in Canada (citizen or PR): 15 points
- French language proficiency: up to 50 points
The maximum CRS score is 1,200 points. Use the official IRCC CRS tool to estimate your score.
Express Entry Draws
IRCC conducts draws from the Express Entry pool, typically every two weeks. In each draw, IRCC sets a minimum CRS cutoff. All candidates at or above that score receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Cutoff scores vary depending on the number of ITAs issued and the composition of the pool.
Since May 2023, IRCC has expanded its use of category-based selection. drawing only from candidates in specific occupational categories or French-language proficiency groups. Categories have included healthcare occupations, STEM professions, trades, transport, and agriculture. These draws often have lower CRS cutoffs than all-program draws.
After Receiving an ITA
If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. This includes:
- Proof of language test results
- Educational credential assessment (ECA) if you claimed foreign education
- Employment records and reference letters
- Police certificates from every country where you lived for 6+ months since age 18
- Immigration medical exam results
- Identity and travel documents
- Proof of funds (for FSWP applicants)
IRCC's processing target for Express Entry applications is 6 months for 80% of complete applications, though some cases take longer depending on the visa office and complexity.
Proof of Funds
FSWP and FSTP applicants must show they have enough money to support themselves and their family after arriving in Canada, unless they have a valid job offer. CEC applicants are exempt. The settlement funds required depend on family size and are updated annually by IRCC.
A complete, accurate application submitted within the 60-day ITA window is essential. Missing documents or errors can result in your ITA expiring and returning to the pool at a lower rank.
Maintaining Your Express Entry Profile
Your profile is valid for 12 months from the date you create it. If you do not receive an ITA within 12 months, your profile expires and you must create a new one. Update your profile immediately if your circumstances change. a new language test, a job offer, or a provincial nomination can significantly change your CRS score.
Not sure which Express Entry program you qualify for, or want a review of your CRS score optimization strategy?
Book a ConsultationSummary
- Express Entry manages the FSWP, CEC, and FSTP programs
- CRS scores are based on age, education, language, and Canadian experience. with a provincial nomination adding 600 points
- Draws occur approximately every two weeks; cutoff scores vary by draw type
- Category-based draws since 2023 target specific occupations and French speakers
- After an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application
- IRCC's processing target is 6 months for 80% of complete applications
This article is for general information only and does not constitute immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed RCIC.