Express Entry is Canada’s flagship system for selecting skilled immigrants to become permanent residents. It manages applications for three main federal programs and many Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Candidates submit an online profile, are ranked in a points-based system, and may be invited to apply for permanent residence through periodic draws.
How Express Entry Works
- Eligibility: You must qualify for one of the federal immigration programs or a participating PNP stream.
- Profile Submission: Eligible candidates create an online profile and enter the Express Entry pool.
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): Profiles are scored based on factors such as age, education, work experience, language ability, and adaptability.
- Invitations to Apply (ITA): The Government of Canada conducts regular draws, inviting the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence.
- Permanent Residence Application: Once invited, you submit a complete PR application, usually processed within about 6 months.
Programs Managed Under Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
For skilled workers abroad or in Canada with strong foreign work experience, education, and language ability. No Canadian work experience is required. - Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For those who already have at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, gained within the last three years, with strong language skills. - Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
For qualified tradespeople with experience in occupations such as construction, industrial, electrical, and culinary trades. Requires either a Canadian job offer or a certificate of qualification in the trade. - Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
Many provinces and territories use Express Entry to nominate candidates who meet local labour needs. A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an invitation to apply.
Types of Invitations in Express Entry
- General Draws: Invitations issued to the highest-ranked candidates across all Express Entry programs, regardless of occupation.
- Program-Specific Draws: Invitations restricted to one program (e.g., CEC-only draw, or PNP-only draw).
- Category-Based Draws (New since 2023): Invitations targeted at candidates with specific attributes, such as:
- Work experience in healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, or agriculture.
- Strong French-language proficiency.
These draws allow Canada to prioritize talent in high-demand sectors even if CRS scores are lower.
- Provincial Nominee Invitations: If a province nominates you through Express Entry, you receive an ITA through a PNP draw, benefiting from the 600-point CRS boost.
Why Choose Express Entry?
- Fast Processing: Successful applicants usually receive PR within 6 months of applying.
- Flexibility: Multiple programs under one system, catering to both international workers and those with Canadian experience.
- Transparency: Regular public draws with clear CRS cut-off scores.
- Opportunity: Category-based draws open doors for candidates with in-demand skills who may not have the highest CRS scores.
