Express Entry

Express Entry is the electronic management system for applying for permanent residency. It is not an immigration category but a system to facilitate the selection and processing of Canada’s economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and some Provincial Nomination Programs. This system evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, aligning with Canada’s economic needs.

​Applicants must first make an “expression of interest” by creating a profile and, if eligible for at least one program, they will enter the Express Entry pool. Candidates from this pool will receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ once they pass the points threshold under a draw. The points threshold is determined according to the latest draw that is held approximately every two weeks.

An immigration lawyer can help you avoid mistakes and ensure that your application is not refused. Let an experienced Express Entry lawyer handle your case!

How Does Express Entry Work

1

Determine Eligibility

Before entering the Express Entry pool, candidates must be eligible under one of the above programs.

2

Create an Online Profile

Eligible candidates submit an Express Entry profile, providing details on their skills, work experience, language ability, education, and more.

3

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Candidates are ranked in the pool using a points-based system called the CRS. Points are awarded for core human capital factors and skills transferability.

4

Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regularly conducts draws from the pool, issuing ITAs to the highest-ranking candidates.

5

Application for Permanent Residency

Candidates who receive an ITA have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residency.

6

Bridging Work Permit Application (optional)

Candidates who have submitted an application for permanent residency under Express Entry are eligible for an open work permit during processing.

Benefits of Express Entry

  • Fast Processsing Times
    Express Entry aims to process applications within six months, making it one of the fastest pathways to Canadian permanent residency.
  • Flexibility
    The Express Entry system allows candidates to update their profiles, improving their chances of receiving an ITA.
  • Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
    Candidates can also be nominated by provinces, which can significantly increase their CRS score.
  • Applying Online
    The system is fully online operative. Candidates upload all their information and supporting documents to the online system.
  • Category based invitation rounds
    Starting in 2023, Express Entry began holding draws based on specific in-demand occupation or categories. The list included:
    • French-language proficiency
    • Healthcare occupations
    • Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations
    • Trade occupations
    • Transport occupations
    • Agriculture and agri-food occupations
  • Eligibility for Work Permits after submission
    After submission of the permanent resident application, applicant’s are eligible for a bridging work permit. This work permit is open and allows applicant’s to continue to work during processing.

Preparing for Express Entry

Working with an immigration lawyer can help simplify the immigration process, minimize stress and uncertainty, and increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Express Entry will require the following documents:

Low angle of diligent ethnic female student wearing casual t shirt and eyeglasses sitting at table with stacks of books and preparing for exam

Language Proficiency Test

Language tests determine your scores based on proficiency in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Achieve high scores in language tests like IELTS or CELPIP then upload the scores to the system.

Woman Holding a Diploma

Education Credential Assessment (ECA)

Get your foreign education assessed to determine Canadian standards. These can be acquired by assessment agencies in Canada.

Express Entry Letter of Experience

Work Experience Letters

Employment records are verified by way of a job letter. The job letter is a standard letter provided by the employer detailing title, duration, renumeration, working hours and duties or responsibilities of the job.

Two White Printer Papers Near Macbook on Brown Surface

Police Clearence Reports (PCC)

Police Clearence Certificates are required for all countries the Applicant has resided in for more than six months. The Applicant will need to acquire the police clearances from each respective country not including Canada.

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Upfront Medical Examination

A medical examination is required for Express Entry application. This can be acquired by visiting an Immigration medical clinic. Once completed they will provide a completion sheet to upload to the online system.

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PR Photos

Obtain permanent resident photos and upload the photos to the online system. The photo specifications can be found here.

Express Entry

Express Entry is the electronic management system for applying for permanent residency. It is not an immigration category but a system to facilitate the selection and processing of Canada’s economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and some Provincial Nomination Programs. This system evaluates candidates based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency, aligning with Canada’s economic needs.

​Applicants must first make an “expression of interest” by creating a profile and, if eligible for at least one program, they will enter the Express Entry pool. Candidates from this pool will receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ once they pass the points threshold under a draw. The points threshold is determined according to the latest draw that is held approximately every two weeks.

Canadian Experience Class

Unlock Your Canadian Dream: attain Permanent Residency with Just One Year of High-Skilled Work in Canada under the Express Entry CEC program

Learn More

Canadian Experience Class

Federal Skilled Trades

Transform Your Global Skills into Canadian Dreams: Qualify for Express Entry under the FSW Program with skilled work experience, strong language proficiency in English and French and ample post-secondary education.

Learn More

Federal Skilled Trades

Federal Skilled Worker

Points based category for foreign nationals who possess a high level of education and/or significant skilled work experience abroad.

Learn More

Federal Skilled Worker