Immigrate to Canada Through Express Entry
A federal system for skilled economic immigration based on a points-based ranking process.
The Express Entry system was launched in 2015 and remains one of Canada’s primary pathways for economic immigration.
​
Candidates submit an online profile and are ranked within a pool under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). However, invitations are no longer issued based solely on overall CRS score.
​
IRCC now conducts two types of draws:
-
General draws based on CRS ranking
-
Category-based draws targeting specific occupations or French-language proficiency
​
This shift allows Canada to respond to labour shortages and economic priorities more strategically.
​
Express Entry Draws
​
Approximately every two weeks, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts a draw from the Express Entry pool.
​
Depending on the draw type, invitations may be issued to:
-
Candidates with the highest CRS scores
-
Candidates who meet specific occupational category criteria
-
Candidates with strong French-language ability
​
Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA). Selection remains competitive within each draw category.
​
Category-Based Selection
Category-based draws were introduced to better align immigration with Canada’s economic needs.
​
These draws may target candidates with work experience in designated sectors such as:
-
Healthcare
-
STEM occupations
-
Skilled trades
-
Transport
-
Agriculture and agri-food
​
Separate draws may also prioritize French-language proficiency outside Quebec.
​
To qualify for a category-based draw, candidates must:
-
Meet eligibility under one of the Express Entry programs
-
Have qualifying work experience in an eligible occupation (if applicable)
-
Or meet required French-language benchmarks
After Receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once invited, candidates submit a complete permanent residence application under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
​
Applications generally move through the following stages:
-
Completeness Check – Confirmation that required documentation is included
-
Eligibility Review – Assessment of program criteria
-
Medical Examination Review
-
Biometrics Collection
-
Background and Security Checks
-
Final Decision
​
Processing standards may vary depending on individual circumstances.
​
How Do You Enter the Express Entry pool?
Entering the Express Entry system involves several structured steps. While the process is online, preparation and eligibility are critical.
Confirm Eligibility
Before creating an Express Entry profile, you must qualify under at least one of the three federal immigration programs managed through the system:
​
-
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) - for skilled professionals with foreign work experience
-
Federal Skilled Trades (FST) - for qualified tradespeople
-
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) - for individuals with eligible Canadian work experience
​
Meeting the minimum program criteria allows you to enter the Express Entry pool. However, eligibility alone does not guarantee selection. Competitiveness within the pool and category-based draw criteria also play a significant role.
Prepare Supporting Documents
Once you confirm eligibility under one of the Express Entry programs, the next step is preparing the required supporting documentation.
Some documents must be obtained before you create your profile, while others will be required after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Language Tests
All principal applicants must complete an approved language test in English or French.
​
Accepted English tests:
-
IELTS – General Training
-
CELPIP – General
-
PTE Core
​
Accepted French tests:
-
TEF Canada
-
TCF Canada
​
You will be assessed in all four abilities: reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
​
Language test results are valid for two years from the date of testing.
​
Spouses or common-law partners are not required to complete language testing, but doing so may strengthen the overall profile.
Educational Assessments
If your education was obtained outside Canada, you will typically require an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) to confirm that your qualifications are equivalent to a Canadian credential.
​
Designated assessment bodies include:
-
World Education Services (WES)
-
Comparative Education Service (CES)
-
International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS)
-
International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS)
-
International Credential Evaluation Service (ICES)
-
Medical Council of Canada (for physicians)
-
Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (for pharmacists)
​
Educational assessments are generally valid for five years from the date issued and can be extended for a nominal fee.
Create Your Express Entry Profile
Once you have confirmed eligibility and prepared your supporting documents, you can create your online Express Entry profile.
​
Your profile will be assessed under one of the three federal programs:
-
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
-
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
-
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
​
If eligible, you will be entered into the Express Entry pool and assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
​
If you are found ineligible, IRCC will not provide reasons. In many cases, issues can be corrected and a new profile submitted.
If you're unsure why you did not qualify, we can review your profile and advise on next steps.
​
Important:
An Express Entry profile is not a permanent residence application. It is an expression of interest. You are indicating that you would like to be considered for permanent residence.
​
Only after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) can you submit a formal permanent residence application to IRCC.
Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Once in the pool, candidates may receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Today, invitations are issued through:
​
• General Draws
Based on CRS ranking across the full pool.
​
• Category-Based Draws
Targeting candidates in specific occupations or with strong French-language proficiency.
​
Category-based draws currently focus on areas such as:
-
French-language proficiency
-
Healthcare and Social Services Occupations
-
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Occupations
-
Skilled Trades and Red Seal–Eligible Occupations
-
Education Occupations
-
Transport and Logistics Occupations
-
Physicians with Canadian Work Experience
-
Senior Managers with Canadian Work Experience
-
Researchers with Canadian Work Experience
-
Skilled Military Recruits
​
This means that selection is no longer based solely on overall CRS score. Candidates in targeted occupations may receive invitations even if their CRS score is lower than recent general draw cut-offs.
​
Understanding whether you qualify under a category-based draw is now a critical part of Express Entry strategy.
Submit Your Permanent Residency Application
Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to submit your complete permanent residence (PR) application online.
You will receive a personalized document checklist based on the information in your Express Entry profile. All required documents must be uploaded within the 60-day deadline.
​
If your application is incomplete or documents are missing, it will be refused. In that case, you would need to re-enter the Express Entry pool and wait for another ITA.
​
Processing is conducted under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), and additional documents may be requested during review.
​
Required documents typically include:
-
Passports (biographical pages and travel history stamps)
-
Birth certificate(s)
-
Marriage certificate or proof of common-law relationship (if applicable)
-
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) or proof of Canadian education
-
Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF)
-
Proof of skilled work experience (reference letters must meet IRCC requirements)
-
Police clearance certificates
-
Immigration medical examination results
-
Digital photos
-
Proof of settlement funds (if required under your program)
​
If applicable, you may also need:
-
Valid job offer documentation
-
Provincial Nomination Certificate
-
Category-based eligibility documentation (if invited under a specific category)
-
Proof of relationship to a Canadian relative (if claiming points)
-
Proof of name change
​
Receiving an ITA does not guarantee permanent residence. Applicants must still meet eligibility requirements, pass admissibility checks (medical, criminality, and security), and provide accurate documentation.
Application Processing & Final Decision
After you submit your permanent residence application, IRCC will review your file to ensure you meet all eligibility and admissibility requirements.
​
This includes:
-
Medical examination review
-
Criminality and security background checks
-
Verification of work experience and supporting documents
​
IRCC may request additional documents during processing. It is important to respond promptly to avoid delays.
Once approved, you will receive confirmation of your permanent residence.
​
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
If you are outside Canada, you will receive:
-
A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
-
A permanent resident visa in your passport (if required based on nationality)
​
If you are inside Canada, you may receive:
-
An electronic Confirmation of Permanent Residence (eCOPR)
​
Preparing for Landing in Canada
When you arrive in Canada (if applying from abroad), you will meet with an officer at the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) to finalize your permanent resident status.
​
Be prepared to present:
-
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
-
Valid passport
-
Proof of settlement funds (if required under your program)
-
A Canadian address for your PR card delivery
​
After landing, your PR card will be mailed to your Canadian address.
​
Once you become a permanent resident, you may live, work, or study anywhere in Canada and access most of the rights and benefits available to Canadian residents.
​