Canada’s Express Entry system is one of the world’s most efficient immigration pathways for skilled workers seeking permanent residency (PR). Introduced by the Government of Canada, this points-based selection system helps the country attract highly skilled individuals who can contribute to its labor market and long-term economic growth.
Express Entry manages three major immigration programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Below is a comprehensive, step-by-step explanation of how the modern Express Entry process works in 2025.
1. Check Your Eligibility
Before creating a profile, applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements for one of the Express Entry programs. The key criteria include:
Skilled Work Experience
- Minimum one year of continuous paid, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in the last 10 years.
- Work must fall under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 (updated NOC system).
Language Proficiency
- Applicants must take an approved language test: IELTS, CELPIP (English) or TEF, TCF (French).
- Minimum: CLB 7 for most Express Entry programs.
- Results must be valid (less than two years old) when submitting the profile.
Educational Requirements
- Minimum: Canadian secondary education (high school) equivalent.
- For foreign credentials, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an approved organization (WES, IQAS, ICAS, CES, etc.) is required.
Proof of Funds
You must show that you have enough savings to support yourself and your family after arriving in Canada, unless:
- you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class, or
- you already have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
2. Create Your Express Entry Profile
Once you confirm your eligibility:
- Create an online profile on the IRCC Express Entry portal.
- Provide accurate details about your:
- education
- work experience
- language test results
- age
- marital status
- job offer (if applicable)
- provincial nomination (if applicable)
- This profile determines your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
3. Receive Your CRS Score
The CRS score ranks candidates against others in the Express Entry pool. Points are awarded based on:
- Age
- Educational qualifications
- Language test scores
- Work experience (Canadian and foreign)
- Spouse/partner credentials
- Adaptability factors
Additional Points
You can earn extra CRS points if you have:
- a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination (+600 points)
- a valid job offer
- strong French language ability
- Canadian education or work experience
4. Enter the Express Entry Pool
Once the profile is completed and submitted, you officially enter the Express Entry pool.
Profiles remain active for 12 months.
5. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC conducts regular draws, selecting the highest-ranking candidates.
Draw types may include:
- General draws
- Program-specific draws (CEC, FSWP, etc.)
- Category-Based Selection draws (launched in 2023) for:
- healthcare
- STEM
- transportation
- agriculture
- trades
- French language proficiency
When your CRS score meets the cut-off, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
6. Submit Your PR Application
After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to upload a complete electronic PR application.
This includes:
- detailed personal information
- employment records
- educational documents
- language test results
- proof of funds
- passport and identification
- police certificates
- medical examination results
- digital photos
Ensure all documents are complete and match your Express Entry profile to avoid delays.
7. Medical Exams & Police Certificates
All applicants must:
- undergo an IRCC-approved medical examination
- submit police clearance certificates from any country where they lived for 6+ months since age 18
These checks ensure that you meet Canada’s health and security requirements.
8. Application Review & Final Decision
IRCC evaluates your full application using several criteria including:
- genuineness of documents
- admissibility
- background checks
Processing times vary but the government aims to finalize most Express Entry PR applications within six months.
If approved, you will receive:
- Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR)
- instructions for your PR visa and landing process
Additional Resources
Use official links to stay updated:
- Express Entry (IRCC):
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry.html - Required Documents:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents.html - Submit an Express Entry Profile:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/submit-profile.html - CRS Score Calculator:
https://ircc.canada.ca/english/immigrate/skilled/crs-tool.asp
Important Note
This guide provides a simplified, updated overview of the Express Entry system. Requirements may change due to new immigration policies, category-based draws, or updated NOC classifications. Always verify details on the official Canada.ca website before applying.
