Express Entry

Express Entry is Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's electronic application management system for skilled foreign workers interested in becoming Canadian permanent residents. Express Entry applies to Canada's key economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST), as well as to a segment of the Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP's).

Each component of the Express Entry has specific minimum eligibility criteria. The table below illustrates the minimum eligibility requirements that perspective candidates have to meet in order to participate in the Express Entry.

Express Entry allows the creation of a pool of candidates and operates on a point-based system - the Comprehensive Raking System (CRS). Candidates meeting the specific minimum eligibility criteria of one of the federal economic immigration programs (FSW, CEC, FST) are placed in the Express Entry pool of candidates and awarded CRS points factoring in skills and attributes known to contribute to economic success. Candidates with the highest ranking score may receive invitations to apply for permanent residence. In this context, a provincial or territorial nomination, although not required, may bring additional 600 CRS points.

Eligible profiles placed and ranked in the Express Entry pool of candidates

Invitations to apply sent to highest ranked candidates

Invited candidates apply online for permanent residence

Prospective candidates meeting minimum eligibility criteria create online profile

*Applicants must demonstrate they performed the duties set out in the occupational description of the National Occupational Classification, including most of the main duties listed therein.

**Simply meeting the specific minimum eligibility criteria does not ensure receipt of an invitation to apply for permanent residence under the Express Entry system. Candidates are encouraged to work towards increasing their CRS score to maximize their chances of being invited to apply.

NOTE: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada uses the 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) system to classify occupations.