What is the Express Entry Program for Immigrating to Canada?

Canada’s Express Entry (EE) system is a selection process used by the Canadian government’s department of “Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada” (IRCC) to select skilled immigrants to become permanent residents of Canada. In order to enter the pool, eligible candidates must meet the Express Entry Canada requirements by qualifying for one of the following Canadian immigration programs.

Express Entry encompasses three Canadian immigration programs:

• the Federal Skilled Worker Program
• the Federal Skilled Trades Program
• the Canadian Experience Class

Some Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) also have an Express Entry component. If you receive a nomination from a provincial authority, then you are able to include the respective approval on your Express Entry submission.

How to Apply for Express Entry to Canada?

If you believe that you are eligible for the Express Entry program, then start by creating a profile or speak to one of our Canadian immigration lawyers. You have 60 days to complete the online profile and upload the required documents. Your profile contains your personal information and skills that contribute to your score in the point-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

The profile will help the IRCC determine if you meet Canada’s Express Entry requirements. If you’re eligible, then you will be accepted into the pool where you will be ranked according to your CRS score. You will then wait in the pool until you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

Express Entry Points

The CRS gives you a score based on the information in your profile, including:

  • skills
  • education
  • language ability
  • work experience
  • other factors

You can increase your points for Express Entry with:

  • Canadian degrees, diplomas or certificates
  • a valid job offer
  • a nomination from a province or territory

Express Entry Processing Time

If you are eligible for Express Entry, your application can stay in the pool for up to 12 months depending on your CRS score and the government’s objective during the respective draws. If the IRCC invites you to apply, then you will have 60 days to submit an online application for permanent residency.