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Canadian Express Entry Guide
Canada's #1 PR pathway. A points-based immigration system for skilled workers inside and outside of Canada, offering fast-track permanent residency through competitive draws.
Fast processing
3 pathways
Reviewed by Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC)
6000+ users
98% found useful
Trusted by students/employees of:
Express Entry
#1 PR pathway to Canada. A points-based system with competitive draws.
Fast processing
3 pathways
RCIC updated: 28th July 2025
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Express Entry
Express Entry snapshot
See where you stand at a glance
1. Highlights
Time to Permanent Residence
~6-12 months
This includes time in the Express Entry pool and the time to process your application after you have been invited
Residency Obligation
2 years in Canada within 5 years
How long you must stay in Canada to maintain your PR status
Family
Children and spouse can apply
Your immediate family can be included in your PR application
Proof of Funds
$15,263 (or job offer)
Varies depending on family size, no proof of funds is required for Canadian Experience Class
Points system (CRS)
Score out of 1,200
Based on age, education, work experience, language, and other factors
Draws and invitations
Every 2-4 weeks
Top-ranked profiles are invited to apply for PR in regular IRCC draws
2. What is the Express Entry System?
The Express Entry system Express Entry system is Canada’s main immigration pathway for skilled workers to gain Permanent Residence. Candidates are ranked using a points-based system. Through regular, competitive draws, the highest-scoring applicants are invited to apply. If you have valuable work experience and qualifications, this could be your gateway to becoming a permanent resident in Canada.
How it works?
Visualize the process in 5 stages:
Stage 1: Qualifying for Express Entry
Determine if you qualify for one of the three Express Entry programs: Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Federal Skilled Trades (FST). Each program has different requirements for education, work experience, and language skills. Click here to see the minimum requirements.
Stage 2: Creating your Express Entry profile
Now you will create an Express Entry Express Entry profile. This profile includes information about your age, education, work experience, and language skills. Based on this, you'll receive a CRS score CRS score (Comprehensive Ranking System score) that ranks you against other candidates.
Stage 3: Joining the Express Entry pool
Periodically (usually every 2-4 weeks), Canada's immigration department Immigration Refuges and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Immigration Refuges and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holds a draw picking candidates with a minimum score (cuttoff score). If your CRS score meets or exceeds the cutoff score for that draw, you'll get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Stage 4: Waiting for an invitation to apply
If your score is below the cutoff score, your profile stays in the pool for up to 12 months. During this time, you can try to improve your score by retaking language tests, gaining more work experience, or other factors which can boost your score significantly.
Stage 5: Receiving an invitation to apply
Once you receive this invitation you will be asked to submit your application which includes all relevant documents, to confirm your eligibility for the draw If all your documents are in order you will receive a letter confirming your permanent resident status - Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).
See if you qualify
Our 5-minute quiz will calculate your Express Entry eligibility and provide recommendations!
3. How do I qualify for Express Entry?
To enter the Express Entry pool, you must qualify for one of the three managed programs under Express Entry: Canadian Experience Class (CEC), Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) or Federal Skilled Trades (FST). Requirements vary by program.
Main program requirements
Canadian Experience Class has 2 main requirements:
Other requirements
Our assessment checks for the conditions above. However, you must also confirm you meet the following conditions:
Multiple jobs
You can work multiple jobs in any of the TEER TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 categories, jobs are not required to have the same NOC NOC code to count towards 1 year of work experience.
Employment types
Only regular employment qualifies, self-employment & student work experience do not count.
Admissibility to Canada
You must be admissible to Canada, which means you’re not a security risk, have no criminal record, and are in good health.
Intent to Reside Outside Quebec
The FSWP is designed for those who intend to live and work in Canada outside of Quebec.
Main program requirements
Federal Skilled Workers Program has 4 main requirements:
Other requirements
Our assessment checks for the conditions above. However, you must also confirm you meet the following conditions:
Multiple jobs
You can work multiple jobs but they must have the same NOC code NOC code to count towards 1 year of work experience.
Employment types
In addition to regular employment, self-employment & student work experience can qualify.
Admissibility to Canada
You must be admissible to Canada, which means you’re not a security risk, have no criminal record, and are in good health.
Intent to Reside Outside Quebec
The FSWP is designed for those who intend to live and work in Canada outside of Quebec.
Federal Skilled Workers Program: Selection Factors
Unlike Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Workers Program has a points-based system to assess your eligibility. You need a minimum of 67 points to meet this requirement. Scoring higher doesn't increase your chances of receiving a permanent residency invitation.
FSW Program: Selection Factors
See your score ranking and how it's calculated
Ineligible
0-66 pts
Eligible
67-100 pts
Selection Factors breakdown
Your FSW score is up to 100 points, comprised of 6 key areas:
Language
28 points
Education
25 points
Work Experience
15 points
Age
12 points
Arranged Employment
10 points
Adaptability
10 points
Improving your score
If you do not meet the minimum requirements, you can improve your score by addressing the factors below. Improving your score beyond 67 points does not increase your chances of receiving a permanent residency invitation.
Selection Factors Visualization
See how improvements can increase your Federal Skilled Worker selection factors
Language
Measures your proficiency in English and/or French through standardized testing, with higher points for stronger abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
1. First Language Proficency (N/A):
-/24 points
2. Second Language Proficency (N/A):
-
-
-/4 points
Education
Points are awarded based on your highest level of completed education, with more points for post-secondary and advanced degrees.
Education:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-/25 points
Work experience
Considers the number of years you've worked in full-time, skilled occupations, with more experience earning higher points.
Work Experience:
-
-
-
-
-
-/15 points
Age
Awards the most points to applicants between 18 and 35, with decreasing points as age increases beyond that range.
Age:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-/12 points
Arranged Employment
Grants points if you have a valid job offer in Canada that meets specific criteria and adds to your economic integration potential.
Arranged Employment:
-
-
-/10 points
Adaptability
Measures how well you and your spouse or partner (if applicable) are likely to settle in Canada, based on factors like previous study, work, or family in Canada.
1. Education in Canada:
-
-
-/5 points
2. Canadian Work Experience:
-
-
-/10 points
3. Arranged Employment:
-
-
-/5 points
4. Relative in Canada:
-
-
-/5 points
Spouse: Language Proficiency:
This section is applicable only if you have a spouse or common-law partner in the application.
-
-
-/5 points
Spouse: Education in Canada:
This section is applicable only if you have a spouse or common-law partner in the application.
-
-
-/5 points
Spouse: Work Experience in Canada:
This section is applicable only if you have a spouse or common-law partner in the application.
-
-
-/5 points
4. How do I improve my Permanent Residency chances?
Understand your CRS score
Once you meet all the minimum requirements and submit your profile, you will be ranked against other candidates in the Express Entry pool Express Entry pool using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score
See your score ranking and how it's calculated
Low
0-399 pts
Fair
400-499 pts
Good
500-549 pts
Excellent
550-1200 pts
CRS points breakdown
Your CRS score is up to 1200 points, comprised of 4 key areas:
Core/Human Capital
460-500 points*
Spouse/Partner
0-40 points*
Skill Transferability
100 points
Additional Points
600 points
* 40 total points will transfer to the spouse/partner category from the core/human capital category if you have a spouse and they are immigrating with you.
Understand Express Entry draws
Once you are in the Express Entry pool, the Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) makes regular draws, where candidates who have a profile are invited to apply for permanent residence.
Every round has a minimum CRS score CRS score called the CRS cutoff score - those applicants whose score are equal to or exceed the CRS cutoff score receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. There are four main types of draws, with varying CRS cutoffs:
Improving your CRS score
Understanding your CRS score is key to improving your chances of receiving your PR. Our visualization tool helps you see the exact breakdown of how your score will increase as you add improve your profile.
CRS Score Visualization
See how improvements can increase your CRS score
Spouse/Partner Factors
This section is applicable only when you are immigrating with a spouse or partner. You get points for your spouse's or partner's potential to succeed in Canada.
1. Education:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-/10 points
2. First Language Proficency:
-/20 points
3. Canadian Work Experience:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-/10 points
Core/Human Capital Factors
This section measures your potential to succeed in Canada based on who you are — your age, education, language proficiency, and Canadian work experience.
1. Age:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-/100 points
2. First Language Proficency ():
-/136 points
3. Second Language Proficency ():
-/24 points
4. Canadian Work Experience:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-/80 points
5. Education:
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-/150 points
Skill Transferability Factors
This section rewards you for having complementary skills that work well together.
1. Education:
-/50 points
A. Education + First language
-
-
-
-
-/50 points
B. Education + Canadian work
-
-
-
-
-/50 points
2. Foreign Work Experience:
-/50 points
A. Foreign work & First language
-
-
-
-
-/50 points
B. Foreign work & Canadian work
-
-
-
-
-/50 points
Additional Points
This section issues additional points for having family in Canada, your education and french ability. There is also an extra 600 points if you have a Provincial Nomination.
1. Sibling in Canada:
-
-
-/15 points
2.French Proficiency Bonus:
-
-
-/25 points
3.Education in Canada:
-
-
-
-/15 points
5. Guide to start your application
Start your journey on your own, our use or premium tools for instant answers and progress tracking
Immigration to-do's | ||
|---|---|---|
Time spent | Over 50 hours | Less than 5-minutes |
Progress tracking | Manual spreadsheets | Automated checklists |
Program researching | Scouring dozens of articles | One assessment, multiple programs |
Calculating FSW score | Only calculates score | Full points breakdown & insights |
Calculating CRS score | Only calculates score | Full points breakdown & insights |
Improving eligibility | Unclear answers | Personalized recommendations |
Step 1: Determine your eligibility
Before starting your journey to Canada, it’s important to check if you meet the eligibility requirements for Canadian Experience Class. Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it step by step!
In this step, we will check if you meet the eligibility requirements for Canadian Experience Class.
Checklist
Work Experience
Language Proficiency
Admissibility
Intent to Reside Outside Quebec
Step 2: Calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score
Amazing, we are guessing you are here because you meet the eligibility. Now it’s time to figure out your CRS score CRS score, which is right now the most important part of the process. The higher your CRS score, the higher your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada!
Checklist
Calculate your CRS score
Check if your CRS score is highly competitive
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be ready to move forward with confidence! Let’s keep making progress toward your goal of immigrating to Canada.
Avoid the hassle of doing this all by yourself
Our 5-minute assessment will help you calculate your CRS score, and how competitive you are!
Step 3: Prepare your documents
In this step, it’s time to review and organize all the documents you’ll need for your Permanent Residence application. While you won’t need them until Step 5 once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) Invitation to Apply (ITA), it’s a good idea to know everything in advance to avoid any stress when submitting the profile.
Checklist
Proof of Language Test Results
Proof of Education (if your education credential was outside Canada)
Proof of Work Experience
Travel documents
Police certificates
Medical exam results
Proof of Employment or Job Offer in Canada (if applicable)
Family (if applicable)
Translations
By making sure you have these documents prepared, you’ll be ready to move forward smoothly when the time comes. Keep everything organized and handy so you can easily access them for the next steps.
Step 4: Create Express Entry Profile
Now it’s time to take a big step forward by creating your Express Entry profile! Express Entry profile! This is your official entry into Canada’s immigration system.
Once you submit your profile, you’ll enter the Express Entry pool Express Entry pool, where you’ll be ranked alongside other candidates based on your CRS score. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence. These invitations are sent out on a periodic basis.
Checklist
Create your IRCC Secure Account
Complete and submit your Express Entry Profile
Verify Information
Once the profile is submitted, your profile is valid for 12 months, so be sure to keep it up-to-date with any changes, like new language test results or updated work experience. This can help maintain or even improve your ranking over time.
You’re now officially in the Express Entry pool—keep going, and you’re one step closer to making Canada your new home!
Step 5: Receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) and submit your application
Congratulations! Once you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, you're just a few steps away from applying for permanent residency in Canada. You’ll be notified through your IRCC account and by email, and from there, you’ll have 60 days to complete your application. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through the process!
Checklist
Complete Your Application
Upload All Required Documents
Pay the Required Fees
Biometrics
Schedule an appointment at a designated biometrics collection center near you.
Provide your fingerprints and a digital photo.
Once everything is submitted, your application will be in the system. It typically takes about 5 months for 80% of applications to be processed. During this time, keep an eye on your IRCC account for updates, and be ready to provide any additional information if requested.
You’re almost there—stay positive and keep checking your account regularly for updates!
Step 6: Receive your Permanent Residency decision
After submitting your documents following the ITA, your application will undergo review. During this period, you await the final decision on your Permanent Residency status. IRCC may contact you for additional information if needed, so monitor your account regularly.
Checklist
Wait for the decision
Receive your Permanent Residency
Step 7: Prepare your arrival to Canada
To finalize your permanent residency, you will need to arrive in Canada. At the port of entry, you’ll go through a final check to confirm your admissibility admissibility to Canada. After that, you’ll officially become a permanent resident! This is a huge milestone, and we’re so excited for you. Let’s make sure everything is ready for your arrival.
Checklist
Receive Your COPR:
Virtual Landing Process:
Apply for your Permanent Residency card:
If you are outside of Canada
If you’re outside Canada when your application is approved, you’ll need to prepare for entry.
Checklist
Receive Your COPR and Visa (if applicable):
Travel to Canada:
Land in Canada:
Apply for your Permanent Residency card:
Step 1: Determine your eligibility
Before starting your journey to Canada, it’s important to check if you meet the eligibility requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it step by step!
In this step, we will check if you meet the eligibility requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program.
Checklist
Language Skills
Education
Work Experience
Minimum points in Federal Skilled Workers Program: Selection Factors
Proof of Funds
Admissibility
Intent to Reside Outside Quebec
Step 2: Calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score
Amazing, we are guessing you are here because you meet the eligibility. Now it’s time to figure out your CRS score CRS score, which is right now the most important part of the process. The higher your CRS score, the higher your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in Canada!
Checklist
Calculate your CRS score
Check if your CRS score is highly competitive
Avoid the hassle!
Our 5-minute assessment will calculate your CRS score and figure out your eligibility!
Step 3: Prepare your documents
In this step, it’s time to review and organize all the documents you’ll need for your Permanent Residence application. While you won’t need them until Step 5 once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) Invitation to Apply (ITA), it’s a good idea to know everything in advance to avoid any stress when submitting the profile.
Checklist
Proof of Language Test Results
Proof of Education (if your education credential was outside Canada)
Proof of Work Experience
Travel documents
Proof of Funds
Police certificates
Medical exam results
Proof of Employment or Job Offer in Canada (if applicable)
Family (if applicable)
Translations
By making sure you have these documents prepared, you’ll be ready to move forward smoothly when the time comes. Keep everything organized and handy so you can easily access them for the next steps.
Step 4: Create Express Entry Profile
Now it’s time to take a big step forward by creating your Express Entry profile! Express Entry profile! This is your official entry into Canada’s immigration system.
Once you submit your profile, you’ll enter the Express Entry pool Express Entry pool, where you’ll be ranked alongside other candidates based on your CRS score. The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence. These invitations are sent out on a periodic basis.
Checklist
Create your IRCC Secure Account
Complete and submit your Express Entry Profile
Verify Information
Once the profile is submitted, it is valid for 12 months, so be sure to keep it up-to-date with any changes, like new language test results or updated work experience. This can help maintain or even improve your ranking over time.
You’re now officially in the Express Entry pool—keep going, and you’re one step closer to making Canada your new home!
Step 5: Receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) and submit your application
Congratulations! Once you receive your Invitation to Apply (ITA) Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, you're just a few steps away from applying for permanent residency in Canada. You’ll be notified through your IRCC account and by email, and from there, you’ll have 60 days to complete your application. Don’t worry, we’ll guide you through the process!
Checklist
Complete Your Application
Upload All Required Documents
Pay the Required Fees
Biometrics
Schedule an appointment at a designated biometrics collection center near you.
Provide your fingerprints and a digital photo.
Once everything is submitted, your profile will be in the system. It typically takes about 6 months for 80% of profiles to be processed. During this time, keep an eye on your IRCC account for updates, and be ready to provide any additional information if requested.
You’re almost there—stay positive and keep checking your account regularly for updates!
Step 6: Receive your Permanent Residency decision
After submitting your documents following the ITA, your application will undergo review. During this period, you await the final decision on your Permanent Residency status. IRCC may contact you for additional information if needed, so monitor your account regularly.
Checklist
Wait for the decision
Receive your Permanent Residency
Step 7: Prepare your arrival to Canada
To finalize your permanent residency, you will need to arrive in Canada. At the port of entry, you’ll go through a final check to confirm your admissibility admissibility to Canada. After that, you’ll officially become a permanent resident! This is a huge milestone, and we’re so excited for you. Let’s make sure everything is ready for your arrival.
Checklist
Final Assessment
Apply for Your Permanent Resident (PR) Card
6. Funds & Cost Calculator
Here you can see a detailed breakdown of the application fees and proof of funds. Both of them vary based of the number of applicants
Fees: Fees show you much you are likely to spend towards submitting your application to Government of Canada as well as approximate fees for English language tests, medical test, education credential assessment, etc
Proof of Funds: Proof of funds is how much money you need to show in savings for submitting your Express Entry application
Fee breakdown & proof of funds
Your fees
$1,365
Spouse fees
$0
Children fees
$0
Education credential fees
$240
Language test fees
$240
Medical certificate fees
$240
Total fees
$2,085
Proof of funds
$14,690
7. Extra resources
Government articles
Score Converter
Use our score converter tool to check CLB equivalents to standardized English language and French language tests
CLB Level | Speaking | Listening | Reading | Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
10 and above | 7.5-9.0 | 8.5-9.0 | 8.0-9.0 | 7.5-9.0 |
9 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 |
8 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 6.5 |
7 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 |
NOC Converter
National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021
Search and select your occupation to find out the TEER category and NOC code
| NOC Code | Occupation Title | TEER |
|---|---|---|
00010 | Aboriginal band chief | TEER 0 |
00010 | Aboriginal band council member | TEER 0 |
00010 | Alderman/woman | TEER 0 |
00010 | Attorney general | TEER 0 |
00010 | Cabinet minister | TEER 0 |
00010 | City alderman | TEER 0 |
00010 | City councillor | TEER 0 |
00010 | City councilman/woman | TEER 0 |
00010 | Councillor | TEER 0 |
00010 | First Nations band chief | TEER 0 |
00010 | First Nations band council member | TEER 0 |
00010 | First Nations government leader | TEER 0 |
00010 | Government leader | TEER 0 |
00010 | Governor general | TEER 0 |
00010 | Leader of the opposition | TEER 0 |
00010 | Legislative body speaker | TEER 0 |
00010 | Legislator | TEER 0 |
00010 | Lieutenant-governor | TEER 0 |
00010 | Mayor | TEER 0 |
00010 | Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) | TEER 0 |
00010 | Member of Parliament (MP) | TEER 0 |
00010 | Member of the House of Assembly (MHA) | TEER 0 |
00010 | Member of the National Assembly (MNA) | TEER 0 |
00010 | Member of the Provincial Parliament (MPP) | TEER 0 |
00010 | Metropolitan council chair | TEER 0 |
How to use:
- • Search by occupation titles (e.g., "software engineer") or by NOC code (e.g., "21310")
- • Use this to find out the TEER category (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) for your occupation
- • Use this to also find out the NOC code (e.g., "21310") for your occupation
8. Terminology
Express Entry Profile:
An Express Entry profile is an online submission where candidates provide their skills, education, work experience, and language proficiency to join the immigration pool for Canada.
Express Entry Pool:
The Express Entry pool is a database where Express Entry profile submissions of eligible immigration candidates are stored and ranked based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Federal Skilled Workers Program: Selection Factors:
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) selection factors assess candidates on age, education, work experience, language skills, job offer, and adaptability, scoring up to 100 points.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Criteria:
A point-based system ranks candidates using CRS criteria, assigning points for age, education, language skills, and work experience. You will get assigned a CRS score
CRS Score:
A score out of 1200 points based on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) criteria, evaluating factors like age, education, language skills, work experience, and additional criteria.
CLB:
The CLB (Canadian Language Benchmark) is a standard for measuring English language proficiency in Canada. CLB 7 is a moderate proficiency level, equivalent to IELTS 6.0 in each skill or CELPIP Level 7
NCLC:
NCLC (Niveaux de Compétence Linguistique Canadien) refers to thestandardized system used to measure and describe language proficiency in French for immigrants and individuals applying for work or permanent residency in Canada.
Education Credential Assessment (ECA):
ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) is a document that verifies the validity and equivalency of your foreign educational credentials compared to Canadian standards.
TEER:
TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) is a system used in Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) to categorize jobs based on the skills and qualifications required.
Cutoff Score:
After creating your profile, you’re ranked against other candidates based on CRS criteria, which assign points for factors like age, education, language skills, and work experience. Higher scores increase your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residence (ITA).
Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Permanent Residence:
An ITA (Invitation to Apply) is a formal invitation for eligible candidates to apply for permanent residence under Express Entry.
Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR):
COPR (Confirmation of Permanent Residence) is an official document issued by IRCC, confirming that you’ve been approved for permanent residence in Canada.
Immigration Medical Exam (IME):
IME (Immigration Medical Exam) is a health examination required for Canadian immigration applicants to ensure they meet Canada’s health standards.
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada):
IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) manages immigration, citizenship, and refugee programs, ensuring smooth entry and integration into Canada.
Permanent Resident Visa (PRV):
A document issued by an IRCC visa office overseas to a foreign national. It allows that person to travel to Canada to become a permanent resident.
Permanent Resident Card (PR Card):
A wallet-sized plastic document issued to all new permanent residents (and to existing permanent residents, when requested) to confirm their status in Canada. The card includes identifying details and the signature of the person it was issued to.
Admissibility:
After arriving in Canada and completing the final steps at a port of entry, you will receive your PR card, serving as proof of your status as a permanent resident of Canada.