Seeking Permanent Residence in Canada? 🇨🇦
The Express Entry system is the fastest and most popular pathway for skilled workers to obtain Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada.
This guide breaks down the entire process — from eligibility to receiving your coveted Invitation to Apply (ITA) — so you can approach your immigration journey with confidence.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s online immigration management system designed to select skilled workers for Permanent Residency based on their qualifications, work experience, and potential to succeed in Canada.
Launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this system streamlines applications under three main economic immigration programs:
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Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – For professionals with foreign work experience.
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Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – For individuals with recent Canadian work experience.
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Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – For qualified tradespeople with work experience in specific occupations.
Express Entry is points-based, meaning your eligibility and selection depend on how well you score on different criteria — such as age, education, language ability, and work experience.
Eligibility Criteria for Each Program
While all Express Entry programs share common elements, each has unique requirements. Let’s break them down.
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
To qualify under the FSWP, you must:
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Have at least one year of continuous, paid full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the last 10 years.
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Meet the language proficiency requirement (CLB 7 or higher in English/French).
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Possess a Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential, or a foreign equivalent with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
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Score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSWP selection grid (explained below).
The 67-Point Grid Factors:
| Factor | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Language Proficiency | 28 |
| Education | 25 |
| Work Experience | 15 |
| Age | 12 |
| Arranged Employment | 10 |
| Adaptability | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
A score of 67 or higher qualifies you to enter the Express Entry pool.
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
This program is ideal for those who have worked in Canada. To qualify:
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You must have at least 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience in the last 3 years.
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Meet CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A jobs, or CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
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Have legal status while working in Canada (e.g., study or work permit).
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
This stream targets skilled tradespeople. Requirements include:
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Two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade within the past 5 years.
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A valid job offer of at least 1 year or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority.
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Meet CLB 5 for speaking and listening, and CLB 4 for reading and writing.
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score
Once eligible, your Express Entry profile enters a pool of candidates where you’re ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
The CRS assigns points based on several factors:
Core Human Capital Factors
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Age
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Education
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Language proficiency (English and/or French)
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Work experience
Skill Transferability Factors
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Combination of education and language ability
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Combination of foreign work experience and Canadian experience
Additional Points
You can gain extra CRS points for:
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Provincial Nomination (PNP) – +600 points (virtually guarantees an ITA)
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Valid job offer in Canada – +50 or +200 points
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Canadian education or work experience
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Siblings living in Canada or strong French language ability
The maximum CRS score is 1200 points.
Tip: Candidates with CRS scores above the cut-off in periodic draws receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.
Step-by-Step Process: How Express Entry Works
Step 1: Take Your Language Test
You must prove language proficiency in English or French through one of the approved tests:
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IELTS General Training or CELPIP (for English)
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TEF Canada or TCF Canada (for French)
Your test results must be less than 2 years old at the time of application.
Step 2: Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If your education was completed outside Canada, obtain an ECA from an approved organization such as:
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WES (World Education Services)
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IQAS
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ICES
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CES
This confirms your degree is equivalent to a Canadian credential.
Step 3: Create Your Express Entry Profile
After your language test and ECA, create an online profile on the IRCC portal.
Provide details about your:
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Education
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Work experience
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Language test results
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Family composition
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Job offers (if any)
Once submitted, your profile is entered into the Express Entry pool.
Step 4: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
IRCC conducts regular Express Entry draws, inviting top-ranking candidates from the pool to apply for PR.
If you meet or exceed the CRS cut-off, you’ll receive an ITA via your online account.
Step 5: Submit Your Complete e-APR (Application for Permanent Residence)
Once you receive an ITA, you’ll have 60 days to submit your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (e-APR).
This includes:
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Scanned copies of all required documents
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Proof of work experience
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Medical and police certificates
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Proof of funds
Pay the applicable processing fees and submit your complete application.
What Happens After You Receive an ITA?
After submission, IRCC will:
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Review your application and verify your documents.
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Request biometrics (fingerprints and photo).
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Conduct background and security checks.
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Process your medical examination results.
Processing times typically range from 6 to 8 months, depending on your case.
Once approved, you’ll receive your Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and Permanent Resident Visa.
Optimizing Your Express Entry Profile
To increase your CRS and improve your chances of selection:
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Improve your language scores — even 1 CLB increase can add valuable points.
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Gain more work experience in skilled roles.
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Complete a higher education credential or add a postgraduate program.
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Apply for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) linked with Express Entry.
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Secure a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
Final Thoughts
The Express Entry system is one of the most efficient immigration pathways in the world — offering skilled professionals a transparent, points-based route to becoming Permanent Residents of Canada.
With proper planning, accurate documentation, and a strategic approach to improving your CRS score, your Canadian dream can soon become reality. 🍁
Need professional guidance?
Let Nexo Services help you navigate your Express Entry profile, improve your CRS score, and prepare a flawless PR application.