Learn how to immigrate to Canada under the Express Entry system. The following is an overview of the Express Entry, an integrated, online management system for processing applications of skilled workers for Canadian permanent residence.
To be included in the pool of candidates by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (or IRCC), you must qualify first for one of the federal immigration programs. These are the Federal Skilled Worker (or FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (or FST), and Canadian Experience Class (or CEC).
Using a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (or CRS), the Express Entry assigns migration points to each profile in the pool. The maximum points anyone can get is 1,200.
Comprehensive Ranking System
The CRS component is based on the following factors:
- Your age when you apply
- Education in and outside Canada
- Work experience in and outside Canada
- Language proficiency in English or French.
Check the latest CRS Cut-Off to compare how your profile ranks against others. Get tips to improve your CRS score!
Your spouse or common-law partner may also contribute points to the application based on:
- Education
- Official language proficiency
- Canadian work experience.
You may also acquire additional points if you:
- Have a sibling who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Completed post-secondary education in Canada
- Received a genuine offer of arranged employment
- Are being nominated by a province or territory.
How to immigrate to Canada using the Express Entry
For you to show your interest in immigrating to Canada, you must first completing an online profile. The profile is electronically screened to determine you meet the criteria of at least 1 of the 3 federal immigration programs mentioned above.
Once you apply through the Express Entry, the system will automatically assign CRS points to your profile. The system will then rank your application against those of other candidates. Remember, you will compete with other profiles for selection each time Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts a draw.
Only top-ranked candidates are invited to apply for permanent residence.
If there is more than one candidate who reached the lowest score of the cut-off, the Express Entry will create a tie-breaker. This tie-breaker rule is based on the date and time an applicant submits an Express Entry profile. We recommend that you apply as soon as you’ve completed the requirements!
As soon as the system accepts your application, you will receive an email directing you to open an account with Job Bank. Potential employers will then be able to review your profile and resume.
Prepare for your application! Read how IRCC will be increasing permanent residency processing fees.
In any event, Your profile in the Express Entry pool is valid only for twelve months. Throughout this period, you have to ensure that your language test remains valid. If you have to re-take the text, be sure to update your profile with the new test results. Learn how to convert your English language test scores to the correct Canadian Language Benchmark level.
When a program selects your profile.
Your ranking in the pool can change when:
- Other candidates join or leave the pool.
- When ministerial instructions adjust the ranking criteria.
- Whenever your circumstances change.
If a program invites you to apply, you will have to submit a completed Application for Permanent Residence within sixty (60) days. You may qualify for the permanent visa once you:
- Pass background checks
- Meet health and character requirements
- Comply with the necessary visa requirement
- Prove yourself admissible.
Finally, remember that the maintenance fund requirement changes almost yearly. When it does, you will also have to update your Express Entry profile.
Is your CRS score comparable to those already in the Express Entry pool?Take an assessment to check if you can successfully immigrate to Canada.