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Most Popular Immigration Pathway

Express Entry

Canada's flagship immigration system for skilled workers. Get your CRS score, check eligibility, and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in as little as 6 months.

6-8 months
Processing Time
$1,365
Government Fees
1200
Maximum CRS Score
67+
FSW Points Required

Three Programs Under Express Entry

Express Entry manages applications for three economic immigration programs

Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)

For skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.

Requirements:
  • At least 1 year of continuous full-time skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
  • Language test results showing CLB 7 or higher in all abilities
  • Educational credential assessment (ECA) for foreign education
  • Score at least 67 points on the FSW selection factors grid
Processing: 6-8 months

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.

Requirements:
  • At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last 3 years
  • Work experience in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation
  • CLB 7 for TEER 0 or 1 jobs, CLB 5 for TEER 2 or 3 jobs
  • Plan to live outside Quebec
Processing: 4-6 months

Federal Skilled Trades (FST)

For skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade.

Requirements:
  • At least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade in the last 5 years
  • Valid job offer for at least 1 year OR certificate of qualification
  • CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing
  • Meet job requirements for that skilled trade as set out in NOC
Processing: 6-8 months

Understanding the CRS Score

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a points-based system used to assess and score your profile. Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply through regular draws.

Your CRS score is based on factors like age, education, language skills, work experience, and additional factors like job offers or provincial nominations.

Calculate Your CRS Score

CRS Score Breakdown

Core Human Capital
Single: 500|With Spouse: 460

Age, education, language, Canadian experience

Spouse Factors
Single: 0|With Spouse: 40

Spouse education, language, Canadian experience

Skill Transferability
Single: 100|With Spouse: 100

Education + language/experience combinations

Additional Points
Single: 600|With Spouse: 600

PNP, job offer, Canadian education, French, sibling

Maximum Total1200 points

How We Help with Express Entry

Our AI-powered tools give you the edge in the Express Entry pool

CRS Score Calculator

Calculate your exact CRS score with detailed breakdown by category. See how you compare to recent draws.

Score Optimization

Get AI-powered recommendations to improve your CRS score. Know exactly which factors to focus on.

Draw Alerts

Get notified instantly when Express Entry draws happen and when cutoff matches your score.

Document Checklist

Dynamic checklist based on your specific situation. Never miss a required document.

Express Entry Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about Canada's Express Entry immigration system.

What is Canada Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada's flagship online immigration system, managed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It manages applications for three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST). Candidates create a profile, receive a CRS score, and are ranked against other candidates in the Express Entry pool.

How long does Express Entry take from start to finish?

The Express Entry process typically takes 6 to 12 months from profile creation to receiving permanent residence. After submitting your profile and receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), IRCC aims to process 80% of applications within 6 months. However, the waiting time in the pool depends on your CRS score and draw frequencies.

What is the difference between FSW, CEC, and FST?

The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience and requires CLB 7 language scores and 67 points on the selection grid. The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is for those with at least 1 year of Canadian skilled work experience. The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) is for qualified tradespeople with a job offer or certificate of qualification. All three programs are managed through the Express Entry system.

How much does it cost to apply through Express Entry?

The government fees for Express Entry include: $850 CAD processing fee per adult applicant, $850 CAD Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF) per adult, $230 CAD for dependent children, plus costs for language tests (~$300), Educational Credential Assessment (~$200-300), police certificates, and medical exams (~$200-450). Total costs typically range from $2,000 to $4,000 CAD per applicant.

Can I apply for Express Entry without a job offer?

Yes, a job offer is not required for Express Entry. The Federal Skilled Worker and Canadian Experience Class programs do not require a job offer. However, a valid job offer from a Canadian employer supported by an LMIA can add 50 or 200 CRS points (depending on the NOC TEER level), significantly boosting your chances of receiving an ITA.

What are category-based Express Entry draws?

Since 2023, IRCC conducts category-based draws targeting candidates with specific attributes such as healthcare experience, STEM occupations, trade occupations, transport, agriculture, or French language proficiency. These draws may have lower CRS cutoff scores than general draws, giving candidates in these categories a better chance of receiving an ITA even with lower overall CRS scores.

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