Express Entry

Who it's for

Express Entry manages three programs in one pool: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). You submit a profile, IRCC scores you on the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and the highest-ranked candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) at periodic draws.

Minimum eligibility

• Skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 — managerial, professional, or technical)
• Language test results: CLB 7 in English or French for FSW/CEC, CLB 5 for FST
• Education: Canadian high-school diploma or post-secondary credential, OR an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign credentials
• Proof of settlement funds (FSW only — varies by family size, ~$15,500 CAD for a single applicant)
• Admissibility: clean criminal record, no medical inadmissibility

How CRS is scored

• Core human-capital factors (up to 500 points): age, education, language, Canadian work experience
• Spousal factors (up to 40 points)
• Skill transferability (up to 100 points): combinations of education + language + work experience
• Additional points (up to 600): provincial nomination (+600), valid job offer, French-language proficiency, Canadian study credentials, sibling in Canada

Application steps

• Take an approved language test (IELTS-General or CELPIP for English; TEF or TCF for French)
• Get an Educational Credential Assessment if your education was outside Canada
• Create your Express Entry profile online and enter the pool
• Wait for an Invitation to Apply at one of IRCC's draws (typically every 2 weeks)
• Submit a complete e-APR within 60 days of the ITA, including police certificates, medical exam, and proof of funds
• Wait for processing — usually under 6 months for 80% of applications