Permanent residence
Express Entry
Canada’s primary selection system for skilled workers, ranked through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online selection system used by the Government of Canada to manage applications for permanent residence under key economic immigration programs.
Candidates do not apply directly for permanent residence when creating an Express Entry profile. Instead, eligible individuals enter a pool and are ranked against others using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Only candidates who receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) may submit a permanent residence application.
How Express Entry works
Express Entry is competitive and points-based. Accuracy, timing, and strategy matter.
1) Create a profile
Submit information about age, education, language ability, and work experience.
2) CRS ranking
Candidates are ranked against others in the pool using CRS points.
3) Invitation to Apply
Top-ranked candidates in a draw may receive an ITA.
4) PR application
After ITA, submit a complete PR application with supporting documents.
Understanding your CRS score
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) determines who is invited to apply.
CRS scores are calculated using core human capital factors, skill transferability, and additional points. Scores fluctuate over time based on draw types and candidate pool composition.
- • Age
- • Education and Educational Credential Assessments (ECA)
- • Language proficiency in English and/or French
- • Skilled work experience (Canadian and foreign)
- • Valid job offer (if applicable)
- • Provincial nomination (adds 600 CRS points)
Express Entry profiles are generally valid for up to 12 months unless invited or withdrawn.
Express Entry draws and categories
IRCC conducts Express Entry draws at regular intervals. Draws may be general, program-specific, or category-based depending on federal priorities.
- • General draws invite top-ranked candidates across programs
- • Program-specific draws target certain Express Entry streams
- • Category-based draws prioritize candidates with in-demand skills or language ability
CRS cut-off scores vary by draw and are not guaranteed to remain consistent.
Programs managed under Express Entry
Express Entry manages applications under the following economic immigration programs.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For individuals with recent skilled work experience in Canada.
Learn more →
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
For skilled professionals with qualifying foreign work experience.
Learn more →
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
For qualified tradespeople meeting program requirements.
Learn more →
Common Express Entry risks and mistakes
- • Incorrect NOC selection or job duty mismatches
- • Overstating CRS points or work experience
- • Expired language tests or ECAs
- • Changes in employment or personal status not updated in profile
- • Submitting incomplete documentation after ITA
Not sure if Express Entry is the right pathway?
A consultation helps confirm eligibility, assess CRS competitiveness, and plan next steps.