Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing applications for permanent residence under three federal economic immigration programs: the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program. A person must first qualify for at least one of these programs before entering the Express Entry pool.

How Express Entry works

Eligible candidates create an online profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. The CRS ranks candidates using factors such as age, education, official-language ability, Canadian and foreign work experience, spouse factors and certain additional factors. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) then conducts invitation rounds and invites selected candidates to apply for permanent residence.

Express Entry is not simply a matter of reaching one permanent “cut-off” score. Invitation rounds can be general, program-specific or category-based, and the competitive score can change from one round to another. A proper strategy therefore starts with program eligibility and then looks at realistic ways to strengthen the profile.

The three Express Entry programs

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): for skilled workers with qualifying Canadian work experience.
• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): for skilled workers with qualifying foreign or Canadian work experience who meet the program’s selection requirements.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): for qualified skilled tradespeople who meet the program-specific requirements.

What affects your CRS score?

CRS points can come from core human-capital factors and additional factors. Depending on the profile, language results, education, work experience, French ability, Canadian study, family connections and a provincial nomination can all matter. A provincial nomination through an Express Entry-aligned stream can be especially significant because it adds substantial additional CRS points.

Language testing matters

Express Entry accepts approved English and French tests. IRCC currently accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. Minimum language requirements differ by program and, for the Canadian Experience Class, by the TEER level of the qualifying work experience.

Before creating a profile

It is important to confirm that the work experience, occupational classification, language results, education and supporting documents actually match the program being claimed. An inaccurate profile can create problems later if an invitation is issued and the evidence does not support the points claimed.

CanLink reviews Express Entry eligibility, CRS factors, category-based selection, supporting evidence and alternative strategies before a client relies on a particular pathway. See our Express Entry service page for more information.

Official resources

• IRCC: Who can apply through Express Entry
• IRCC: Comprehensive Ranking System
• IRCC: Approved language tests

Immigration rules and invitation patterns can change. This article provides general information and is not a substitute for advice based on an individual case.