Express Entry
The fast lane for skilled professionals
Overview
Express Entry is Canada’s flagship points-based immigration system. Candidates who meet the minimum criteria of one of its three federal programs enter a common pool, where the highest-scoring profiles receive invitations to apply for permanent residence.
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is scored out of 100, with roughly 67+ points typically needed to qualify. Without a Canadian job offer or Canadian work/study experience, a strong profile usually combines IELTS General 7–8, five or more years of managerial or specialized experience, age under 30, and a Master’s degree or higher verified through WES.
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) requires IELTS 5+, at least two years of full-time trade experience within the last five years matching a National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, plus a certificate of qualification where required.
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) requires IELTS 7+ and at least one year of skilled, legal, full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in Canada within the past three years.
Key requirements
- Eligibility under FSWP, FSTP, or CEC
- Valid language test results (IELTS/CELPIP/TEF)
- Educational credential assessment (e.g. WES) for foreign degrees
- Skilled work experience matching a NOC code
- Competitive CRS score relative to current draw cut-offs
How it works
- 1
Confirm eligibility under one of the three federal programs
- 2
Take the language test and get your credentials assessed
- 3
Build and submit your Express Entry profile
- 4
Enter the pool and receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your CRS score is selected
- 5
Submit the complete PR application within the deadline