Express Entry

Express Entry is the online application management system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It is used for several of Canada's key economic immigration programs, including the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Applicants are assessed based on factors such as age, education, work experience (aligned with NOC codes), language proficiency in English or French, and other adaptability factors.

Once eligible candidates create an Express Entry profile, they are entered into a pool and assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. IRCC regularly holds draws from this pool, inviting candidates with the highest CRS scores to apply for permanent residence. In addition to general draws, IRCC also holds category-based draws that invite candidates who meet specific criteria, such as strong French-language proficiency or work experience in targeted occupations. Meeting the minimum requirements for one of the federal economic immigration programs is the first step, but the CRS score determines an individual's position in the queue and their likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA). Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) can also award additional CRS points to candidates in the Express Entry pool.

This information is for educational purposes only and not legal advice.