Express Entry – Your Complete Immigration Guide

Express Entry is the official online application management system used by the Government of Canada to process permanent residence applications for skilled workers. Launched in 2015, Express Entry helps streamline the process and ensure faster application turnaround times—often in six months or less.

It manages three economic immigration programs:

Woman applying online for Express Entry with "Approved" status and global backdrop

Learn key Express Entry tips to increase your chances of Canadian permanent residence

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

  • Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

Qualified candidates who meet the eligibility requirements of one of these programs can create an Express Entry profile. They are then ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which evaluates factors like age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Top-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence through regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Key Express Entry Updates (2025)

  • As of March 25, 2025, IRCC no longer awards CRS points for job offers, even those with an LMIA. Job offers may still be required for eligibility under FSTP.

  • Category-Based Draws continue to target sectors like healthcare, STEM, trades, transport, education, agriculture, and French-language proficiency.

  • Proof of Funds Requirements updated on June 3, 2024. Check the latest minimums for your family size.

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What Is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online system introduced in 2015 to improve the efficiency and transparency of Canada’s skilled worker immigration process. Unlike the old “first come, first served” model, Express Entry is a competitive selection system where only the most qualified candidates are invited to apply.

Express Entry operates three economic immigration programs:

  • FSWP: For skilled workers with foreign work experience.

  • CEC: For individuals with Canadian work experience.

  • FSTP: For experienced tradespeople.

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How Express Entry Works

The Express Entry process has two main stages:

  1. Profile Creation: You create and submit your profile online. If eligible, you’re placed into the Express Entry pool and given a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
  2. Invitation to Apply (ITA): IRCC holds regular draws to invite the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence.

There are three types of Express Entry draws:

  • General Draws (based on CRS score)
  • Program-Specific Draws
  • Category-Based Draws (targeting specific occupations or language abilities)

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Step-by-Step Express Entry Application Guide

  1. Check if you qualify for FSWP, CEC, or FSTP.

  2. Take a language test (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, or TCF).

  3. Get your foreign credentials assessed via an ECA.

  4. Create your Express Entry profile on the IRCC website.

  5. Wait for an ITA through regular Express Entry draws.

  6. Submit a complete Application for Permanent Residence (APR).

  7. Provide biometrics and undergo a medical exam.

  8. Wait for final approval and receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR).

Most Express Entry applications are processed within 6 to 12 months.

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Eligibility Criteria by Express Entry Program?

Each program under Express Entry has its own criteria:

1. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

  • At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada (past 3 years)
  • TEER 0–3 jobs
  • CLB 7 (TEER 0/1) or CLB 5 (TEER 2/3)
  • No education required

2. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

  • At least 1 year of continuous full-time work experience (TEER 0–3) in last 10 years

  • CLB 7 minimum in English or French.

  • Minimum secondary education.

  • Score at least 67 points on the FSWP grid.

3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

  • 2 years of skilled trade experience in last 5 years
  • CLB 5 (speaking/listening), CLB 4 (reading/writing)
  • Valid Job offer or Certificate of Qualification required
  • Education not required

Express Entry Program Requirements at a Glance:

ProgramWork ExperienceLanguage RequirementEducationJob Offer
CEC1 year in Canada (last 3 yrs)CLB 7 (TEER 0/1), CLB 5 (TEER 2/3)Not requiredNot required
FSWP1 year (last 10 yrs)CLB 7Minimum secondaryNot required
FSTP2 years (last 5 yrs)CLB 5 (speaking/listening), CLB 4 (reading/writing)Not requiredRequired or Certificate of Qualification

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Express Entry CRS Score: What It Is and Why It Matters

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns a score to each candidate in the Express Entry pool. The higher your score, the better your chances of being invited.

CRS factors include:

  • Age

  • Education

  • Language ability (English/French)

  • Canadian and foreign work experience

  • Spouse’s qualifications (if applicable)

  • Job offer or provincial nomination (PNP)

Recent Update (March 25, 2025): CRS points are no longer awarded for job offers—even those with an LMIA. However, job offers may still be required for eligibility under some programs.

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How to Improve Your Express Entry CRS Score

  • Retake your language test for a higher score.

  • Add your spouse as the main applicant if they have a stronger profile.

  • Complete more work experience or education.

  • Apply for a provincial nomination, which gives you 600 additional CRS points.

  • Gain Canadian work experience or pursue studies in Canada.

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Job Offers and Express Entry: What You Need to Know

You don’t need a job offer to enter Express Entry, but it can support your eligibility under certain streams.

To be considered valid, a job offer must be:

  • Full-time and non-seasonal

  • For at least 1 year

  • In a TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation

  • Supported by an LMIA (unless exempt)

Examples of LMIA exemptions include:

  • International agreements (e.g., CUSMA)

  • Intra-company transfers

  • Significant benefit to Canada

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Proof of Funds Requirement

You must show sufficient settlement funds unless you:

  • Apply under the CEC, or

  • Have a valid job offer supported by an LMIA.

Funds must be:

  • Available and transferable

  • Free of debts or obligations

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Documents You Need

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Can Your Family Join You Under Express Entry?

Yes. You may include your:

  • Spouse or common-law partner

  • Dependent children

  • Your partner’s children

All accompanying family members will receive permanent resident status if you’re approved.

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Cost of Applying Through Express Entry

While creating an Express Entry profile is free, there are several costs involved during the application process.

  • The main applicant must pay a total of $1,525 CAD, which includes the processing fee and the right of permanent residence fee.

  • A spouse or common-law partner also needs to pay $1,525 CAD.

  • For each dependent child, the fee is $260 CAD.

You should also budget for other expenses such as:

  • Language tests (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP): approximately $300

  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): around $200–$300

  • Police certificates, medical exams, and biometrics (currently $85)

  • Translation of documents (if applicable)

These fees are mandatory and must be paid to proceed with your application

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Express Entry Processing Time

Most complete applications submitted through Express Entry are processed within 6 to 12 months after you submit your Application for Permanent Residence (APR).

This timeframe begins when IRCC confirms they have received a complete application and ends when a final decision is made.

Keep in mind:

  • The 6-month goal applies to 80% of cases.

  • Delays can happen if additional documents or background checks are required.

  • Staying organized and submitting a complete, accurate application helps avoid delays.

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Targeted Draws: Express Entry Category-Based Selection

Canada now holds category-based Express Entry draws to meet specific labour market needs. Categories include:

  • Healthcare professionals

  • STEM occupations

  • Trades workers

  • Transport and agriculture

  • French-speaking candidates

To benefit from these draws, ensure your profile aligns with one of these categories and meets the minimum CRS score.

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Need Help With Your Application?

Navigating the Express Entry system can be complex. At Ghasedak Immigration Services, our licensed professionals offer:

  • Profile creation and submission

  • CRS score strategy

  • Document preparation and review

  • Full PR application support after ITA

📞 Contact us today to book a consultation!

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