7 min

Want to live and work in Canada permanently, but not sure where to start? The Canadian Express Entry Program is likely your best option.

Canada continues to face a labour shortage across key industries, from healthcare to tech. To keep its economy strong, the country relies on skilled immigrants who can fill these gaps and contribute in the long term.

Express Entry Canada is the government’s main system for selecting qualified individuals to become permanent residents. It’s streamlined, points-based, and built to prioritize talent.

In this article, we’ll break down exactly what Express Entry is and how it works.

What is Express Entry Canada?

Express Entry Canada is an online system introduced in 2015 by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It oversees three primary federal economic immigration programs:

Candidates are evaluated using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). It is a points-based mechanism that assesses factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. A higher CRS score enhances the likelihood of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.

A job offer is not mandatory to enter the Express Entry pool, but possessing one or securing a provincial nomination through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) can significantly boost a candidate’s CRS score.

IRCC describes Express Entry as "an online system that we use to manage immigration applications from skilled workers."

This streamlined approach aims to expedite the immigration process and ensure that Canada attracts and retains individuals who can contribute meaningfully to its economy.

How Express Entry Works

While the Express Entry system may seem complex at first, it’s a structured, step-by-step process. Understanding how it works can help you plan better, avoid mistakes, and increase your chances of success.

Here’s how to navigate Express Entry Canada, from eligibility to permanent residency—explained clearly, with no guesswork.

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before you can create a profile in Express Entry Canada, you must confirm that you meet the basic eligibility criteria for at least one of the three federal programs it manages: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, or the Canadian Experience Class.

Each program has its own set of requirements, but most applicants will need the following:

Language Test Results
You must take an approved language test in English or French, such as IELTS or CELPIP, and meet the minimum Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level for your program.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If you completed your education outside Canada, you’ll need an ECA to verify that your degree or diploma is equal to a Canadian standard. Only assessments from designated organizations are accepted.
Work Experience
You should have skilled work experience in a qualifying occupation. This usually means full-time (or equivalent part-time) paid work in a job classified under the National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 categories.

Checking your eligibility early helps avoid delays or disqualification later. If you’re unsure about your qualifications, professionals can help assess your profile and advise you on the best pathway forward.

Step 2: Create Your Express Entry Profile

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the next step is to create your Express Entry profile through the IRCC website. This is where you provide detailed information about your background, including your:

Education
Work history
Language test scores
ECA report (if applicable)
Family details
Job offer (if you have one)
Provincial nomination (if applicable)

he system will use this information to calculate your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This score determines your rank in the Express Entry pool compared to other candidates.

It’s important to enter everything accurately. Misrepresenting or omitting information can lead to delays or, worse, a refusal.

Once submitted, your profile stays in the pool for up to 12 months. You can update it any time if your situation changes—for example, if you gain more work experience, improve your language score, or receive a job offer or provincial nomination.

This step officially puts you in the running for an Express Entry visa to Canada, and it’s a crucial part of the process where many candidates benefit from expert guidance.

Step 3: Enter the Express Entry Pool

After submitting your profile, you officially enter the Express Entry pool—a group of eligible candidates waiting for an invitation to apply for permanent residence.

Once in the pool, your application is ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). This score is based on key factors like:

The higher your CRS score, the better your chances of being selected. Candidates with competitive scores receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during regular draws held by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

If you’re aiming to apply for Express Entry Canada, this is the stage where strategic improvements, like retaking your language test or securing a provincial nomination, can make a real difference.

Your profile stays active in the pool for 12 months. If you don’t receive an ITA in that time, you can submit a new profile and try again.

Step 4: Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once you’re in the Express Entry pool, the next step is to wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA)—a formal invitation from IRCC to submit your application for permanent residence.

IRCC conducts regular draws, typically every two weeks, to select candidates with the highest CRS scores. These draws fall into different categories:

The type of draw matters. For example, even if your score isn’t among the highest overall, you may still be invited if you fall into a high-demand field.

If selected, you’ll receive an ITA through your online account. From there, you’ll have 60 days to submit a complete and accurate application, including all required documents, to apply for Canada PR Express Entry.

Staying informed about upcoming draws and understanding how your profile fits into these categories can give you a strategic edge.

Step 5: Submit Application for Permanent Residence

Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to submit your full application for permanent residence through the Express Entry Canada system.

This part of the process is critical—missing documents or inaccurate information can lead to delays or refusal. IRCC requires a complete and well-documented application, including:

Police Certificates: From every country you’ve lived in for 6+ months since age 18
Medical Exam: Completed by a panel physician approved by IRCC
Biometrics: Fingerprints and a photo provided at a Visa Application Centre
Proof of Funds: If you're applying under the Federal Skilled Worker or Trades Program and don’t have a valid job offer

IRCC typically processes Express Entry applications within six months from the date a complete application is received.

At this stage, attention to detail matters. It’s highly recommended to work with an experienced immigration consultant to ensure your documents are accurate, translated where necessary, and submitted on time.

Step 6: Application Review and Final Decision

After you submit your full application, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) begins the review process. The goal is to process most applications within six months, although timelines can vary depending on volume and case complexity.

During this stage, IRCC verifies the details in your application, reviews your supporting documents, and checks for medical, security, and background clearance.

If everything is in order and your application is approved, you’ll receive:

With a COPR in hand, you’re officially on your way to becoming a Canadian permanent resident. It’s the final—and most rewarding—step in the Express Entry Visa Canada process.

Turn Your Skills Into a Future in Canada

Express Entry is a structured, fast-track system for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada. It’s efficient, competitive, and operates on clear eligibility and scoring criteria.

Understanding how the process works is essential to improving your chances of success.

Ready to start your Express Entry journey? Book a consultation with WEICS and get expert guidance tailored to your profile.