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How Express Entry Works in Canada

Express Entry is an online immigration system that manages applications for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada. It is not an immigration program itself, but a method to select the best candidates for Canada’s existing skilled worker programs.

Programs Covered by Express Entry

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program
  • Federal Skilled Trades Program
  • Canadian Experience Class
  • Selected streams under Provincial Nominee Programs )PNPs)

Express Entry Process

  1. Candidates create a profile online in the Express Entry Pool.
  2. Profiles are scored using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
  3. Top-scoring candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in periodic immigration draws, usually every two weeks.
  4. Once an ITA is issued, the candidate has 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application. If not submitted in this timeframe, the ITA becomes invalid.
  5. Standard processing time for Express Entry applications is six months, which is achieved in about 85% of cases.

Advantages of Express Entry

  • Points awarded based on age, education, work experience, and language skills
  • Additional points for a valid job offer or provincial nomination
  • Candidates can improve their scores while in the pool
  • Faster processing, prioritizing candidates with higher chances of success
  • Flexibility for the Canadian government to adjust draws based on economic needs

Additional Details

  • Tie-breaking rule: If multiple candidates have the minimum CRS score, only those who submitted their profile before the specified date and time receive ITAs.
  • ITA history: In 2025 so far, 57,069 ITAs have been issued. In 2024, 98,903 ITAs were issued, and in 2023, 110,266 ITAs.
  • Draw frequency: Typically every two weeks.
  • Processing priority: Express Entry prioritizes candidates with the highest chance of successful immigration.

Quebec Exception

Express Entry does not apply to Quebec, which has its own system called Expression of Interest (EOI). Top candidates in Quebec’s EOI pool are invited to apply for a Quebec Selection Certificate (CSQ).

Frequently Asked Questions )Q&A)

  1. Who is eligible for Express Entry?
    Candidates must meet the criteria of the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Canadian Experience Class, or selected PNP streams.
  2. What is the CRS score?
    The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score is based on age, education, work experience, language ability, and other factors.
  3. How long is an ITA valid?
    Candidates have 60 days to submit their permanent residence application after receiving an ITA.
  4. Is a job offer or provincial nomination required?
    Not required, but it provides additional points and significantly increases the chance of receiving an ITA.
  5. Can candidates improve their CRS score after creating a profile?
    Yes, candidates can add qualifications, work experience, language test results, or a job offer to increase their CRS score.
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