Express Entry: how Canada's main immigration system works

Express Entry is the online system used by the Government of Canada to manage economic permanent residence applications. It groups three programs together and ranks candidates on a points score before issuing invitations to apply.

The three programs managed by Express Entry

• Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) — for people with skilled work experience and higher education.
• Federal Skilled Trades (FST) — for eligible skilled trades.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) — for people who have already worked legally in Canada.

The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Ranking is based on the Comprehensive Ranking System. Points come from: age, education, work experience, English or French language proficiency, spouse factors, a valid job offer, or a provincial nomination.

The step-by-step path

1. Check your eligibility on canada.ca.
2. Create an online profile in the IRCC portal.
3. Wait for a draw where your score reaches the minimum threshold.
4. Once you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you have 60 days to submit a complete application.

All numbers (CRS thresholds, fees, caps) change regularly. Always check current values on canada.ca before making decisions.