NewsClient Login
Canada Immigration Services
Express Entry

Skilled Immigrants (Express Entry)

Introduction

Skilled people are invited to become successful in Canada from all over the world. The Express Entry system for skilled immigrants was introduced in January 2015 to make it easier and faster to receive permanent residence and establish your career in Canada. If you have post-secondary education (college or university), work experience and are proficient in English or French, you may qualify for Express Entry.

How It Works

The Express Entry process has four main steps:

  1. Check your eligibility — determine which program you qualify for (Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades, or Canadian Experience Class)
  2. Create your profile — submit your Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If you meet the minimum eligibility requirements, you are placed in the pool of candidates.
  3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) — candidates in the pool are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Top-ranked candidates receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
  4. Submit your application — once you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application with all supporting documents.

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS is a points-based system used to rank Express Entry candidates. Your CRS score determines your position in the pool and whether you receive an Invitation to Apply. The maximum possible score is 1,200 points. Core factors that affect your score include:

  • Age (maximum points awarded between ages 20–29)
  • Education level
  • Language proficiency (English and/or French)
  • Canadian and foreign work experience
  • Spouse or common-law partner factors (if applicable)

Additional points can be earned through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination (which adds 600 CRS points), Canadian education, and French language proficiency. A PNP nomination effectively guarantees an invitation to apply.

You may apply for Express Entry under the following three categories:

Not sure which program is right for you? Book a consultation and we will help you determine your eligibility and maximize your CRS score.