Express Entry
Express Entry
IRCC’s application management system for Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades, plus some provincial programs.
What Express Entry actually is
Express Entry is IRCC’s system for managing applications to certain economic permanent residence programs — mainly Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, and Federal Skilled Trades — and some provincial nominations. Creating a profile is not the same as receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA), and an ITA is not an approval.
Eligibility and CRS in plain language
You must meet the minimum criteria for at least one program inside the pool (language, work experience, education, and other factors as IRCC defines them). Candidates receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. IRCC runs draws that may be general or category-based; cut-offs change. Entryora’s CRS calculator is an educational estimate only.
Document strategy
Plan language testing early, start an Educational Credential Assessment when foreign degrees need points, and collect employer letters that state duties, hours, and dates aligned to your NOC/TEER claims. Police certificates and medicals usually follow IRCC’s request timing after an ITA — gathering them years early can force re-issue. Keep names consistent across every PDF.
Fees, timeline, and official next step
You generally pay IRCC application fees after an ITA. Language tests, ECAs, biometrics, and medicals are separate. Draws are periodic; processing standards after submission are published by IRCC. Read the official Express Entry pages, estimate CRS honestly, then build an accurate IRCC profile when your documents are ready.
Eligibility snapshot
- Meet the minimum criteria for at least one Express Entry program
- Language test and educational credential assessment where required
- A Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score high enough for an invitation
Documents
- Language test results from an approved organisation
- Educational credential assessment if needed
- Work experience evidence
- Police and medical exams when IRCC asks
Fees, stay, and work
| Fees | You pay IRCC fees only after an invitation to apply. Language tests and ECAs are extra. Verify on canada.ca. |
|---|---|
| Timeline | Create a profile first. Draws are periodic. IRCC publishes service standards after you apply. |
| Stay | Permanent residence if the application is approved. |
| Work rights | Permanent residents may work. A profile alone is not a work permit. |
| Path to PR | May lead to permanent residence if the full official route is completed. Confirm on the official site. |
Apply on the official site Document checklist CRS calculator Back to Canada