Express Entry

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is Canada's primary immigration system for selecting skilled foreign workers who wish to obtain permanent residency. Launched in 2015, it is a points-based system designed to identify candidates most likely to succeed economically in Canada.

Express Entry manages applications for the following three federal immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): For individuals with foreign work experience and high qualifications.

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those who already have skilled work experience in Canada.

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For individuals qualified in a skilled trade.

Eligible candidates submit an online profile and are assigned a score using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Points are awarded based on key factors such as:

• Age

• Level of education

• Language proficiency in English and/or French

• Skilled work experience

• Canadian job offer or provincial nomination (optional but highly valuable)

• Adaptability factors (e.g., family in Canada, Canadian education, spouse's profile)

Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws from the Express Entry pool. Invitations are typically issued every 2–4 weeks.

Express Entry is considered one of the fastest and most efficient immigration pathways to Canada, with processing times often under 6 months for complete applications.