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Express Entry

Canada's flagship immigration system for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. Fast, transparent, and points-based.

What is Express Entry?

Express Entry is an online system that manages applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. It's not an immigration program itself, but rather a system that manages three federal economic immigration programs.

Fast Processing

Most applications processed within 6 months

No Job Offer Required

Apply without a Canadian job offer (for FSW and CEC)

Include Family

Bring your spouse and dependent children

Points-Based System

Transparent ranking through Comprehensive Ranking System

Three Express Entry Programs

Choose the program that matches your qualifications

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

For skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently

Minimum Requirements:

  • At least 1 year of continuous full-time skilled work experience
  • Language proficiency (CLB 7 or higher)
  • Canadian educational credential or foreign credential assessment
  • Proof of funds
  • Score at least 67 points on FSW selection grid

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For skilled workers with Canadian work experience who want to become permanent residents

Minimum Requirements:

  • At least 1 year of skilled work experience in Canada
  • Language proficiency (CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A, CLB 5 for NOC B)
  • Work experience gained while authorized to work in Canada
  • Plan to live outside Quebec

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)

For skilled tradespeople who want to become permanent residents based on qualifications in a skilled trade

Minimum Requirements:

  • At least 2 years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade
  • Meet job requirements for that skilled trade
  • Valid job offer OR certificate of qualification
  • Language proficiency (CLB 5 for speaking/listening, CLB 4 for reading/writing)

Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

Your CRS score determines your rank in the Express Entry pool. Maximum score is 1,200 points.

Core Human Capital

Up to 500 points
  • Age
  • Education
  • Language ability
  • Canadian work experience

Spouse/Partner Factors

Up to 40 points
  • Education
  • Language ability
  • Canadian work experience

Skill Transferability

Up to 100 points
  • Education + language
  • Education + Canadian work experience
  • Foreign work experience + language
  • Foreign work experience + Canadian work experience

Additional Points

Up to 600 points
  • Provincial nomination (600 points)
  • Valid job offer (50-200 points)
  • Canadian education (15-30 points)
  • Sibling in Canada (15 points)
  • French language proficiency (25-50 points)

Recent CRS Cut-off Scores

CRS cut-off scores vary with each draw. Recent draws have ranged from 480-540 points for general draws, and lower for category-based draws. Provincial nominations add 600 points to your score, virtually guaranteeing an invitation.

The Express Entry Process

Step-by-step guide to your permanent residence application

1

Determine Eligibility

Check if you meet the minimum requirements for one of the three Express Entry programs

2

Prepare Documents

Gather language test results, educational credentials, work experience letters, and other supporting documents

3

Create Express Entry Profile

Submit your profile online and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score

4

Enter the Pool

Your profile enters the pool of candidates and is ranked against others

5

Receive Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your CRS score is high enough in a draw, you'll receive an ITA for permanent residence

6

Submit Full Application

You have 60 days to submit a complete application with all supporting documents

7

Application Processing

IRCC reviews your application, conducts background checks, and makes a decision

8

Receive Confirmation

If approved, receive Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and permanent resident visa

Processing Times

Current processing standards for Express Entry applications

Profile Creation

Immediate

Your profile enters the pool right away

After Receiving ITA

6 months

Standard processing time for complete applications

How ReginaMax Immigration Services Can Help

Expert guidance throughout your Express Entry journey

Eligibility Assessment

Determine which Express Entry program suits you best and estimate your CRS score

CRS Score Optimization

Strategic advice to improve your score through education, language tests, or provincial nominations

Document Preparation

Help gathering and organizing all required documents for a complete application

Profile Creation

Assistance creating an accurate and complete Express Entry profile

Application Submission

Professional review and submission of your permanent residence application after ITA

Ongoing Support

Communication with IRCC, responding to requests, and updates throughout processing

Ready to Start Your Express Entry Journey?

Get a free eligibility assessment or book a consultation with our RCIC

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a job offer for Express Entry?

No, a job offer is not required for the Federal Skilled Worker or Canadian Experience Class programs. However, a valid job offer can significantly boost your CRS score. The Federal Skilled Trades program requires either a job offer or a certificate of qualification.

How long is my Express Entry profile valid?

Your Express Entry profile is valid for 12 months. If you don't receive an ITA within that time, you can create a new profile.

Can I update my profile after submission?

Yes, you can update your profile at any time before receiving an ITA. This includes updating language test scores, work experience, education credentials, or other information that may improve your CRS score.

What happens after I receive an ITA?

After receiving an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence with all supporting documents. This includes police certificates, medical exams, proof of funds, and other required documentation.

Can my family come with me?

Yes, you can include your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children in your Express Entry application. They will also become permanent residents if your application is approved.

Important Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is for general guidance only. Immigration rules and CRS cut-off scores change regularly. ReginaMax Immigration Services does not guarantee application outcomes or ITA receipt. Each case is unique and subject to Canadian immigration law. Final decisions are made solely by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).