Express Entry
Canada’s Express Entry system is a streamlined GalaPath for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residency. Designed to attract talent that strengthens the Canadian economy, it offers a fast, points-based process for eligible candidates. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Express Entry, covering eligibility, application steps, costs, and strategies to maximize your chances of success.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing applications for permanent residency under three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). Introduced in 2015, it prioritizes candidates with the skills and experience needed in Canada’s labor market, using a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
How Can I Apply for Express Entry?
To apply for Express Entry, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Confirm you meet the criteria for one of the three federal programs (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC).
- Gather Documents: Obtain required documents, such as language test results, Educational Credential Assessments (ECA), and proof of work experience.
- Create an Express Entry Profile: Submit your profile online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
- Receive a CRS Score: Your profile is ranked in the Express Entry pool based on your CRS score.
- Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your score is high enough in a draw, you’ll receive an ITA.
- Submit a Permanent Residency Application: After receiving an ITA, submit a complete application within 60 days.
Who is Eligible for Express Entry?
Eligibility depends on the program you’re applying under. General requirements include:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): At least one year of skilled work experience, language proficiency (CLB 7), and a minimum of a high school education.
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): At least two years of work experience in a skilled trade, a valid job offer or trade certification, and language proficiency (CLB 5 for speaking/listening, CLB 4 for reading/writing).
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC): At least one year of skilled work experience in Canada, language proficiency (CLB 7 for NOC 0 or A, CLB 5 for NOC B), and no education requirement.
What are the Requirements for Express Entry?
Requirements vary by program but generally include:
- Language Proficiency: Valid test results from IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF/TCF for French.
- Education: An Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign credentials.
- Work Experience: At least one year of skilled work experience (NOC 0, A, or B).
- Proof of Funds: Sufficient settlement funds (unless you have a valid job offer or are applying under CEC).
- Admissibility: No criminal or medical inadmissibility.
How Much Does Express Entry Cost?
Approximate costs (in CAD) include:
- Language tests: $300–$400
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): $200–$300
- Medical exams: $200–$500
- Police certificates: $50–$100 per country
- Permanent residency application fee: $1,365 per adult (including Right of Permanent Residence Fee)
- Biometrics: $85 per person or $170 per family
Additional costs may include translation, notarization, or legal fees.
Do I Need a Job Offer for Express Entry?
No, a job offer is not required for Express Entry. As of March 25, 2025, points for a valid job offer have been removed from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), so a job offer no longer contributes to your CRS score
How Long Does Express Entry Take?
The process typically takes 6–12 months:
- Profile Creation: 1–2 weeks to gather documents and submit.
- In the Pool: Varies (days to months) depending on your CRS score and draw frequency.
- Post-ITA Application: IRCC aims to process complete applications within 6 months.
How Are Express Entry Points Calculated?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) assigns points (out of 1,200) based on:
- Core Human Capital Factors (up to 500 points): Age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.
- Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors (up to 40 points): Their language skills, education, and work experience.
- Skill Transferability Factors (up to 100 points): Combinations of education, work experience, and language skills.
- Additional Points (up to 600 points): Provincial nomination, Canadian education, French proficiency, or siblings in Canada.
💡 Note: Points for a valid job offer have been removed from the CRS as of March 25, 2025.
Will the CRS Score Cut-Off Go Down?
CRS cut-off scores fluctuate based on draw size, frequency, and candidate pool. Historically, scores have ranged from 430–510. Predicting trends is challenging, but larger draws or program-specific draws (e.g., CEC-only) may lower cut-offs.
What is the Ideal Express Entry Candidate?
The ideal candidate is:
- Young (20–29 years, for maximum age points).
- Highly educated (Master’s or PhD).
- Proficient in English and/or French (CLB 9 or higher).
- Experienced (3+ years in a skilled occupation).
- Optionally, has a provincial nomination (600 CRS points).
What is the Difference Between Express Entry Eligibility Points and CRS Score?
- Eligibility Points: A minimum of 67/100 points (for FSWP only) based on age, education, work experience, language skills, and adaptability. These determine if you can enter the Express Entry pool.
- CRS Score: A separate score (out of 1,200) used to rank candidates in the pool for an ITA.
Is There a Minimum Score for Express Entry?
There is no universal minimum CRS score, but you must meet the 67-point threshold for FSWP eligibility to enter the pool. The CRS cut-off for an ITA varies per draw.
How Are My Language Points Calculated?
Language points are based on your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level for each skill (reading, writing, listening, speaking). For example:
- CLB 9: 31 points per skill (FSWP eligibility); 136 points total (CRS, single applicant).
- CLB 7: 17 points per skill (FSWP eligibility); 68 points total (CRS).
Tests accepted: IELTS, CELPIP (English), TEF, TCF (French).
Do I Need IELTS for Express Entry in Canada?
You need a valid language test result, but it doesn’t have to be IELTS. Alternatives include CELPIP (English), or TEF/TCF (French), and PTE Core (English). Results must be less than two years old.
How Does My IELTS Score Affect My CRS Score?
Your IELTS score is converted to CLB levels, which determine CRS points. For example:
- IELTS 8 = CLB 9 = 136 CRS points (single applicant).
- Higher IELTS scores yield higher CLB levels and more CRS points.
Does My Spouse or Common-Law Partner Need to Take the IELTS Exam?
No, your spouse or partner is not required to take a language test. However, their test results can add up to 20 CRS points (5 per skill) if provided.
Why is My Express Entry Score Zero?
A CRS score of zero indicates an incomplete or ineligible profile. Common reasons include:
- Missing language test results or ECA.
- Incorrect NOC code (or TEER code) or insufficient work experience.
- Technical errors in profile submission.
- Check your profile for errors and ensure all required fields are completed.
What CRS Score is Required for Canadian PR?
There’s no fixed CRS score for permanent residency. You need a score above the cut-off in a specific draw to receive an ITA. Recent cut-offs have varied, with general draws often ranging from 430-510, and category-based draws potentially lower.
Why is the CRS Cut-Off So High?
High cut-offs result from:
- Competitive candidate pool (many high-scoring profiles).
- Limited ITAs issued per draw.
- Demand for specific skills or programs, especially with the rise of category-based draws.
- Lower admissions caps in some years can also lead to higher CRS scores.
Recently CRS Score
CRS scores fluctuate based on draw frequency, program targeting, and pool composition. Recent trends show cut-offs between 430–510 for general draws, with occasional drops for program-specific draws (e.g., CEC or French-language proficiency). As of mid-2025, the average CRS cut-off has been observed to be higher than in 2024, partly due to reduced immigration targets and increased emphasis on targeted categories.
Is 438/459/467/462 a Good CRS Score?
438: Below average for general draws; unlikely to receive an ITA unless in a program-specific or French-language draw.
459–467: Competitive but may require a provincial nomination or specific draw to secure an ITA.
462: Moderately competitive; chances improve with additional points (e.g., French proficiency, Canadian work/study experience, or a provincial nomination).
CRS Score History
Historical CRS cut-offs (approximate, based on past draws):
- 2023: 460–510 (general draws), 400–450 (program-specific/category-based).
- 2024: 430–500 (general), 380–450 (targeted).
- 2025: 440–510 (general), with some category-based draws showing scores below 400 (e.g., French proficiency) and PNP draws often above 700.
Check IRCC’s website for exact draw history.
How to Calculate Your CRS Score
Use IRCC’s CRS Tool or manually calculate:
- Assess core factors (age, education, work experience, language).
- Add spouse/partner points, if applicable.
- Include transferability points (e.g., education + language).
- Add bonus points (e.g., provincial nomination, Canadian education, French proficiency, or siblings in Canada).
- IRCC’s online calculator provides precise results.
What is an Express Entry Profile?
An Express Entry profile is an online form detailing your personal information, education, work experience, language skills, and other factors. It’s used to assess eligibility and assign a CRS score.
How to Create an Express Entry Profile
- Visit the IRCC website and create an account.
- Complete the online form with details on education, work, language results, and family.
- Submit required documents (e.g., ECA, language tests).
- Receive a CRS score and enter the pool.
Can I Apply for Express Entry While in Canada?
Yes, you can apply while in Canada (e.g., on a work or study permit). The CEC is specifically designed for those with Canadian work experience.
What Language Results Are Required for Express Entry?
Minimum language requirements:
- FSWP: CLB 7 (all skills).
- FSTP: CLB 5 (speaking/listening), CLB 4 (reading/writing).
- CEC: CLB 7 (NOC 0/A), CLB 5 (NOC B).
Higher scores increase CRS points.
Which ECA Report Do I Need for Express Entry?
An ECA from a designated organization (e.g., WES, IQAS) is required for foreign education credentials. It must confirm your degree’s Canadian equivalency (e.g., bachelor’s, master’s).
How Will a Job Offer Affect My Express Entry Profile?
As of the latest updates, a job offer does not add points to your CRS score. However, a valid job offer can still fulfill specific program requirements (e.g., FSTP) and may improve your profile’s appeal to provinces for PNP nominations.
How Do I Find My NOC Code?
Find your National Occupation Classification (NOC) code on the IRCC or Canada.ca website by searching your job title or duties. Ensure it matches your work experience (NOC 0, A, or B).
Why Am I Ineligible to Submit an Express Entry Profile?
Common reasons include:
- Insufficient work experience (less than one year or not skilled).
- Low language scores (below CLB requirements).
- Missing ECA or invalid documents.
- Inadmissibility (criminal or medical issues).
How Can I Check the Status of My Express Entry Profile?
Log into your IRCC account to view your profile status (e.g., “Submitted,” “In Pool,” or “ITA Issued”). Updates are sent via email or your account.
How Long is an Express Entry Profile Valid?
Your profile is valid for 12 months. If you don’t receive an ITA, you must create a new profile.
What is an Invitation to Apply?
An Invitation to Apply (ITA) is an invitation from IRCC to submit a full permanent residency application. It’s issued to candidates with CRS scores above the draw’s cut-off.
What Happens if I Receive an Invitation to Apply?
After receiving an ITA:
- Submit a complete PR application within 60 days.
- Provide documents (e.g., police certificates, medical exams, proof of funds).
- Pay application fees.
- Await IRCC’s decision (typically 6 months).
How to Obtain an Express Entry Police Certificate
Request police certificates from every country where you’ve lived for 6+ months since age 18. Contact local authorities or embassies for issuance. Submit certificates with your PR application post-ITA.
How Can I Prove My Work Experience for Express Entry?
Provide:
- Reference letters from employers detailing job duties, duration, and salary.
- Pay stubs, contracts, or tax documents (optional but helpful).
- Ensure work experience matches your NOC code.
How to Obtain a Medical Certificate for Express Entry
Schedule an exam with an IRCC-approved panel physician. Complete the exam post-ITA (not required for profile creation). Submit results with your PR application.
How to Demonstrate Proof of Settlement Funds for Express Entry
Provide bank statements, fixed deposits, or other financial documents showing available funds. Funds must meet IRCC’s minimum (e.g., $13,757 CAD for a single applicant, 2025). Not required for CEC or those with a valid job offer.
What’s Better: PNP or Express Entry?
Provincial Nominee Program (PNP): Offers a GalaPath to PR through provincial nomination, often with lower CRS requirements. Best for candidates with ties to a province.
Express Entry: Faster for high-scoring candidates but competitive due to CRS cut-offs.
Choose based on your CRS score and provincial connections.
Can I Apply for Express Entry and PNP at the Same Time?
Yes, you can apply for both. A PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points, significantly boosting your Express Entry chances.
How Does a Provincial Nominee Program Affect My Express Entry Profile?
A PNP nomination adds 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an ITA in the next draw. You must meet the province’s eligibility criteria and receive a nomination certificate.
Provincial Nominee Programs That Use the Express Entry System
PNPs aligned with Express Entry include:
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP): Human Capital Priorities Stream.
- British Columbia Provincial Nominee Program (BC PNP): Express Entry BC.
- Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program (AINP): Express Entry Stream.
- Nova Scotia Nominee Program (NSNP): Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities.
Each has specific eligibility criteria.
FAQs
Q: Can I update my Express Entry profile?
A: Yes, you can update your profile with new information (e.g., higher language scores, additional work experience) to increase your CRS score.
Q: What happens if I miss the 60-day ITA deadline?
A: Your ITA expires, and you must re-enter the pool with a new profile.
Q: Can I include my family in my Express Entry application?
A: Yes, you can include your spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children.
Q: How often are Express Entry draws held?
A: Draws typically occur every 1–2 weeks, but frequency varies.
Ready to start your journey to Canada? Fill out the form below to assess your eligibility:
