Express Entry

Immigrate to Canada

Professionals and skilled immigrants who want to settle in Canada permanently can fast-track their application and greatly reduce the waiting time for their permanent residency visa in Canada if they are offered employment in Canada. The application is submitted through the Express Entry System.

Express Entry

Express Entry is the fastest and most popular pathway to permanent residence for immigrants who want to settle in Canada. This is an online system to manage immigration applications from skilled immigrants. 

There are three immigration programs managed through the Express Entry System:

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

• For skilled workers who have Canadian work experience

• Work experience must have been gained in the 3 years before application

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

• For skilled workers with foreign work experience

• Must meet criteria for education and other factors

Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)

• For skilled workers who are qualified in a skilled trade

• Must have a valid job offer or a certificate of qualification

Express Entry Process

Managed by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), applicants who meet eligibility criteria submit an online profile known as an Expression of interest (EOI), under one of three federal Canada immigration programs or a participating provincial immigration program, to the Express Entry Pool.

Candidates’ profiles are ranked against each other according to a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranked candidates will be considered for an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Those receiving an ITA must quickly submit a full application and pay the processing fees within 60 calendar days.