What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry: Your Fast Track to Canadian Permanent Residency
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s online system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for permanent residence under three federal economic programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The system was introduced in January 2015 to speed up processing and invite the highest-ranked candidates, rather than handling cases in the order received.
Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
To use Express Entry, you must qualify under one of the three programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP):
- At least 1 year of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in the past 10 years in TEER 0‑3 jobs
- Meet minimum language score and score at least 67 points on selection factors
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP):
- Skilled trade experience in TEER 2 or 3 occupations, and meet language requirements
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC):
- At least 1 year of Canadian skilled work experience (TEER 0‑3) in the last three years
- Paid, full- or part-time counts; self‑employment or student co‑ops do not count
How It Works: Key Steps in Express Entry
- Check eligibility for one of the programs.
- Gather documents: passport, language test results, ECA for foreign education, proof of funds, police certificates, job offer or trade certificates if applicable.
- Create an Express Entry profile online and enter the pool.
- Score your profile using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)—factors include age, education, language ability, work experience, and more.
- Note (as of March 25, 2025): CRS no longer awards points for job offers, though job offers may still affect program eligibility.
- Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your CRS score is high enough. These can be general, program-specific, or category-based rounds focusing on desired occupations or languages.
- Apply for permanent residence within 60 days of receiving an ITA, including medical exams and fees.
CRS Breakdown: Know What Counts
Here’s a snapshot of how the CRS awards points:
- Human capital factors: Age, education, language skills, Canadian work experience
- Skill transferability: Combines education, foreign or Canadian work experience, and language ability
- Additional points: For factors like provincial nomination (+600 points), post-secondary education in Canada, French language ability, sibling in Canada, and more
Coming Updates
- Recent news introduces a “leadership and innovation” category expected in 2026 to attract global talent.
- On August 13, 2025, Canada announced plans to add three new occupational categories—targeting senior managers, scientists & researchers, and military personnel. This aims to streamline the path to permanent residence for these professionals.
Quick Reference Table
| Step | What to Do |
| 1. Check Eligibility | Choose FSWP, FSTP, or CEC and meet their requirements |
| 2. Prepare Documents | Passport, language test, ECA, funds proof, police/medical |
| 3. Submit Profile | Create and submit your Express Entry profile online |
| 4. Get CRS Score | Based on human capital + transferability + bonuses |
| 5. ITA & Apply | If invited, submit your complete PR application within 60 days |
| 6. Watch for Updates | New categories launching in 2026—leadership & innovation |
Why Choose True Pearl Visa Services Inc.?
We simplify your Express Entry journey by helping you:
- Determine which program fits you best (FSWP, FSTP, CEC)
- Prepare language tests, ECAs, proof of funds, and police certificates
- Build and optimize your Express Entry profile and improve your CRS score
- Apply strategically during program-specific or category-based draws
- Stay updated with changes such as emerging occupational categories for 2026
Please bring along:
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