Express Entry

The Canadian government uses Express Entry, an online system, to organise and process applications for skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada and obtain Canadian permanent residence status. Introduced in 2015, this is the quickest and most popular path to obtain permanent residence for immigrants seeking a new life in Canada. We have a simple process to obtain Express Entry in Canada!

EXPRESS
ENTRY
2026

Avg. Processing

6 Months

From profile to permanent residency

Express Entry isn’t a visa — it’s Canada’s fast-track system for selecting skilled workers for permanent residency. No employer sponsor. No lottery. Your CRS score determines everything. Three pathways qualify you: the Federal Skilled Worker Program for internationally trained professionals, the Federal Skilled Trades Program for certified tradespeople, and the Canadian Experience Class for those already working in Canada. When a draw happens, top-scoring candidates receive an Invitation to Apply. You then have 60 days to submit your full PR application.

Three federal programs feed into the Express Entry pool.
Eligibility depends on your work experience, education
and language scores.

Three federal programs feed into the Express Entry pool. Eligibility depends on your work experience, education and language scores.

Federal Skilled Worker

FSW Program

For professionals with foreign work experience. Requires 1+ year of skilled work, language proficiency (CLB 7), and post-secondary education.

Best for: Engineers, accountants, IT specialists

Canadian Experience Class

CEC Program

For those already working in Canada on a work permit. Requires 1+ year of skilled Canadian work experience in the past 3 years.

Best for: Post-grad students, work permit holders

Federal Skilled Trades

FST Program

For certified tradespeople. Requires 2 years of trade experience and a valid job offer or provincial certification.

Best for: Welders, electricians, plumbers, chefs

The full Express Entry journey, broken down into actionable milestones.

The full Express Entry journey, broken
down into actionable milestones.

Take Your Language Test

IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF. Results valid for 2 years.

2–4 weeks

Educational Credential Assessment

WES, ICAS, or IQAS evaluates your foreign degree.

4–8 weeks

Create Express Entry Profile

Submit your profile to IRCC's pool. Profile valid for 12 months.

Same day

Receive Invitation To Apply (ITA)

IRCC invites top-ranked candidates every 2 weeks.

Variable

Submit Your PR Application

Upload all documents within 60 days of ITA.

Strict deadline

Biometrics & Medical Exam

At a designated panel physician and Visa Application Centre.

2–4 weeks

COPR Issued — You're A PR

Land in Canada and activate your permanent residency.

Within 6 months avg.

Your qualifications are assessed based on factors such as work experience,
education, language proficiency, and program-specific requirements.

Step 1

Age Criteria

There is no official age limit for the Canada Express Entry program. However, applicants between the ages of 25 and 35 typically receive the highest CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points for age. After the age of 45, no age-related points are awarded.

25-35 Peak scoring age range

Step 2

Education Criteria

To qualify for Express Entry, you must have completed at least one year of post-secondary education. Higher educational qualifications such as a two-year diploma, bachelor's degree, master's degree, or PhD can help you earn additional CRS points. If your education was completed outside Canada, you will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

150 Max CRS points

Step 3

Work Experience Criteria

You must have at least one year of continuous full-time paid work experience (or an equivalent amount of part-time work) in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years. Foreign work experience is also accepted if it meets Express Entry requirements.

10 Years lookback

Step 4

Language Ability Criteria

Applicants must prove their English or French language proficiency through an IRCC-approved language test such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF. You must achieve the minimum required score in all four language abilities: listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

7.0 CLB Minimum required

Simple steps to start your journey toward Canadian permanent residency. Before you create your Express Entry
profile, make sure you meet the eligibility criteria across age, education, work experience, and language ability.

Requirement 01

Age Criteria

There is no official age limit for the Canada Express Entry program. Applicants between 25 and 35 typically receive the highest CRS points for age. After 45, no age-related points are awarded.

Best: 25–35 yrs No points after 45

Requirement 02

Education Criteria

You must have completed at least one year of post-secondary education. Higher qualifications earn additional CRS points. Foreign education requires an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

Min. 1 yr post-secondary ECA required

Your Pathway

Your Journey To Canadian Permanent Residency

Requirement 03

Work Experience

At least one year of continuous full-time paid work (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled occupation within the last 10 years. Foreign work experience is also accepted.

1+ yr continuous Last 10 years

Requirement 04

Language Ability

Prove your English or French proficiency through an IRCC-approved test (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF). Minimum score required across listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

CLB 7 minimum IELTS · CELPIP · TEF

Immigration frameworks are in a state of constant flux. What was standard last year
is often obsolete today. We provide the technical oversight and regulatory intelligence
required to navigate these shifts with absolute certainty.

Immigration frameworks are in a state of constant flux. What was standard last year is often obsolete today. We provide the technical oversight and regulatory intelligence required to navigate these shifts with absolute certainty.

Express Entry Could Be The Right Immigration Option For You

The Fastest Route to Canadian PR Starts Here