Economic Immigration – Express Entry Canada

Are you a skilled worker and considering immigrating to Canada Permanently?  Canada’s Express Entry (EE) system could be your fastest and most efficient pathway to permanent residency (PR).  However, the term “express” is not synonymous with easy, as the process is quite competitive and requires careful preparation.

Candidates should be cognizant of the various programs offered under EE, how to register a profile and what they can do to improve their chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) for PR.

Launched in 2015, EE is Canada's online immigration system that manages applications for three major economic immigration programs:

- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW);

- Federal Skilled Trades Class (FSTC); and,

- Canadian Experience Class (CEC).

Although additional requirements will vary depending on the stream, eligible candidates must typically:

- Meet the requirements of one of the three programs (FSW, FSTC, or CEC);

- Take a language proficiency test (IELTS or CELPIP for English, TEF for French);

- Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if their education was completed outside Canada;

- Have at least one year of full-time skilled work experience in the past 10 years (for FSWP).

EE employs a points-based ranking system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and eligible candidates are assessed and awarded points based on:

- Age (Younger applicants score higher);

- Education (More points for higher education);

- Language – English and/or French proficiency;

- Work Experience (More experience = more points);

- Job Offer (as of March 25, 2025, points are no longer allocated to a candidate’s CRS, although a job offer may still be required for eligibility of the desired program);

- Canadian Experience (Education or work in Canada earns extra points);

- Obtaining a Provincial Nomination (will add 600 points to the candidate’s CRS).

Notwithstanding, it is important to note that the highest CRS score does not necessarily guarantee an ITA as Canada has recently introduced category-based draws to target specific occupations and skills.  In this regard, staying informed on the various categories and draws and keeping their profile up-to-date would be paramount for all candidates.

Furthermore, candidates may consider improving their CRS Score or eligibility by:

- Retaking a language proficiency test;

- Completing a higher education credential;

- Gaining more skilled work experience;

- Securing a job offer in Canada;

- Applying to a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP);

- Getting a spouse or partner assessed (their education/language may add points, but are reduced if included in the application).

Once eligibility is confirmed, candidates will be required to register a profile by submitting an Expression of Interest to the EE pool.  On average, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts EE draws every 2 weeks, inviting top-ranked candidates to apply for PR.  If an ITA is issued, candidates will have 60 days to submit their application for PR to IRCC.  Candidates must be aware that EE is not a guarantee that PR status will be awarded – it is simply a system for which candidates can efficiently apply for PR.  All applicants applying for PR will continue to be vigorously assessed – i.e. – admissibility – by IRCC for eligibility of PR status.

EE is one of the most efficient immigration systems in the world – but it is not easy to navigate alone. Whether you are just starting your profile or need help submitting your full application, getting legal advice can make all the difference.  Book a consultation today and get expert guidance on your immigration journey to Canada."

Author: Alexander Chang