Thinking of moving to Canada permanently? If you're a skilled worker, the Express Entry system could be your fastest and most efficient pathway to permanent residency. But while it’s called “express,” the process is competitive and requires careful preparation.

In this guide, we’ll break down how Express Entry works, what programs it manages, how points are calculated, and what you can do to boost your chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA).

What Is Express Entry?

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

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

2. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

3. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Rather than processing applications in the order they’re received, Express Entry uses a points-based ranking system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Candidates with the highest scores are invited to apply for permanent residency.

Who Can Apply Through Express Entry?

To be eligible, you must:

• Meet the requirements of one of the three programs (FSWP, FSTP, or CEC)

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

• Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education was completed outside Canada

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

Additional requirements apply depending on the stream.

Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)

The CRS is a points-based system used to rank eligible candidates in the Express Entry pool. You receive points based on:

• Age (Younger applicants score higher)

• Education (More points for higher degrees or diplomas)

• Language Ability (Scores from IELTS or CELPIP tests)

• Work Experience (More experience = more points)

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

• Provincial Nomination (PNP adds 600 points instantly)

The higher your CRS score, the more likely you are to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

What Happens After You Enter the Express Entry Pool?

Once your profile is submitted and accepted into the pool, you’ll be assigned a CRS score. Roughly every two weeks, IRCC conducts Express Entry draws, inviting top-ranked candidates to apply for PR.

If you receive an ITA, you’ll have 60 days to submit a full application for permanent residence, including:

• Police certificates

• Medical exams

• Proof of funds

• Supporting documents (employment letters, educational certificates, etc.)

Processing time after submitting a complete application is usually around 6 months, but it can vary.

Category-Based Express Entry Draws

As of 2023, Canada introduced category-based draws to target specific occupations and skills. The current 2025 categories include:

• Healthcare and social services

• STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)

• French-language proficiency

• Skilled trades

• Agriculture and agri-food

• Education

This means you might receive an ITA even with a lower CRS score if you fall within one of these categories.

How to Improve Your CRS Score

If your score isn’t high enough to receive an ITA, don’t worry. Many applicants improve their score by:

• Retaking the language test to improve scores

• 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)

Even small improvements can make a big difference in your chances.

Why Express Entry Applications Get Refused

Even after receiving an ITA, mistakes can lead to rejection:

• Submitting incomplete documentation

• Misrepresenting work or education history

• Failing to meet admissibility (e.g., criminal record, medical issues)

Having a lawyer review and prepare your application can prevent costly delays or refusals.

How We Help Express Entry Applicants

We provide full legal support for Express Entry, including:

• Initial eligibility assessments

• CRS score evaluation and optimization

• Guidance on ECA and language testing

• Support in securing job offers or PNP nominations

• Full application preparation and review

We also help with refusals, appeals, or planning alternative immigration strategies.

Final Thoughts

Express Entry is one of the most efficient immigration systems in the world—but it’s not easy to navigate alone. Whether you're just starting your profile or need help submitting your full application, getting legal advice can make all the difference.

Ready to apply through Express Entry? Book a consultation today and get expert guidance on your immigration journey to Canada.