Express Entry is Canada’s key way to pick skilled workers for permanent residence. It is not just a work visa, but it can lead to permanent residence. Some people in Canada might get an open work permit while waiting for their PR.
What Express Entry Is (and Is Not)
- Express Entry handles applications for three programs that lead to permanent residence (PR).
- You make an online profile, get a score from the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and might get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during a draw by IRCC.
- It is not a short-term work permit. But if you are in Canada and apply for PR, you could get a Bridging Open Work Permit.
Official overview: See details on programs, steps, and updates at the Express Entry page from IRCC.
Who Can Apply: Core Eligibility by Program
Here is a short summary. Look at IRCC links for full details.
| Program | Minimum Skilled Work Experience | Language Minimum | Education | Job Offer Required | Proof of Funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) | 1 year full-time (or equal) in skilled work (NOC 2021 TEER 0/1/2/3) in last 10 years | CLB 7 in all skills (approved test) | Canadian credential or ECA for foreign education | No | Yes (unless exempt) |
| Canadian Experience Class (CEC) | 1 year skilled work in Canada in last 3 years (TEER 0/1/2/3) | CLB 7 for TEER 0/1 jobs; CLB 5 for TEER 2/3 | No minimum (ECA can help CRS) | No | Not required |
| Federal Skilled Trades (FST) | 2 years in a skilled trade in last 5 years | CLB 5 (speaking/listening), CLB 4 (reading/writing) | No minimum (ECA can help CRS) | Yes (valid job offer or certificate) | Yes (unless exempt) |
Notes:
- NOC 2021 TEER sorts job skill levels for Express Entry.
- FSW needs to pass the FSW points grid (not the same as CRS).
Accepted Language Tests
- English: IELTS General Training, CELPIP General
- French: TEF Canada, TCF Canada
- Scores must hit the minimum CLB level for your program.
Required Documents (at a Glance)
You might need:
- Valid passport or travel document
- Approved language test results
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign education (must for FSW; optional but good for CEC/FST)
- Work letters that show duties, hours, NOC match, and dates
- Police certificates (from places you lived 6+ months after age 18)
- Medical exam by an IRCC panel doctor
- Proof of funds (if your program needs it)
- Civil documents (marriage, birth, name change, etc.)
- Job offer and LMIA or exemption proof, if claiming arranged work
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Check if you qualify
- Pick the right program (FSW, CEC, FST).
- Find your NOC 2021 TEER code and make sure your work fits.
- Take an approved language test
- Reach the minimum CLB level for your program. Better scores help your CRS.
- Get your ECA (if needed)
- FSW must have an ECA for foreign education.
- For CEC/FST, an ECA can add points to CRS.
- Create your Express Entry profile (IRCC account)
- Put in your info, language results, education (and ECA), work history, and job offer (if any).
- Your profile gets a CRS score.
- Join the pool and watch for draws
- IRCC does general, program-specific, and category-based draws.
- Keep your docs up to date and update your profile if things change.
- Get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- If invited, send your electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) by the deadline in your IRCC account.
- Upload all docs, pay fees, and submit.
- Do biometrics and medicals
- Follow IRCC steps for biometrics and medical exams.
- Wait for a decision
- IRCC might ask for more docs.
- If approved, you get Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and landing instructions.
CRS Score: What It Is and How to Improve It
CRS ranks profiles by:
- Age, education, language skills
- Skilled work (in Canada and abroad)
- Spouse/partner factors (if any)
- Extras: provincial nomination, job offer, Canadian study, French skills, siblings in Canada
Ways to boost CRS:
- Improve language scores (English and/or French)
- Get more skilled work experience
- Finish higher education and update ECA
- Get a valid job offer that fits IRCC rules
- Aim for a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) nomination
- Add French test results if you know the language
CRS details: Check the official Comprehensive Ranking System guide from IRCC.
Category-Based Selection Draws
IRCC runs category-based draws to fill job needs and boost French speakers. Categories target skills or French ability. IRCC can change them.
Learn more about how they pick and announce categories at IRCC’s category-based selection page.
Fees, Biometrics, and Processing
- Pay PR processing fee, Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF), and biometrics fee (if needed).
- Times and fees can change. Check latest info on IRCC before applying.
- IRCC will guide you on biometrics and medical exams with a panel physician.
Working in Canada During or Before PR (Important Distinction)
- Express Entry does not give a temporary work permit.
- If you are in Canada and have sent a full PR application under Express Entry (and meet rules), you might qualify for a Bridging Open Work Permit. See details at IRCC’s bridging open work permit page.
- If outside Canada and want to work first, you usually need an employer-specific permit (often with LMIA) or an exempt one under the International Mobility Program.
Common Reasons Express Entry Files Are Returned or Refused
- Language test or ECA expired when submitting eAPR
- Work letters lack details (duties, hours, NOC match)
- Wrong NOC picked for experience
- Missing police certificates or medical proof
- Not enough proof of funds when needed
- Claiming job offer without proper docs (like LMIA or exemption)
Official Resources to Verify Current Rules
For the best, current info and any October 2025 updates, use the official IRCC pages linked above:
- Express Entry overview (programs and steps)
- Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
- Category-based selection draws
- Bridging open work permit (BOWP)
Disclaimer: This guide comes only from Government of Canada current sources always check IRCC before applying.
