Express Entry in Canada: who qualifies and how to apply

You need to qualify for at least one of the three programs before Express Entry is relevant. The tests differ:

• Federal Skilled Worker: at least one year of continuous skilled work experience (TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3) in the last ten years, language results of CLB 7 or higher in all four abilities, a completed education credential (with an Educational Credential Assessment if it is foreign), at least 67 points on the six-factor selection grid, and proof of settlement funds unless you are already working in Canada with a valid job offer.
• Canadian Experience Class: at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada in the last three years, gained while authorised to work, with CLB 7 (TEER 0 or 1 jobs) or CLB 5 (TEER 2 or 3 jobs). No education or funds requirement.
• Federal Skilled Trades: at least two years of experience in an eligible skilled trade in the last five years, a valid job offer of at least one year or a certificate of qualification from a Canadian province or territory, and language results of CLB 5 in speaking and listening and CLB 4 in reading and writing.
• All programs: you must be admissible to Canada (medical and security checks) and intend to live outside Quebec, which runs its own skilled-worker selection.

1. Take an approved language test (IELTS General Training, CELPIP General, PTE Core, TEF Canada or TCF Canada) and, if your education is from outside Canada, order an Educational Credential Assessment. Both take weeks, so start here.
2. Confirm which program you qualify for and estimate your CRS score. Our calculator gives an estimate; your consultant confirms it against the current rules.
3. Create your Express Entry profile. It is valid for twelve months and can be updated when your circumstances change, for example new test results or a provincial nomination.
4. Improve your ranking while you wait: a provincial nomination adds 600 points, French results at NCLC 7 add up to 50, and higher language scores lift both your core points and skill-transferability points.
5. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in a draw for which you are eligible. From that date you have 60 days to submit the complete permanent residence application.
6. Submit the application with police certificates, medical exam, proof of funds and work-experience evidence that matches your profile exactly. Discrepancies between the profile and the application are the most common reason for refusal.
7. Respond to any IRCC requests, then receive the confirmation of permanent residence and, if you are outside Canada, the visa to travel and land.

What CRS score do I need?

There is no fixed minimum. Each draw sets its own cut-off, and category-based draws for healthcare, trades, education or French often invite at lower scores than general draws. Compare your estimate with the recent rounds listed on this page.

How long does Express Entry take?

The pool itself has no timeline; it depends on when your score is invited. Once you receive an ITA you have 60 days to apply, and IRCC publishes a processing standard for complete applications after that.

Do I need a job offer?

No. Most invited candidates do not have one, and since March 2025 a job offer no longer adds CRS points. A job offer still matters for the Federal Skilled Trades Program and for some provincial streams.

Can I include my spouse and children?

Yes. A spouse or common-law partner and dependent children are included in the same application, and a spouse's language results, education and Canadian work experience can add points to your score.

What happens if my profile expires?

A profile is valid for twelve months. If you are not invited, you simply submit a new one; nothing is lost except the time in the pool.