Express Entry – Permanent residence for skilled workers

Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing applications from skilled workers who want to settle in Canada permanently. It runs regular invitation rounds for candidates who meet eligibility requirements and rank under the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).

How Express Entry works (general overview)

• Candidates may create an Express Entry profile if they meet eligibility for at least one federal program.

• Profiles in the pool are assigned a CRS score based on factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience.

• IRCC holds regular invitation rounds (general, PNP-specific, and category-based).

• If invited, candidates may submit an application for permanent residence. IRCC publishes service standards for processing times, which can vary by program and case.

  
  

The three federal Express Entry programs

Express Entry manages applications under three federal immigration programs. The summaries below are high-level; full eligibility rules are set by IRCC.

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) – for skilled workers with eligible Canadian work experience gained in the 3 years before applying. There is no education requirement, but applicants must meet language thresholds and intend to reside outside Quebec.

  
  

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) – for skilled workers with foreign or Canadian work experience who meet minimum requirements for education, language, and other selection factors (including a points-based assessment).

  
  

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) – for workers qualified in a skilled trade who have either a valid job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification in their trade. There is no education requirement, but language and trade-specific rules apply.

  
  

  Note: Candidates must be eligible for at least one of these three programs to enter the Express Entry pool.

  
  

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) and Express Entry

Many provinces and territories operate immigration streams that can interact with Express Entry. In some cases, a provincial or territorial nomination can add a significant number of CRS points to a candidate’s score.

• Candidates may apply directly to a province’s or territory’s immigration stream, if available.

• If a nomination is granted through an Express Entry-aligned stream, the candidate may update their Express Entry profile to reflect the nomination.

• IRCC may invite candidates with a nomination in specific rounds of invitations.

PNP nominees are generally expected to intend to reside in the province or territory that nominated them.

Category-based selection (economic priority draws)

In addition to general and PNP-related rounds, IRCC may hold category-based selection draws to support identified economic and demographic goals. To be considered in a category-based round, candidates must:

• Be eligible for one of the three federal Express Entry programs; and

• Meet any specific criteria set by IRCC for that category (for example, work experience in certain occupations or proficiency in an official language).

  
  

IRCC has indicated categories such as:

• French-language proficiency

• Healthcare and social services occupations

• Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations

• Trade occupations

• Agriculture and agri-food occupations

• Education occupations

  
  

NOTE: IRCC may add, remove, or modify categories over time.

CRS points and recent policy changes

A candidate’s rank in the pool is based on their CRS score, which considers factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience.

IRCC has made changes to how certain factors are treated in the CRS over time. For example, in 2025, IRCC removed CRS points associated with job offers. A provincial or territorial nomination, where available, can have a substantial impact on a candidate’s CRS score.

Education and CRS: While education is not required for all programs, higher levels of education (including Canadian credentials, where applicable) can increase a candidate’s CRS score through points for education and related factors. Strong language results can also improve CRS scores.

Processing times

IRCC publishes service standards and processing times for Express Entry applications. Actual processing times can vary depending on the program, completeness of the application, and required background checks.

Working in Canada while an application is processed (general information)

• Some candidates who are already in Canada on a valid work permit may continue working while their permanent residence application is being processed.

• Some spouses or common-law partners may be eligible for certain types of work permits depending on the principal applicant’s status and the rules in force at the time.

NOTE: Eligibility for work permits is determined by IRCC and can change.

Who might consider Express Entry

Express Entry may be relevant for:

• Skilled workers with Canadian work experience (CEC).

• Skilled workers abroad with education, language ability, and work experience (FSWP).

• Qualified tradespeople with a job offer or Canadian certificate of qualification (FSTP).

• Candidates who may qualify for a provincial or territorial nomination.

• French-speaking skilled workers who may meet criteria for category-based selection.

Recent and upcoming changes

IRCC periodically updates Express Entry category priorities, CRS rules, and related policies. These changes can affect eligibility, CRS scores, and invitation prospects.

Next steps

If you would like an assessment of whether Express Entry may be suitable for your situation, you can schedule an Immigration Consultation to discuss your options with a Canadian licensed and regulated immigration professional.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this article serves as a general overview of the subject matter. While accurate at the time of publication, there may have been subsequent developments. For the most current updates or tailored legal guidance based on your individual situation, please contact us directly.