Express Entry
Canada's primary system for managing permanent residence applications from skilled workers — covering three federal economic immigration programs.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada's primary system for managing applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. IRCC uses Express Entry to manage three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP). Candidates who meet the minimum requirements for at least one program are placed in the Express Entry pool and assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. IRCC holds regular draws — typically every two weeks — and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to the highest-ranking candidates.
How Express Entry Works
Create an Express Entry Profile
Submit your profile through your IRCC secure account. You must be eligible for at least one of the three Express Entry programs to enter the pool.
Enter the Pool & Receive a CRS Score
Once in the pool, you are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on your age, education, language scores, work experience, and other factors.
Wait for a Round of Invitations
IRCC holds regular draws. In each draw, the highest-ranking candidates — either overall or within a specific category — receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Submit Your Application Within 60 Days
If you receive an ITA, you have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. Incomplete applications may be returned.
Receive a Decision
IRCC reviews your application for program eligibility, accuracy of profile information, category eligibility (if applicable), and admissibility. Standard processing is 6 months.
Three Programs Under Express Entry
You must be eligible for at least one of these three programs to enter the Express Entry pool:
Federal Skilled Worker Program
For skilled workers with foreign work experience. Requires a minimum 67-point score on the FSW selection grid, CLB 7 language, and an ECA for foreign credentials.
67/100 on FSW grid + 1 yr foreign work exp
CECCanadian Experience Class
For skilled workers who already have at least 1 year of Canadian work experience within the last 3 years. No education requirement. No minimum points grid.
1 yr Canadian work experience (last 3 years)
FSTPFederal Skilled Trades Program
For qualified tradespeople with 2 years of skilled trade experience. Requires a job offer or certificate of qualification in Canada.
2 yrs trade experience + job offer or certificate
Category-Based Draws
In addition to general and program-specific draws, IRCC holds category-based rounds of invitations. In these draws, IRCC targets candidates who meet criteria for a specific economic goal — such as work experience in a priority occupation or French language proficiency. Candidates invited through category-based draws must still be eligible for at least one of the three Express Entry programs. Category-based draws allow candidates in priority occupations to receive an ITA even if their CRS score is below the general draw cutoff.
Policy Disclaimer
Immigration policies, category lists, and eligible occupations are established by the Minister of Immigration and are subject to change at any time without notice. The information on this page reflects IRCC's published guidelines as of February 20, 2026. Always verify current categories and requirements at canada.ca before making any immigration decisions.
Current Categories (10)
Important: The categories and eligible occupations listed above are established by the Minister of Immigration and may be updated, added, or removed at any time. Asteco Immigration Consulting maintains this page as a general reference only. Always consult an RCIC and verify current categories at canada.ca before making any immigration decisions.
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Check My Eligibility — FreeBook a ConsultationDisclaimer: This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Immigration policies are subject to change by IRCC at any time. Consult our RCIC before making immigration decisions.