What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is the online system the Government of Canada uses to manage permanent residence applications from skilled people. You enter your details as a profile, the system gives you a score, and profiles compete in a pool. From time to time, the government invites people with higher scores to submit a formal application.
Express Entry has three programs
Your profile can enter the pool if you meet the requirements of at least one of these:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program
- Federal Skilled Trades Program
- Canadian Experience Class, for people who have worked in Canada
Each program has its own requirements. Checking which one you qualify for is the first step.
What is the CRS score?
The CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) score is a number the system works out for your profile. The main factors are:
- Age
- Level of education
- English and French language ability
- Work experience
- How these factors combine
- Your spouse or partner's details, if they come with you
- Other factors, such as a provincial nomination
The score needed to be invited changes from draw to draw and is not fixed. Always check the current figure on the official IRCC website.
The steps in short
- Check eligibility: see which program you qualify for.
- Language test: you need a valid language test result. If you use education from outside Canada, you usually need an educational credential assessment (ECA) too.
- Create a profile: enter your education, work and language details in your IRCC account.
- Enter the pool: your profile stays in the pool for up to 12 months.
- Receive an invitation to apply (ITA): if your score is high enough, you are invited.
- Submit a complete application: after the ITA you have 60 days to send the full application and documents.
- Review and decision: IRCC reviews the application and makes the final decision.
What role do provincial programs play?
Some provinces can nominate suitable candidates from the pool. A provincial nomination has a significant effect on the CRS score and can raise your chance of an invitation. Each province has its own rules and programs.
Common mistakes
- Entering wrong or incomplete information in the profile. Everything you enter must match your documents.
- Letting a language test expire before you submit the application.
- Starting to collect documents only after the ITA. 60 days is short, so have documents ready in advance.
- Relying on old information. Rules and draw patterns change.
What to do next
Start by checking your eligibility with the official IRCC tool. If you want to know which route suits your situation, or want us to review your file before you submit it, book a consultation with VisaMehr.
This article is general information and does not replace immigration advice for your own situation. Rules and programs change; check the current details on the official Government of Canada (IRCC) website.