Permanent residence
Canada's Express Entry
Express Entry is the common permanent residence route for skilled applicants. You build a profile, get a score and, if invited, submit a full application.
An overview
In Express Entry you enter your education, work and language details in a profile. The system works out a CRS score and profiles compete in a pool. From time to time the government invites people with higher scores.
There are three main programs: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). For a fuller explanation, read our article "The complete guide to Express Entry".
Permanent residenceKey points
CRS score
Age, education, language and work experience all count.
Provincial nomination
Can raise the score significantly.
Profile validity
A profile stays in the pool for up to 12 months.
The 60-day window
After an invitation you have 60 days to submit the full application.
The steps in short
- 1
Check eligibility
See which program you qualify for.
- 2
Language test and credential assessment
A valid test result and, where needed, an ECA.
- 3
Create a profile
Enter your details in your IRCC account.
- 4
Receive an invitation (ITA)
If your score reaches the invitation level.
- 5
Submit the full application
After the invitation, with all documents.
Common documents
- A valid passport
- A valid language test result
- Education records and credential assessment (ECA)
- Work history and employer letters
- Police certificates
- Medical exam as IRCC directs
Good to know
- The score needed for an invitation is not fixed; check the current figure with IRCC.
- Your profile must match your documents exactly.
- Prepare documents before the invitation arrives.
- Rules and draw categories change.
Frequently asked questions
Who does Express Entry accept?
Applicants who meet the requirements of one of the three programs. Education, language and work experience matter most.
How long does a profile stay in the pool?
Up to 12 months. If you are not invited in that time you can create a new one if you still qualify.
How long do I have after an invitation?
60 days to submit the full application, so have your documents ready in advance.