What is Express Entry? Canada’s Immigration System Explained
Plain-English guide to Canada’s Express Entry immigration system — how it works, who qualifies, what the CRS score is, how draws work, and how to maximize your chances of getting PR.
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s online immigration management system for skilled workers seeking permanent residence. Launched by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on January 1, 2015, it replaced the old first-come, first-served system with a competitive points-based approach. Over 500,000 people have received Canadian permanent residence through Express Entry since it launched.
Instead of processing applications in the order received, Express Entry ranks candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and invites the highest-scoring candidates to apply. This allows Canada to select immigrants based on their likelihood of economic success.
The Three Express Entry Programs
How Express Entry Works — Step by Step
- Create a profile — Submit your details online at canada.ca. IRCC calculates your CRS score automatically.
- Enter the pool — If eligible, your profile enters the Express Entry pool and competes with other candidates.
- Wait for a draw — IRCC holds draws approximately every two weeks. The highest-scoring eligible candidates receive an ITA.
- Receive an ITA — You have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application with all required documents.
- Get PR approved — IRCC has a 6-month service standard to process complete Express Entry applications.
Calculate your Express Entry CRS score right now — free
What is Express Entry? Canada Immigration Explained
Plain-English guide to Canada's Express Entry system — how it works, who qualifies, what the CRS score is, and how to get your Invitation to Apply (ITA).
The Three Express Entry Programs
Step-by-Step: How Express Entry Works
- Check eligibility — Confirm you meet the minimum requirements for CEC, FSW, or FST.
- Get your documents — Language test results (IELTS/CELPIP), Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), work experience letters.
- Submit your profile — Create your Express Entry profile online at canada.ca. Your CRS score is calculated automatically.
- Enter the pool — If eligible, your profile enters the pool and is valid for 12 months.
- Receive an ITA — When IRCC holds a draw, highest-scoring eligible candidates receive an Invitation to Apply.
- Submit your PR application — You have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application.
- Get approved — IRCC targets a 6-month processing time for complete applications.