Express Entry
What is Express Entry?
As of January 2015, Citizen and Immigration Canada (CIC) introduced a new online system to manage application for permanent residency under certain economic programs. This new system is called the Express Entry system.
The goal of the Express Entry system is to allow CIC to expedite application processing time in an effort to secure the best immigration candidates.
Express Entry is not a new immigration program. It is an online selection system for candidates who qualify for immigration through one of the three federal economic immigration classes:
Federal Skilled Trade
FSTP is for skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade.
Federal Skilled Worker
FSWP has been the main way Canada has welcomed talent from all across the globe.
Canadian Experience Class
The Canadian government welcomes the desire of foreign professionals with Canadian experience to become permanent residents of Canada.
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How Express Entry Works?
With the Express Entry System, an electronic profile of the applicant must be prepared and submitted to CIC. Canadian by Choice can help you navigate through this process and submit the best profile for you.
We will then assess and rank your profile amongst other applicant’s profiles in a pool. Your assessment and ranking will be based on:
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Age
Younger applicants receive higher points, with the maximum awarded to those aged 20-29. Points decrease with age. -
Education
Higher education levels, such as bachelor's, master's, or PhD degrees, earn more points. Foreign credentials must be assessed through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA). -
English and/or French language skills
Strong proficiency in English and/or French (Canada’s official languages) significantly boosts CRS scores. Language tests such as IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF are required. -
Work experience
Canadian and foreign work experience both contribute to the CRS score. More years of skilled work experience improve ranking, with Canadian experience being more valuable. -
Other factors
Additional points are awarded for factors such as having a job offer, a provincial nomination, Canadian education, or a spouse’s qualifications.
What Are the Requirements for Express Entry?
To be eligible for Express Entry as a skilled worker, you must meet the following minimum criteria:
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Work Experience
You must have at least one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience within the last 10 years. This experience must be in an occupation classified under TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. If you have foreign or Canadian work experience, refer to our guide on Proof of Work Experience for Express Entry to understand required documentation and verification by IRCC. -
Education
You must have completed post-secondary education assessed against Canadian standards through an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) if your education was obtained outside Canada.
Language Proficiency Requirements
Your required Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level depends on your NOC category and program:
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Canadian Experience Class
- CLB 7 for TEER 0 or TEER 1 occupations
- CLB 5 for TEER 2 or TEER 3 occupations
- Federal Skilled Worker Program - CLB 7 required for all applicants
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Federal Skilled Trades Program
- CLB 5 for speaking and listening
- CLB 4 for reading and writing
Latest Updates
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French-Language Bonus Points
Candidates with strong French proficiency can receive additional CRS points, even if French is their second language. -
Occupation-Specific Draws
IRCC now conducts category-based Express Entry draws targeting specific high-demand occupations, including healthcare, STEM, and trades. -
Provincial Nomination Advantage
Candidates with a Provincial Nomination (PNP) receive an additional 600 CRS points, virtually guaranteeing an Invitation to Apply (ITA). -
Elimination of Additional Points for Job Offers
To combat fraud, Express Entry candidates will no longer receive additional points for having a job offer. This temporary measure aims to reduce the misuse of Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) to improve selection chances.
How Much Does Express Entry Cost?
The cost of immigrating to Canada through Express Entry varies depending on your family size and specific application stream. On average, a single applicant can expect to pay around $2,300 CAD, while a couple may spend approximately $4,500 CAD. Additional costs apply for dependents.
Breakdown of Express Entry Costs
- Language Tests (IELTS, CELPIP, TEF, TCF): $300-$350 CAD
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): $200-$250 CAD
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photos): $85 CAD/person
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Government Processing Fees
- Principal applicant: $1,525 CAD (including Right of Permanent Residence Fee)
- Spouse/partner: $1,525 CAD
- Dependent child: $260 CAD per child
- Medical Examination Fees: $250-$450 CAD per person (varies by country and provider)
- Police Clearance Certificates: $100 CAD per country (varies by country of residence)
Additional Costs and Considerations
- Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Fees: If applying through a PNP stream, expect to pay an additional $250 - $1,500 CAD, depending on the province.
- Proof of Funds Requirement: If you are not applying under the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or do not have a valid arranged job offer, you must prove that you have sufficient settlement funds. These are not fees paid to the government, but they must be available in your account.
Settlement Funds Requirement
The cost of immigrating to Canada through Express Entry varies depending on your family size and specific application stream. On average, a single applicant can expect to pay around $2,300 CAD, while a couple may spend approximately $4,500 CAD. Additional costs apply for dependents.
| Family Size | Required Settlement Funds (CAD) |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $14,690 |
| 2 People | $18,288 |
| 3 People | $22,483 |
| 4 People | $27,297 |
| 5 People | $30,690 |
| 6 People | $34,917 |
| 7 People or More | +$4,227 per additional person |
There are no government fees to submit your initial Express Entry profile. Fees are only required after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). To improve your chances of selection, consider maximizing your CRS score by improving your language test results, obtaining Canadian work experience, or securing a provincial nomination.
How Long Does Express Entry Take?
The Express Entry process can be completed in as little as six months, from submitting your profile to receiving a permanent resident visa. However, processing times vary based on factors such as completeness of your application, background checks, and category-specific draws.
- Express Entry Profile Validity – Once submitted, your profile remains active in the pool for 12 months if you do not receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA). If you are not invited within this period, you can resubmit a new profile and remain in the pool.
- Receiving an ITA – If selected, you will have 60 days to submit a complete application with all supporting documents.
- Application Processing Time – IRCC aims to process most complete applications within 6 months, but delays may occur due to background checks, document verification, or increased application volumes.
Advantages of Express Entry
Candidates’ profiles are ranked against each other according to a points-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranked candidates will be considered for an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Those receiving an ITA must quickly submit a full application and pay the processing fees, within a delay of 60 days.
Important
The federal government aims to process complete PR applications in only 6 months.
- Better aligns Canada’s immigration intake with labour market requirements.
- Ability to alter the program quickly and efficiently based on Canada’s economic needs.
- Candidates can improve their scores whilst in the pool, meaning they can work towards achieving an Invitation to Apply.
- Offers a clear and realistic picture of a candidate’s Canada immigration prospects.
- Gives government flexibility on immigration through CRS changes and program-specific draws.
- Dramatically reduced processing times by prioritizing those more likely to be successful.