A Complete Guide to Canada’s Express Entry System: How to Immigrate as a Skilled Worker
Canada's Express Entry system is one of the most popular and efficient ways for skilled workers to gain permanent residency (PR). Designed to attract top talent from around the world, Express Entry is a points-based system that prioritizes candidates who are most likely to succeed in Canada’s labor market. With fast processing times, a transparent selection system, and the ability to bring your family, Express Entry is a top choice for aspiring immigrants.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Express Entry—from its background and core programs to tips on improving your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and completing your application after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
What Is Express Entry?
Launched in 2015, Express Entry is an online application system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage applications for permanent residency. It was created to speed up the immigration process for skilled workers and better align Canada’s immigration system with labor market needs.
Express Entry is not a visa or a program itself but rather a system that manages applications under three key economic immigration programs:
The Three Express Entry Programs
1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
For individuals with foreign work experience.
Requires a minimum of one year of continuous full-time (or equivalent) skilled work experience in the past 10 years.
Requires language test results and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).
2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada within the last three years.
Ideal for temporary foreign workers or international graduates already working in Canada.
3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
For individuals qualified in a skilled trade (e.g., electricians, plumbers).
Requires a valid job offer or certificate of qualification from a Canadian authority.
How to Enter the Express Entry Pool: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Use IRCC’s online tool to verify which program(s) you qualify for.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Language test results (IELTS, CELPIP, or TEF)
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
Proof of work experience
Step 3: Create an IRCC Account
Register and fill out your Express Entry profile online.
You’ll need to include information on education, work experience, language ability, and other factors.
Step 4: Get Your CRS Score
Once your profile is submitted, you’ll be assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and entered into the candidate pool.
What Is the CRS and How Can You Improve Your Score?
The CRS is a points-based system used to rank candidates based on:
Age
Education
Language proficiency
Work experience (Canada and abroad)
Spouse’s qualifications
Job offer (if applicable)
Provincial nomination (adds 600 points!)
Tips to Improve Your CRS Score:
Retake your language test to improve scores
Gain additional work experience
Pursue further education or an ECA for secondary credentials
Secure a provincial nomination through a PNP
Receive a valid job offer from a Canadian employer
How Express Entry Draws Work
IRCC conducts regular draws (usually biweekly) to invite top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residency. In each draw:
A minimum CRS cut-off score is announced
Candidates above the cut-off receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Recent trends show targeted draws for specific occupations or categories (e.g., healthcare, STEM, trades)
Recent Updates and Trends
Introduction of category-based draws (healthcare, STEM, trades, French-speaking candidates)
Lower CRS thresholds for in-demand occupations
Ongoing adjustments to align with labor shortages
Stay up-to-date by regularly checking IRCC’s official website.
Key Benefits of Express Entry
Fast processing times (average 6 months)
No job offer needed (except for FSTP or to boost CRS score)
Include family members on your PR application
Freedom to live and work anywhere in Canada
Access to universal healthcare, public education, and social programs
Pathway to citizenship after gaining PR
Ready to take the first step toward Canadian permanent residency through Express Entry?
Book a personalized consultation with Lyc Immigration today. Our expert consultants will:
Evaluate your eligibility
Help you maximize your CRS score
Assist in profile creation and document preparation
Guide you from ITA to PR approval
Don’t wait, Canada is calling! Contact Lyc Immigration today and start your journey toward a new life.