Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada's main immigration system for skilled workers seeking permanent residency. It manages three federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), for internationally trained professionals with foreign work experience; the Canadian Experience Class (CEC), for those who have already gained skilled work experience inside Canada; and the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), for qualified tradespeople. Candidates create an online profile and are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points based on age, education, language ability, and work experience. The highest-scoring candidates receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) in regular draws conducted by IRCC.

Eligibility requirements vary by program. The FSWP requires at least one year of continuous skilled foreign work experience, a minimum language score, and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for foreign degrees. The CEC requires at least one year of skilled Canadian work experience and meets language thresholds — no job offer or ECA required. Because CEC applicants are already established in Canada, their profiles typically score higher and receive invitations more frequently. Processing times for complete Express Entry applications are generally six months or less, making it one of the fastest routes to Canadian permanent residency available today.