What is Canada Express Entry Program?
If you’re planning to build a future and establish your career in Canada, the first step is to understand the Canada Express Entry Program. This is the main pathway through which skilled professionals from around the world can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) in Canada under the economic immigration category.
Launched in January 2015, the Express Entry System is an online immigration management system created by the Government of Canada to handle PR applications for skilled and qualified individuals. It is specifically designed for people who wish to relocate to Canada for better job opportunities and an improved standard of living. This program effectively regulates the entry of immigrants by evaluating candidates on multiple criteria.
What are the main features of the Express Entry Program?
The Express Entry Program is a point-based and fast-track immigration process that enables skilled workers to obtain Permanent Residency in Canada. It follows a modern and transparent selection approach where qualified applicants are assessed and chosen based on a comprehensive scoring system. Points are awarded for key factors like education, work experience, language ability, and professional skills.
The higher your score, the better your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. Generally, applications submitted through this system are processed within 6 to 12 months or even sooner.
Key highlights of the Express Entry Program include:
- The entire process is managed online and remains open throughout the year.
- It applies to the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Applicants must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and apply under occupations listed in TEER Categories 0, 1, 2, or 3.
- Profiles are evaluated based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, and eligible candidates are added to the Express Entry pool.
- Canadian employers and provinces can review this pool to find candidates matching their labor needs.
- Individuals with the highest CRS scores receive an ITA to apply for Canada PR.
- The number of invitations issued is determined by the latest Canada Immigration Levels Plan.
How does the Canada Express Entry System work?
The Express Entry process for obtaining a Canada PR Visa involves the following major stages:
Step 1: Create Your Profile
Begin by completing the online Express Entry form, providing all required details such as education, work history, and personal documents.
Step 2: Enter the Express Entry Pool
Once your application is accepted, you’ll receive an Express Entry Profile Number and a Job Seeker Validation Code. With these, you can register your profile on the Canada Job Bank to connect with potential employers.
Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Based on your CRS score and performance in the Express Entry Draw, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) selects top-ranking candidates and issues them an Invitation to Apply for Permanent Residency.
How to Apply for a Canada PR Visa Online?
The final step in your Canada PR journey involves submitting the required documents to obtain your Permanent Resident status. Shortlisted candidates have 60 days to provide their complete application and all necessary papers. Failure to meet this deadline results in the cancellation of the Invitation to Apply (ITA).
The Express Entry System accepts PR applications under the following categories:
- Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
- Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Additionally, several Provinces and Territories in Canada invite skilled candidates from the Express Entry Pool through their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Every candidate entering the pool receives a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score—out of 1200 points-based on different aspects such as education, professional experience, language ability, adaptability, and job offers. Applicants with top CRS scores are issued an ITA, giving them 60 days to submit their full PR application. Candidates can also enhance employment prospects in Canada by creating a Job Bank profile, allowing them to connect with Canadian employers both before and after migration.
Take our free online eligibility assessment to explore your Express Entry and Canada PR options.
What is the Canada In-Demand Occupation List?
Another vital component that significantly affects your PR Visa application—apart from your CRS score—is the Canada Occupation In-Demand List. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) identifies labor market requirements and classifies all occupations under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. Occupations are categorized according to the type of work and responsibilities involved.
Previously, work experience under NOC Skill Types 0, A, or B (from the 2016 NOC system) was required. However, the 2021 update introduced TEER (Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities) categories that replaced these older skill levels.
TEER Categories
TEER 0
- Managerial-level professions.
TEER 1
- Completion of a university degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctorate); or
- Several years of relevant experience from TEER Category 2 occupations (if applicable).
TEER 2
- Completion of a two- or three-year post-secondary program; or
- Apprenticeship training lasting two to five years; or
- Roles with significant safety or supervisory duties (e.g., police, firefighters); or
- Several years of related work experience from TEER Category 3.
TEER 3
- Completion of a shorter post-secondary program (less than two years); or
- Apprenticeship training of under two years; or
- At least six months of on-the-job training or vocational courses; or
- Several years of experience in a TEER 4 occupation.
TEER 4
- Completion of secondary school; or
- Several weeks of job-specific training; or
- Extensive experience in a TEER 5 occupation.
TEER 5
- Occupations that typically require only a short work demonstration and no formal education.
With six new TEER categories replacing the older four skill levels, here’s how the 2016 NOC system aligns with the 2021 TEER classification:
| Skill Type or Level | Equivalent TEER Category |
|---|---|
| Skill Type 0 | TEER 0 |
| Skill Level A | TEER 1 |
| Skill Level B | TEER 2 and TEER 3 |
| Skill Level C | TEER 4 |
| Skill Level D | TEER 5 |
Read More: Find Your NOC/TEER
How Does the Canada Express Entry Points Calculator Work?
The Canada Express Entry Points Calculator estimates how many points you might earn toward PR eligibility. Points are granted through the 67 Points System, considering various parameters such as language ability, education, work background, and age. The IRCC conducts bi-weekly draws, inviting top-scoring candidates to apply for PR through ITA issuance.
How to Check Your Eligibility for Canada Express Entry?
To determine eligibility, applicants must answer a set of questions to assess whether they can immigrate as skilled workers. The Express Entry framework includes three main programs—each with its own criteria. Questions are typically cantered on:
- Age
- Work experience
- Education and skill level
- Language ability
- Valid job offer
Based on your responses, you’ll be informed which stream best suits you. Ensure all provided information is truthful and accurate, as any false detail can disqualify your profile.
Qualified candidates receive a Comprehensive Ranking System score and are added to the Express Entry pool, where they await an invitation during future draws.
How to Get an ITA for a PR Visa?
The Government of Canada usually holds Express Entry draws every two weeks. Each draw sets a minimum CRS cut-off, determining the lowest score required to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR. Once selected, candidates have 60 days to submit their official PR application online.
Selections are entirely merit-based, relying on CRS rankings. The IRCC conducts multiple draws monthly under various streams, such as the Federal Skilled Worker Program, giving maximum opportunities to qualified applicants.
As per the new immigration plan announced on October 24, 2024, Canada aims to welcome over 365,000 new immigrants each year:
- 2025: 395,000 new immigrants
- 2026: 380,000 new immigrants
- 2027: 365,000 new immigrants
Every year, the IRCC issues a fresh Canada Immigration Levels Plan, outlining the country’s annual targets.
The Express Entry system selects candidates using a point-based mechanism, evaluating them on education, work experience, language skills, and age. In simple terms, the higher your CRS score, the faster your ITA chances.
How to Improve Your CRS Score for an ITA?
If your CRS score is below the required threshold, don’t worry—there are multiple ways to boost it:
-
1. Enhance Your IELTS Score
Improving your English language test results (IELTS or CELPIP) is one of the fastest ways to raise your CRS. Retaking the test with professional guidance can significantly improve your ranking. -
2. Attempt the French (TEF) Language Test
Scoring well on a French proficiency test can increase your CRS by up to 32 points. -
3. Upgrade Your Education
If you only have a bachelor’s degree, consider advancing your studies:- 1-year Postgraduate Diploma = +30 points
- 2-year Master’s Degree = +40 points
- Ph.D. Degree = +15 additional points over a Master’s
-
4. Utilize Spousal Factors
Married applicants can gain up to 40 additional CRS points based on their spouse’s skills, education, and language ability. A spouse’s education level can contribute up to 10 points, provided it is ECA (Educational Credential Assessment) verified. -
5. Secure a Valid Job Offer
Obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) - approved job offer can add 50 to 200 CRS points, depending on the occupation’s TEER level:- TEER 0: +200 points
- TEER 1, 2, or 3: +50 points
Creating a Job Bank account under Express Entry helps candidates connect with Canadian employers and enhance their employment opportunities—both before and after immigration.
How Apical Immigration Experts Can Assist You
- CICC Registered Experts
- Dedicated Hand-Holding Support
- Transparent & Ethical Process
- Average Processing Time: 9–12 Months
At Apical Immigration Experts, we have successfully guided thousands of applicants and their families in obtaining Canada PR Visas through the Federal Express Entry Program. Our qualified and CICC-registered immigration professionals possess in-depth knowledge and years of experience to evaluate your profile precisely and recommend the most suitable immigration pathway aligned with your goals.
With over 18 years of excellence in the immigration field, Apical Immigration Experts has earned a strong reputation for trust, credibility, and success. We have continuously supported aspiring professionals and families in achieving their dream of settling abroad through personalized and efficient immigration services.
We are proud to be recognized as one of the leading and most trusted immigration consulting firms in India, known for our high success rate and client satisfaction across multiple visa categories.
Why Choose Apical Immigration Experts for Your Canada PR Visa?
- Guidance from authorized and licensed immigration consultants
- Step-by-step assistance throughout eligibility checks and visa processing
- Secure online procedures ensuring complete transparency
- Dedicated support team and an effective complaint resolution system
- Experience handling over 30,000 visa applications successfully
- Each application is thoroughly reviewed multiple times before final submission
- Quick assessment of education, work experience, and skill qualifications
FAQs: Canada Express Entry Program
The Canada Express Entry Program is an online immigration system used by the Government of Canada to manage Permanent Residency (PR) applications for skilled workers. It operates under three streams — the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and Canadian Experience Class — helping qualified candidates immigrate quickly based on their skills and CRS scores.
Anyone with skilled work experience, a recognized educational qualification, and language proficiency in English or French can apply. Candidates must also meet the eligibility requirements of at least one Express Entry stream and create an online profile to enter the Express Entry pool.
The Express Entry system ranks candidates using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which assigns points for factors like age, education, work experience, and language ability. Applicants with the highest CRS scores are invited to apply for Permanent Residency through regular Express Entry draws conducted by IRCC.
Most Express Entry PR applications are processed within 6 to 12 months from the date of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). However, timelines can vary depending on profile completeness, document verification, and immigration draw frequency.
You can raise your CRS score by improving your IELTS or French language test results, pursuing a higher education credential, gaining more work experience, or obtaining a Provincial Nomination. A valid job offer from a Canadian employer can also significantly boost your ranking and PR chances.
