How to Apply for Express Entry Program in Canada

For countless people around the world, the thought of starting a new chapter in Canada sparks excitement and possibility. Its diverse culture, great economy, and high quality of life continue to attract talent from every corner of the globe. Express Entry is among the immigration pathways available in Canada, and it is the one that has changed the lives of countless individuals. It offers a chance for skilled individuals to take their ambitions beyond borders and find a place where their contributions are valued. Understanding how this system works can be the first step toward turning a vision of life in Canada into reality. Here, we will guide you through its purpose and what makes it so appealing to new immigrants.

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What is Express Entry in Canada?

Express Entry is a management system that IRCC Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) uses to handle and process applications for permanent residency in Canada. These applications were obtained through the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker, and Federal Skilled Trade programs. After comparing all qualified applicants, the system asks the top-ranked applicants to apply for Canada permanent residency. Applicants are ranked according to their education, age, language proficiency, work experience, and other criteria.

How Does the Express Entry System Work?

Express Entry functions in a sequence of organized steps:

1. Eligibility &Profile Creation: Candidates must first qualify for one of three federal programs: the Canadian experience program, the federal skilled worker, and the skilled trades program. Eligible people join the Express Entry pool by creating an online profile.

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2. Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): The CRS assigns points to each profile according to age, education, language proficiency, and work experience.

3. Invitation to Apply (ITA): Regular draws permit the top-ranked applicants to apply for permanent residence. After receiving an invitation, candidates have sixty days to finish their application.

Eligibility for Express Entry Application

Applicants for Express Entry must qualify under one of these federal economic immigration programs.

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): The Federal Skilled Worker Program is designed for people with international job experience who desire to relocate to Canada permanently. To be eligible, you must satisfy the following requirements:

Work Experience: A minimum of one year of consistent full-time or comparable part-time work experience in a skilled occupation in the past ten years is required.
Language Skills: A standardized language test demonstrating proficiency in French or English.
Education: A high school diploma, certificate, or degree from Canada or a post-secondary institution, or an equivalent international certification.
Proof of Funds: Enough money to sustain you and your family in Canada, pending a legitimate job offer or a valid work permit.
Points System: The FSWP grid requires a minimum score of 67 points out of 100, which assesses criteria such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and flexibility.

2. Canadian Express Class: Skilled individuals with Canadian work experience who wish to apply for permanent residency can enroll in the Canadian Experience Class. To qualify, you must:

Work Experience: You must have worked in Canada for at least a year in the last three years in a professional, skilled, or technical capacity.
Language Proficiency: You must fulfill the language proficiency requirements for each of the following language skills: speaking, writing, reading, and listening.
Plan to Reside Outside Quebec: The province has its immigration system.

3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): The Federal Skilled Trades Program is designed for skilled people who desire to become permanent citizens by qualifying in a specialized trade. The eligibility requirements include:

Work Experience: During the five years prior to applying, you must have at least two years full experience working in a skilled trade.
Job Offer or Certification: A legitimate offer of full-time work for a minimum of one year or a certificate of qualification in any skilled trade from a territorial, provincial, or federal authority in Canada.
Language Skills: Proficiency verified by a standardized language test in either French or English.
Proof of Funds: Enough money to sustain you and your family in Canada, pending a legitimate employment offer or prior work authorization.

What’s the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)?

The Comprehensive Ranking System is a point-based method that evaluates and scores your profile before ranking it in the Express Entry pool. Your chances of getting ITA increase with your CRS score. Points are given for CRS based on:

Core/Human Capital Factors: language proficiency, education, age, and Canadian work experience.
Skills Transferability: A mix of factors, such as education and work experience.
Spouse or Common-Law Partner Factors: Language proficiency, education, and Canadian work experience.
Additional Factors: Provincial nomination, study in Canada, a valid job offer, a sibling in Canada, and French language skills.

How to get a Canadian Immigration Visa in 2025

How to Improve Your CRS Score

There are other ways to increase your CRS points, so you don’t have to feel worried and discouraged if you receive fewer points via Canada Express Entry. Among them are:

1. Increase Your IELTS Score

One of the most crucial aspects in the Canadian immigration process is demonstrating language ability. All Canadian economic immigration routes require IELTS or other authorized language exam records. Thus, if your scores are lower on the first try, you can retake the test while receiving professional guidance. It will undoubtedly increase your CRS points.

2. Take a French Language Test

Increasing your French language proficiency can significantly raise your CRS ranking in the Express Entry pool by 32 points.

3. Upgrade Your Education

If you completed your Bachelor’s Degree and received fewer points in the express entrance pool, you can pursue a one-year postgraduate diploma or a two-year master’s degree.
A Master’s degree earns 40 points more in the Express Entry pool than a bachelor’s degree, and a one-year Post-Graduation Diploma earns 30 points more than a bachelor’s degree.
A Ph.D. degree can earn 15 additional points on top of a Master’s Degree.

4. Spousal Factors

Candidates for Express Entry who are not single must mention their spouse or common-law partner while setting up their profile. According to CRS, a single candidate may claim up to 1200 points.

However, applicants who include their spouse are entitled to receive up to 40 bonus points according to their spouse’s skills. Therefore, if your spouse’s qualifications are superior to yours, it is wise to designate them as the major applicant and to claim additional points.

5. Education Level

Your spouse may claim a maximum of 10 points for their schooling. To demonstrate the worth of their education in Canada, you must obtain an evaluation of their qualifications from World Education Services. Your spouse will receive the most points if their education in Canada amounts to a Master’s degree or above.

6. Job Offer

In the Express Entry Program, an LMIA-approved job can boost your CRS scores by 50 to 200 points. These points are based on your TEER Category 0, 1, 2, and 3. You can earn 50 or 200 points in the express admission program. TEER Categories 1, 2, and 3 gain 50 points, whereas TEER Category 0 gains 200 points.

Securing a job offer from Canada might be a critical step toward gaining permanent residency in the country. You can search for positions through the job bank site, which is available under the Express Entry program.

Entry-Level Jobs are Available in Canada

Costs Involved in Canada Express Entry

Express Entry applications come with several fees. Here’s the breakdown:

Language Tests: CAD 300.
Medical Exam: CAD 200-300.
Biometrics Fee: CAD 85.
Application Processing Fee: CAD 825.
Police Certificates: Varies depending on the country.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): CAD 200.
Right of Permanent Residence Fee: CAD 500.