Canada Express Entry System

THE EXPRESS ENTRY TO A PERMANENT RESIDENCY IN CANADA (Updated April 2025)

Under Canada's Express Entry system, you can become eligible to immigrate permanently after submitting an online profile and receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from the Government of Canada. It’s designed as Canada's primary system for managing applications from skilled workers aiming to live and work in the country. The proficiency of Ansari Immigration can help make your Express Entry application process a lot easier in such a way that saves time and resources.

Here’s what you need to know about the Express Entry pathway, how the system works currently, and how you might take advantage of it.

What is Canada Express Entry System?

Introduced in January 2015, Express Entry manages applications for three main federal economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)   

• Canadian Experience Class (CEC) It also handles a portion of the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).   

It uses the points-based Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to assess and rank candidates in the Express Entry pool based on factors like age, education, skills, work experience, and language ability.

How Does Express Entry Work Now?

Express Entry involves two main stages:

1. Profile Submission: Eligible candidates express their interest by creating an online Express Entry profile detailing their qualifications. Profiles are valid for up to one year.

   
   

2. Invitation to Apply (ITA): Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) conducts regular rounds of invitations. There are now different types of draws:

   • General Draws: Invite candidates with the highest CRS scores, regardless of the program they qualify for.

   • Program-Specific Draws: Target candidates eligible for a specific program (e.g., FSWP, CEC, FSTP, or PNP).

   • Category-Based Draws: Invite candidates with specific skills, work experience, or language abilities that meet Canada's economic priorities and labour market needs. For 2025, IRCC is prioritizing candidates with strong French language skills or work experience in Healthcare/Social Services, Trades, and Education. (Note: STEM and Agriculture/Agri-Food categories also exist but may see fewer targeted draws in 2025 based on current announcements).

   
   

Important CRS Update (March 2025): Bonus CRS points are no longer awarded for having a valid Canadian job offer. Ansari Immigration can provide a detailed explanation of these stages and how category-based selection might apply to you.

Step-by-Step Guide to Express Entry:

1. Check Eligibility: Determine if you meet the minimum criteria for at least one of the Express Entry-managed programs (FSWP, FSTP, CEC). FSWP candidates also need to score at least 67 points on a separate selection grid.

   
   

2. Language Tests & ECA: Take an approved language test (e.g., IELTS, CELPIP, TEF Canada, TCF Canada, PTE Core) and obtain the required scores. If your education was outside Canada, get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA).

   
   

3. Submit Profile: Create and submit your profile on the IRCC website. You will receive a CRS score and enter the Express Entry pool.

   
   

4. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA): If you meet the CRS cut-off for a general draw, or meet the criteria for a program-specific or category-based draw, IRCC may send you an ITA.

   
   

5. Apply for Permanent Residence (APR): Once you receive an ITA, you have a specific deadline (usually 60 days) to submit your complete APR, including supporting documents, fee payment, medical examination results, and police certificates. IRCC will send an Acknowledgement of Receipt (AOR).

   
   

6. Biometrics: Submit your biometric data when requested by IRCC.

   
   

7. Final Decision: Await IRCC's final decision on your APR. IRCC aims to process complete APRs within six months for most Express Entry streams. If approved, you'll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa (if applicable) to complete your landing process in Canada.

   
   

How Long Does the Express Entry Process Take?

• An Express Entry profile remains valid in the pool for one year.

• After receiving an ITA and submitting a complete APR, IRCC's processing standard is within six months for many applications (e.g., CEC, FSWP). Processing starts once the complete application is received.

• If you don't receive an ITA within one year, you can resubmit your profile if you are still eligible.