Express Entry Step-by-Step (2026): From Profile to PR

Express Entry is the most popular Canadian PR route for a reason: it is fast, transparent, and entirely online. Here is the full process, with realistic timelines for each step.

Step 1: Confirm eligibility (1 day)

You must qualify for at least one of the three federal programs (FSW, CEC, FST). Use IRCC's "Come to Canada" questionnaire as a first check, then validate with an RCIC – the questionnaire is non-binding and frequently misleading.

Step 2: Take a language test (4–8 weeks)

Approved tests for English: IELTS General Training or CELPIP-General. For French: TEF Canada or TCF Canada. Aim for CLB 9 in all four skills (IELTS L 8.0 / R 7.0 / W 7.0 / S 7.0) – this unlocks the maximum language CRS points.

Step 3: Get your Educational Credential Assessment (4–10 weeks)

All foreign degrees must be assessed by an IRCC-designated organisation:

• WES (most common, 5–7 weeks)
• IQAS (Alberta, 4–6 weeks)
• ICES (BC, 4–6 weeks)
• CES at University of Toronto (8–10 weeks)
• ICAS (5–6 weeks)

Step 4: Create your Express Entry profile (1 day)

Set up an IRCC Secure Account and submit your profile. You will need: passport, ECA, language test, work history (NOC code, dates, hours/week), education, and family information. The profile is valid for 12 months.

Step 5: Maximise your CRS score

Easiest CRS upgrades while you wait in the pool:

• Re-take IELTS for higher writing/speaking scores (often +20–40 points)
• Add French at NCLC 7+ (up to +50 points)
• Get a provincial nomination (+600 points)
• Add 1 more year of skilled work experience (+13–25 points)
• Spouse's language test, ECA, and work experience (+up to 40 points)

Step 6: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

IRCC runs draws every 2–4 weeks. If your CRS exceeds the cut-off, you receive an ITA in your online account. You then have 60 days to submit a complete electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).

Step 7: Submit eAPR (the 60-day sprint)

Documents you will need:

• Police clearance certificates from every country lived in 6+ months since age 18
• Proof of funds (bank letters, FD certificates, mutual fund statements)
• Reference letters for every job listed in the past 10 years (must include duties, hours, salary, dates)
• Birth, marriage, and divorce certificates
• Digital photos meeting IRCC specs

This is the highest-risk step – missing or weak documentation leads to refusals.

Step 8: Biometrics & medicals (2–6 weeks)

IRCC will email a biometrics request within 1–2 weeks of eAPR submission. Book at the nearest VFS centre. A panel-physician medical exam is also required – many applicants do this upfront to save time.

Step 9: COPR and landing

Decision typically arrives 4–6 months after eAPR. Approved? You receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and instructions to either land at a Canadian port of entry or complete virtual landing if already in Canada. Welcome to Canada.

Want a CRS audit and document checklist tailored to your case? Talk to a Gujju World Immigration RCIC →