Express Entry
Express Entry is the online system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to manage immigration applications from skilled workers who want to become permanent residents. It covers three federal economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
6–8 months
RCIC Licensed
ICCRC #R1234565,000+ Families
Successfully relocated98% Success Rate
Across PNP streamsEnglish · Hindi · Chinese · Punjabi · Gujarati
Speak in your languageEligibility criteria.
You must meet every one of the following requirements to qualify. Check each carefully — our consultants can verify your fit in minutes.
Skilled Work Experience
At least 1 year of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in a NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3 occupation within the last 10 years
Canadian Work Experience
At least 12 months of full-time (or equivalent part-time) skilled work experience in Canada in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 within the last 3 years before applying. Must be paid, authorized work — not self-employment.
Skilled Trades Work Experience
At least 2 years of full-time work experience (or equivalent part-time) in a skilled trade within the last 5 years
Language Proficiency
For NOC TEER 0 or 1 jobs: CLB 7 in all abilities. For NOC TEER 2 or 3 jobs: CLB 5 in all abilities.
Language Proficiency
Minimum CLB 7 in all four abilities (reading, writing, listening, speaking) in English or French. Accepted tests: IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, TEF Canada, TCF Canada
Language Proficiency
CLB 5 for speaking and listening, CLB 4 for reading and writing
Job Offer or Certificate of Qualification
You need either a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least 1 year, OR a certificate of qualification in your trade issued by a Canadian provincial/territorial authority
Plan to Live Outside Quebec
You must plan to live outside the province of Quebec. Quebec has its own immigration programs.
Education
Canadian secondary or post-secondary credential, OR a foreign credential with an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report from a designated organization showing it is equivalent to a Canadian credential
Proof of Funds
You must show you have enough money to settle in Canada (unless you have a valid Canadian job offer or are currently authorized to work in Canada). Required amount depends on family size — e.g., single applicant needs ~CAD $14,690
Medical Admissibility
Must pass an immigration medical examination by a designated panel physician.
Medical Admissibility
Must pass an immigration medical examination
Security Clearance
Must not be criminally inadmissible
Security Clearance
Must not be criminally inadmissible. Police certificates from all countries where you lived 6+ months since age 18.
Age
While there is no strict age limit, maximum CRS points are awarded at age 20-29. Points decrease progressively after age 30. No points awarded for applicants 45 or older.
FSW Selection Grid Score
You must score at least 67 out of 100 on the six FSW selection factors: language (max 28), education (max 25), work experience (max 15), age (max 12), arranged employment (max 10), adaptability (max 10)
Medical Exam
You and your family members must pass an immigration medical exam conducted by an IRCC-designated panel physician
Security & Background Check
You must not be criminally inadmissible. Police certificates required from every country you have lived in for 6+ months since age 18
Application process.
From first review to landing — a calm, well-paced journey, mapped out step by step.
1
Check Your Eligibility
Determine if you meet the minimum requirements for the Federal Skilled Worker Program. Score yourself against the FSW selection grid (minimum 67/100) and ensure you meet language, education, and work experience requirements.
1
Gain Eligible Canadian Work Experience
Work in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3) in Canada for at least 1 year (1,560 hours full-time or equivalent part-time) within the last 3 years.
2
Take a Language Test
Complete an approved language test (IELTS General Training or CELPIP-General for English; TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French). You need a minimum of CLB 7 in all four abilities.
2
Take an Approved Language Test
Complete IELTS General Training, CELPIP-General, TEF Canada, or TCF Canada to prove language ability.
3
Get an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
If your education was obtained outside Canada, get an ECA from a designated organization (WES, IQAS, etc.) to verify your foreign credentials are equivalent to a Canadian credential.
3
Create Express Entry Profile
Submit your profile in the Express Entry system with your work experience, language scores, and personal information.
4
Create Your Express Entry Profile
Submit your Express Entry profile online through the IRCC portal. Your profile includes information about your skills, work experience, language ability, education, and other factors used to assess you under the CRS.
4
Receive ITA & Submit PR Application
Wait for an Invitation to Apply and submit your complete PR application within 60 days.
5
Processing & Decision
IRCC reviews your application, conducts background checks, and makes a decision.
5
Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
Wait for an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence through an Express Entry draw. The highest-ranked candidates are invited in regular draws. If invited, you have 60 days to submit a complete application.
6
Submit Your Application for PR
If you receive an ITA, submit a complete application for permanent residence within 60 days. Include all required documents: police certificates, medical exam results, proof of funds, reference letters, and all supporting documents.
7
Application Processing & Decision
IRCC reviews your application, verifies documents, conducts background checks, and makes a decision. Additional documents or information may be requested. Processing currently takes approximately 6-8 months.
8
Receive COPR & Visa
If approved, you'll receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and, if applicable, a permanent resident visa. You must enter Canada before the expiry date on your COPR/visa to complete your landing.
Required documents.
Everything you need on file. Gather these now and your application will move twice as fast.
Required Documents
Valid Passport
Valid passport or travel document for you and all family members. Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry.
Language Test Results
Official results from an approved language test: IELTS General Training or CELPIP-General (English), TEF Canada or TCF Canada (French). Results must be less than 2 years old.
Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
ECA report from a designated organization (WES, IQAS, CES, etc.) showing your foreign credentials are equivalent to a Canadian educational credential. Report must be less than 5 years old.
Proof of Work Experience
Reference letters from current and past employers on company letterhead detailing: job title, duties, dates of employment, hours worked per week, and annual salary. Also submit employment contracts, pay stubs, or T4 tax slips if available.
Proof of Funds
Official letter(s) from your bank or financial institution showing your account balance and transaction history for at least 6 months. Must be on bank letterhead with your name, account numbers, and current balance.
Police Certificates
Police clearance certificates from every country where you have lived for 6+ months since age 18. Must be originals and less than 12 months old at the time of submission.
Medical Exam Results
Results of the Immigration Medical Examination (IME) performed by an IRCC-designated panel physician. The exam includes physical examination, blood tests, urinalysis, and chest X-ray.
Birth Certificate
Birth certificate for you and all family members (including non-accompanying). Must be a long-form birth certificate showing parents' names.
Photos
Two identical recent passport-size photos per person meeting IRCC photo specifications (50mm x 70mm, white background, taken within last 6 months).
Supporting Documents
Marriage Certificate / Relationship Proof
Marriage certificate, common-law statutory declaration, or proof of conjugal relationship if applicable.
Job Offer Letter (if applicable)
Written job offer from a Canadian employer with LMIA or LMIA-exempt position. Must include position title, NOC code, salary, and employment terms.
Provincial Nomination (if applicable)
Certificate of nomination from a Canadian province or territory through their Provincial Nominee Program.
Program fees.
A transparent breakdown of every government and processing cost — no surprises, no hidden line items.
Application Processing Fee (Principal)
applicant
$1,365 CAD
Application Processing Fee (Principal)
applicant
$1,365 CAD
Application Processing Fee
applicant
$1,365 CAD
Right of Permanent Residence Fee
applicant
$515 CAD
Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF)
applicant
$515 CAD
Right of Permanent Residence Fee
applicant
$515 CAD
Biometrics Fee
applicant
$85 CAD
Application Processing Fee (Spouse/Partner)
applicant
$1,365 CAD
Biometrics Fee
applicant
$85 CAD
Application Processing Fee (Dependent Child)
applicant
$260 CAD
Biometrics Fee
applicant
$85 CAD
Language Test (IELTS)
applicant
$300 CAD
Educational Credential Assessment (WES)
applicant
$220 CAD
Medical Exam
applicant
$250 CAD
Police Certificates
applicant
$50 CAD
Estimated mandatory total
$6,715 CAD
Take our 2-minute eligibility check — it's free.
A personalized assessment from RCIC-licensed consultants. We review your profile against Express Entry and recommend the cleanest path forward.
Common questions.
The answers people ask us most — distilled from thousands of conversations with applicants like you.
No. Unlike FSW, the Federal Skilled Trades Program has no formal education requirement. However, Canadian education can earn CRS points.
No, work done while you were a full-time student (e.g., co-op, on-campus work, off-campus work on a study permit) does not count. Only work experience gained with a valid work permit (including a Post-Graduation Work Permit) after completing your studies counts.
Express Entry is the online system IRCC uses to manage applications for permanent residence under 3 economic immigration programs. You create a profile, get ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and if your score is high enough, you'll be invited to apply for permanent residence in a draw.
Eligible trades fall under NOC Major Groups 72, 73, 82, 92 and Minor Groups 632, 633. This includes electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, heavy equipment operators, chefs, and many more.
CRS cut-off scores vary by draw. General draws in 2025-2026 have ranged from approximately 430 to 520 points. Category-based draws (e.g., healthcare, STEM, French) can have different cut-off scores. A provincial nomination adds 600 points, practically guaranteeing an invitation.
No, unlike the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the CEC does not require an Educational Credential Assessment. However, having a higher level of Canadian or foreign education can improve your CRS score.
No, a job offer is not required for Express Entry. However, a valid job offer supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) can earn you 50-200 additional CRS points. You must still meet the minimum eligibility requirements of at least one Express Entry program.
For NOC TEER 0 or 1 occupations: CLB 7 (IELTS 6.0 in each ability). For NOC TEER 2 or 3 occupations: CLB 5 (IELTS 5.0 in Listening/Speaking, 4.0 in Reading, 5.0 in Writing).
The timeline varies: Language test + ECA preparation takes 1-4 months. Time in the pool waiting for ITA can vary from weeks to months depending on your CRS score. Once invited, you have 60 days to submit your application. IRCC targets processing most applications within 6 months after a complete application is submitted.
You need a minimum of CLB 7, which corresponds to IELTS scores of: Listening 6.0, Reading 6.0, Writing 6.0, Speaking 6.0. Higher scores earn more CRS points — CLB 9 (IELTS 7.0-8.0) and CLB 10+ (IELTS 8.5+) can significantly boost your ranking.
Yes, you can include your spouse/common-law partner and dependent children (under 22, unmarried) in your application. They'll also need medical exams and police certificates. Your spouse's education, language skills, and Canadian work experience can also contribute to your CRS score.
After receiving PR status, you can live and work anywhere in Canada. You must maintain residency obligations (be physically present in Canada for at least 730 days in every 5-year period). After 3 years of PR (1,095 days in 5 years), you may apply for Canadian citizenship.
Settlement funds requirements (2025/2026 amounts, updated annually): 1 person: CAD $14,690 | 2 people: CAD $18,288 | 3 people: CAD $22,483 | 4 people: CAD $27,297 | 5 people: CAD $30,690 | 6 people: CAD $34,613 | 7+ people: CAD $38,536. You're exempt if you have a valid Canadian job offer.
Contacts & resources.
Official channels and helpful tools, all in one place — so you can verify, double-check, and move forward with confidence.
IRCC Online Portal
IRCC Call Centre
1-888-242-2100
Canadian High Commission — New Delhi, India
delhi@international.gc.ca
+91-11-41782000
VFS Global — Canada Visa Application Centre (India)
+91-22-67866012
Other programs.
Pathways worth a second look — each one a different door into the same idea of home.
Ready to start your Express Entry journey?
Our RCIC-licensed experts are ready to guide you through every step. Book a free consultation — no obligation, no pressure.