Express Entry was launched by the Canadian Government on January 1, 2015, as a way to choose skilled immigrants as Permanent Residents to Canada based on their ability to settle in Canada successfully. Contact us today at (403) 452-9515 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email us directly.
Express Entry is used to manage applications for Permanent Residence under three federal economic immigration programs:
Provinces and territories can also recruit candidates from the Express Entry system through their Provincial Nominee Programs to meet local labour market needs.
Step 1 – Potential Candidates must complete an Online Express Entry Profile
Step 2 – The highest-ranking candidates in the pool will be invited to apply for Permanent Residence
Candidates will be ranked against others in the pool using a point-based system called the Comprehensive Ranking System. Points are awarded using the information in their profile.
Candidates with the highest scores in the pool will be issued an Invitation to Apply. Candidates will be awarded points for:
- a job offer, with or without LMIA, or
- skills and experience factors.
A candidate can get additional points for:
- a nomination by a province or territory, or
- a Canadian degree, diploma or certificate
A candidate can get further additional points for:
- having strong French language skills, with more additional points going to candidates who also have English language skills, or
- having relatives in Canada
These additional points will make a candidate rank high enough to be invited to apply at the next eligible round of invitations.
FREE CALCULATOR: CHECK YOUR EXPRESS ENTRY SCORE
If someone is invited to apply, they will have 60 days to submit an online application for Permanent Residence.
IRCC will process the majority of complete applications (meaning, those with all the necessary supporting documents) in six months or less.
Candidates can stay in the pool for up to 12 months. If they do not get an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence within 12 months of submitting an Express Entry profile, they may submit a new profile. If they still meet the criteria, they can re-enter the pool. This will prevent backlogs and ensure quick processing times.
For further information regarding the Express Entry process, Contact us today at (403) 452-9515 Ext. 100 or 1-800-932-1190 or email us directly.
FAQs
What is Express Entry?
Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing permanent residence applications from skilled workers through three federal immigration programs. Eligible candidates create a profile and enter a pool, where the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) ranks them. IRCC invites selected candidates through general, program-specific or category-based draws. Creating a profile does not guarantee an invitation or permanent residence.
What programs fall under Express Entry?
Express Entry manages the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program and Canadian Experience Class. These serve eligible skilled workers with foreign or Canadian experience, qualified tradespeople and workers with qualifying Canadian experience, respectively. Provinces and territories also use Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program streams, but nominees must qualify for one of the three federal programs.
Do I need a Canadian job offer to succeed in Express Entry?
No. The Federal Skilled Worker Program and Canadian Experience Class do not require a Canadian job offer if you meet their other requirements. However, some PNP streams require an offer, while the Federal Skilled Trades Program requires either a qualifying offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
What language tests are accepted for Express Entry, and how recent must results be?
Express Entry accepts CELPIP-General, IELTS General Training and PTE Core for English, and TEF Canada or TCF Canada for French. Results must be less than two years old when you complete your profile and submit your permanent residence application. IELTS Academic, PTE Academic and IELTS One Skill Retake results are not accepted, so choose the correct test before booking.
How is an Express Entry score calculated?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) awards up to 1,200 points based on age, education, language ability, work experience and other factors. An accompanying spouse’s qualifications can also affect your score. Start with Ackah Law’s free Express Entry calculator, then speak with our team to understand your results and identify opportunities to strengthen your profile.
Can a PNP nomination boost my Express Entry score?
Yes. A nomination through an Express Entry-aligned Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) awards 600 additional Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points once accepted in your account. This significantly improves your chances of an invitation. You must meet federal and provincial eligibility requirements and intend to live in the nominating province. A nomination does not guarantee permanent residence approval.
What are category-based selection draws in Express Entry, and which categories are currently active?
Category-based draws select eligible candidates within specific categories, ranked by CRS score. Current categories cover French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, STEM, trades, education, transport and skilled military recruits, plus physicians, senior managers and researchers with Canadian work experience. You must qualify for an Express Entry program and meet the category’s specific requirements to be considered.
How much money do I need to have available for an Express Entry application?
If settlement funds are required, IRCC currently lists CAD $15,263 for one person, with higher amounts for larger families. Canadian Experience Class applicants are exempt, as are applicants with both Canadian work authorization and a valid job offer. Check IRCC’s current amounts, and contact Ackah Law to confirm your requirements. Application fees are separate.
How long does Express Entry take?
IRCC aims to process 80% of complete Express Entry permanent residence applications within six months of receipt. This excludes preparation time and waiting for an invitation, which has no guaranteed timeline. Profiles expire after 12 months if no invitation is received. Once invited, you have 60 days to apply, and individual processing times can exceed six months.
Once I receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), how long do I have to submit my permanent residence application?
You have 60 days after receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) to submit your complete application, supporting documents and required fees. Check the exact deadline in your IRCC account. Missing it without declining the invitation removes your profile from the pool. Ackah Law can help you prepare and review your application before the deadline.
