Express Entry for skilled immigration

If you have chosen a federal immigration program in order to immigrate to Canada, you need to register a profile in the Express Entry system. In some cases, Express Entry profile is a requirement for other immigration programs, such as specific provincial immigration streams. The profile will be your immigration application.

In general, Express Entry is an e-system which operates the profiles of candidates for three federal immigration programs of Canada: Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and Canadian Experience Class.

Express Entry works in 4 simple steps:

Step 1. Find out if you’re eligible

Read the description for Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and Canadian Experience Class programs, to see if you meet the minimum requirements

Step 2: Gather your documents

Be sure that your documents, such as IELTS certificate and Educational Credential Assessment, are ready to be uploaded into the Express Entry profile.

Step 3: Fill and submit your profile

Fill your profile with information about yourself. The system will evaluate your skills and work experience, language proficiency, education level, and other factors, and will give you the final score.

The score is based on the information in your profile. The maximum score is 1200 points, the minimum (cut-off) score varies and is about 430 points, depending on the selection date. Click here to find out the latest cut-off scores.

If you’re eligible, you’ll get into Express Entry pool of candidates.

Step 4: Receive an invitation and apply for permanent residence

The candidates with the highest scores in the pool will receive an invitation and apply for permanent residence. Invitations are sent weekly during rounds of invitations. The number of invitations and the cut-off score varies during each round.

If you’re invited to apply for permanent residence, you’ll have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence through the Express Entry system.

The applications with all the supporting documents are processed in 6 months or less.