Permanent residence
Express Entry
The main federal route to permanent residence for skilled workers.
Overview
Express Entry is an online pool that ranks skilled workers with a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada holds regular draws and invites the highest-ranked profiles to apply for permanent residence. It covers three programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Canadian Experience Class, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
What you need
- At least one year of continuous skilled work experience in the last ten years
- Language test results (IELTS General, CELPIP or TEF/TCF) meeting at least CLB 7
- An Educational Credential Assessment if you studied outside Canada
- Proof of settlement funds unless you have a valid Canadian job offer
- Medical exam and police certificates for every family member over 18
How the process runs
- 1
Test and assess
Book a language test and an ECA before anything else — both take weeks to arrive.
- 2
Create the profile
Submit your Express Entry profile; you receive a CRS score and enter the pool for 12 months.
- 3
Raise your score
Retake the language test, add French, or pursue a provincial nomination worth 600 points.
- 4
Receive an ITA
You have 60 days to submit the complete permanent residence application.
- 5
Submit and land
Upload documents, pay fees, complete biometrics, then confirm permanent residence on arrival.