Express Entry Canada Programs, Eligibility & Application Process
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Express Entry is Canada’s online system for managing permanent residence applications under the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program, and Federal Skilled Trades Program. Before creating a profile, applicants should confirm which program they may qualify for and understand how factors such as age, education, language ability, and work experience can affect their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Eligible candidates enter the Express Entry pool and may be considered in applicable rounds of invitations.
Because meeting the requirements of an Express Entry program does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence, applicants should review both program eligibility and CRS ranking carefully. This includes preparing valid language test results, obtaining an Educational Credential Assessment where required, confirming proof-of-funds requirements, and checking current invitation rounds and processing times. Applicants who receive an invitation must submit a complete permanent residence application and supporting documents within the deadline provided by IRCC. Many applicants choose to work with licensed Canadian immigration consultants to assess eligibility, review CRS factors, and prepare a complete application.
Express Entry Programs
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) is an Express Entry program for skilled workers with qualifying Canadian work experience who want permanent residence. Applicants generally need at least 1 year, or 1,560 hours, of paid work in Canada during the previous 3 years in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, gained while authorized to work. Full-time study work, unpaid work, unauthorized work and most self-employment do not count. Applicants must also be admissible and intend to live outside Quebec.
Language requirements are CLB/NCLC 7 for TEER 0 or 1 and CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 2 or 3, using an approved test that is valid when the Express Entry profile and permanent residence application are submitted. CEC has no minimum education, job-offer or settlement-funds requirement, although education can improve CRS points. Meeting CEC eligibility does not guarantee an invitation; candidates are ranked in the Express Entry pool, and CRS cut-offs vary by draw.
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
The Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is an Express Entry pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence in Canada. Applicants generally need at least 1 year of continuous paid work in the previous 10 years in NOC TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3, at least CLB/NCLC 7 in all four language abilities, and a Canadian secondary credential or equivalent foreign credential supported by an ECA where required. They must also score at least 67 out of 100 under the FSWP selection factors, be admissible and plan to live outside Quebec.
The 67-point system assesses language, education, work experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability, and is separate from the CRS used to rank Express Entry candidates. A job offer or Canadian work experience is not required. Proof of settlement funds is generally required unless the applicant is authorized to work in Canada and has a job offer; the funds must be legally available and cannot be borrowed.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
The Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) is an Express Entry pathway for workers qualified in eligible skilled trades. Applicants generally need at least 2 years, or 3,120 hours, of qualifying work experience within the previous 5 years, in the same eligible NOC and gained while qualified to practise the trade. They must also have either a valid full-time Canadian job offer for at least 1 year or a Canadian certificate of qualification, meet language requirements, be admissible and plan to live outside Quebec.
Minimum language levels are CLB/NCLC 5 for speaking and listening and CLB/NCLC 4 for reading and writing. There is no minimum education requirement, although education can increase CRS points. Proof of settlement funds is generally required unless the applicant is authorized to work in Canada and has a valid job offer. Eligible candidates enter the Express Entry pool and are ranked under the CRS.
Express Entry Eligibility, Ranking & Draws
Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify for Express Entry, a candidate must meet the requirements of at least one of the three federal programs managed through the system: the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program or Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Eligibility depends on the program and may involve:
- qualifying skilled work experience, including the occupation, NOC/TEER classification, where the experience was gained and how much is required;
- English or French language ability demonstrated through an approved language test;
- education and, where applicable, an Educational Credential Assessment for foreign education;
- proof of settlement funds, where required;
- a valid job offer or certificate of qualification, where required; and
- admissibility to Canada and the intention to live outside Quebec.
The requirements are different under each program. The Canadian Experience Class is based on qualifying Canadian work experience, the Federal Skilled Worker Program includes minimum education and a separate 67-point selection requirement, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program has specific skilled-trade requirements. Proof of funds is generally required under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program, although applicants who are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer may be exempt.
Meeting the minimum requirements of an Express Entry program allows an eligible candidate to enter the Express Entry pool, but it does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply. Candidates in the pool are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and invitations may be issued through general, program-specific or category-based rounds. Candidates considered in a category-based round must still qualify under at least one Express Entry program and meet the requirements of that category.
A candidate may qualify under more than one Express Entry program. The comparison below shows the main differences between the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program so applicants can see how the eligibility requirements differ and which program may apply to their circumstances.
Express Entry CRS Calculator
The Express Entry CRS Calculator estimates how eligible candidates may rank under the Comprehensive Ranking System based on factors such as age, education, official-language ability, Canadian work experience, spouse or partner factors, skill transferability and additional points. Scores are out of 1,200, while eligibility for an Express Entry program is assessed separately. There is no fixed passing CRS score, and a calculator result does not guarantee an Invitation to Apply.
Additional CRS points may be available for a provincial or territorial nomination, French-language proficiency, eligible Canadian education and a sibling in Canada. Job offers have not provided CRS points since March 25, 2025, although they may still affect program eligibility. Candidates can improve their score through language results, work experience, education, a nomination or spouse factors, but invitations still depend on the requirements and CRS cut-off of the relevant Express Entry round.
Express Entry Category-Based Selection
Express Entry Category-Based Selection allows IRCC to identify candidates in the Express Entry pool who meet criteria linked to specific economic priorities. It is not a separate immigration program, so candidates must first qualify under at least one Express Entry program and then meet the requirements of the selected category. Categories may focus on French-language proficiency, eligible occupations, Canadian work experience or other targeted criteria.
For 2026, IRCC lists 10 categories, including French-language proficiency, healthcare and social services, STEM, trades, education, transport, physicians, senior managers and researchers with Canadian work experience, and skilled military recruits. Requirements vary by category and may include language thresholds, qualifying work experience, eligible NOC codes, Canadian experience, education or other conditions. Categories and requirements can change over time.
Express Entry Draws
Express Entry Draws determine which eligible candidates in the pool receive Invitations to Apply for permanent residence. IRCC sets the type of round, number of invitations and any program- or category-specific criteria, then invites the highest-ranking eligible candidates. The CRS score of the lowest-ranked candidate invited becomes the cut-off for that round, and a tie-breaking rule based on profile submission time may apply when candidates share the cut-off score.
Draws may be general, program-specific or category-based, so CRS cut-offs can vary considerably between rounds. There is no single CRS score that guarantees an invitation. IRCC holds rounds throughout the year but does not publish a fixed schedule, and the next draw date, invitation total and CRS cut-off are generally not confirmed in advance. Previous results show past patterns but do not determine future rounds.
Express Entry Eligibility: CEC, FSWP and FSTP Comparison
| Program Name | Spousal Sponsorship | Spousal Open Work Permit (SOWP) | Visitor Visa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Objective | Obtain Permanent Residency (PR) | Authorized Employment in Canada | Temporary Family Reunification |
| Eligibility Criteria | Spouses of Canadian Citizens (Inland & Outland) or Permanent Residents (Only Inland) | Applicants with a pending inland spousal sponsorship application; spouses of international students and foreign workers (if eligible) | Open to all applicants, except those from visa-exempt countries, who are required to obtain just an eTA |
| Accepted Relationship Type | Spouse, Common-Law Partner (minimum 12 months living together), Conjugal Partner | Spouse, Common-Law Partner (minimum 12 months living together) | Spouse, Common-Law Partner, Fiancé or Fiancée, Boyfriend or Girlfriend |
| Work Authorization | Authorized upon PR approval | Authorized upon permit issuance | Not permitted (unless status is changed) |
| Average Processing Time | ⏳⏳⏳ | ⏳⏳ | ⏳⏳ |
| Success Rate | High | Average to high (depending on the stream) | Low to average (depending on country of residence and strength of ties) |
| Government Application Fees (CAD) |
Sponsorship Fee: $85 Principal Applicant Processing Fee: $545 Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF): $575 Biometrics Fee: $85 (usually paid at submission) Total: $1,290 |
Work Permit Processing Fee: $155 Open Work Permit Holder Fee: $100 Biometrics Fee: $85 (usually paid at submission) Total: $340 |
Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) Fee: $100 Biometrics Fee: $85 Total: $185 Note: If the spouse is from a visa-exempt country, they would only pay $7 for an eTA instead. |
| Our Professional Fees (CAD or USD) |
Consultation: $50–$200 Full: $3,750 DIY: $2,250 Peace of Mind: $650 |
Consultation: $50–$200 Full: $1,750 DIY: $1,050 Peace of Mind: $425 |
Consultation: $50–$200 Full: $1,750 DIY: $1,200 Peace of Mind: $650 |
Eligibility Criteria
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Who It Is For
Skilled workers with qualifying Canadian work experience
Skilled workers with qualifying Canadian or foreign work experience
Skilled workers qualified in an eligible skilled trade
Minimum Work Experience
1 year / 1,560 hours within the last 3 years
1 year / 1,560 hours within the last 10 years
2 years / 3,120 hours within the last 5 years
Where Work Can Be Gained
Canada
Canada or abroad
Canada or abroad
Continuous Work Required
No
Yes, at least 1 qualifying year must be continuous
No
Eligible NOC / TEER
TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3
TEER 0, 1, 2 or 3
Specific eligible skilled-trade NOC groups
TEER 4 or 5 Eligible?
No for the minimum CEC work requirement
No for the minimum FSWP work requirement
Only where the occupation falls within an eligible FSTP trade group
Same NOC Required?
No; qualifying experience can come from more than one eligible NOC
The minimum continuous qualifying experience must be in the same NOC as the primary occupation
All experience used for the minimum requirement must be in the same NOC
NOC Duties Requirement
Must match the lead statement and most main duties
Must match the lead statement and most main duties
Must match the lead statement and most main duties and meet the trade’s job requirements
Student Work Can Count?
No for the minimum CEC requirement
Yes, if paid, continuous and otherwise eligible
No for the minimum FSTP requirement</span
Minimum Language Requirement
CLB/NCLC 7 for TEER 0–1; CLB/NCLC 5 for TEER 2–3
CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities
CLB/NCLC 5 for speaking/listening; 4 for reading/writing
Minimum Education Requirement
None
Canadian secondary credential or equivalent foreign credential
None
ECA for Foreign Education
Not required for eligibility; generally needed to claim CRS points for foreign education
Required if foreign education is used to meet the minimum education requirement
Not required for eligibility; generally needed to claim CRS points for foreign education
Valid Job Offer Required?
No
No
Yes, unless the applicant has a qualifying certificate of qualification
Certificate of Qualification
Not required
Not required
Can be used instead of a valid job offer; must be issued by the appropriate Canadian authority
Proof of Funds
Not required
Required unless an exemption applies
Required unless an exemption applies
FSWP 67-Point Requirement
Not applicable
Minimum 67 out of 100 required based on language, education, work experience, age, arranged employment and adaptability
Not applicable
Express Entry Application & Requirements
Processing Time and Application Process
The Express Entry application process begins by confirming eligibility under at least one federal Express Entry program, preparing the required information and documents, and submitting a profile. Eligible candidates enter the pool and receive a CRS score. Those who receive an Invitation to Apply generally have 60 days to submit a complete permanent residence application with the required Express Entry documents and applicable fees.
After submission, IRCC reviews eligibility, admissibility, medical results, police certificates, biometrics and background checks, and may request additional information. IRCC has a 6-month service standard for most complete Express Entry permanent residence applications, but this is not a guarantee. Processing time starts only after IRCC receives a complete application and does not include time spent creating a profile, waiting in the pool or waiting for an invitation. Delays may occur if further verification, documents or background checks are required.
Express Entry Document Checklist
The Express Entry Document Checklist varies by immigration program, personal history, family situation and stage of the application. Some information is needed to create an Express Entry profile, while applicants who receive an Invitation to Apply must upload supporting evidence for permanent residence as part of the Express Entry application process. IRCC generates a personalized checklist, so requirements can differ between applicants and may include passports, language test results, education records, work evidence and proof of funds.
Additional documents may include police certificates, medical examination records, civil-status documents, translations and situation-specific forms. Language results and Educational Credential Assessments must remain valid when required, and submitted evidence should match the information declared in the profile. Missing, expired, inconsistent or unreadable documents can lead to delays, an incomplete application or refusal.
Express Entry Proof of Funds
Express Entry Proof of Funds requirements determine whether an applicant must show settlement money and how much is required. Proof of funds generally applies to Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program applicants. Canadian Experience Class applicants are exempt, as are some FSWP or FSTP applicants who are authorized to work in Canada and have a valid job offer. The required amount depends on family size and is updated by IRCC.
Applicants who need settlement funds must show that the money is legally accessible and available when required. Official bank or financial institution letters must provide prescribed account and balance information. Joint funds may be accepted where access can be proven, but borrowed money and equity in real property cannot be counted. Applicants should update their declared funds if IRCC changes the minimum requirement while their profile is active.
Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP)
A Bridging Open Work Permit (BOWP) allows eligible permanent residence applicants in Canada to continue working while IRCC processes their application. For Express Entry applicants, eligibility generally begins after a complete permanent residence application has passed IRCC’s completeness check and an Acknowledgement of Receipt has been issued. Applicants must also meet the applicable status, residence and program requirements.
A BOWP is an open work permit and generally does not require an LMIA or employer-specific job offer. Applicants normally apply from inside Canada and may have maintained status if they apply before their current work permit expires. A BOWP is not a travel document, and leaving Canada can affect the ability to continue working while an application is pending. Eligibility, supporting documents and validity can also vary by permanent residence program.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Express Entry cost?
For permanent residence applications submitted through Express Entry, the government fee for a principal applicant is currently $1,590, which includes the $990 processing fee and the $600 right of permanent residence fee. An accompanying spouse or common-law partner also pays $1,590, while the fee for each accompanying dependent child is $270. Biometrics, if required, cost $85 per person or up to $170 for an eligible family applying together. Applicants may also have separate expenses for language testing, an Educational Credential Assessment, medical examinations, police certificates, translations and other required documents. Government fees can change, so applicants should confirm the current IRCC fee schedule before applying.
Can I update my Express Entry profile after I submit it?
Yes. If an Express Entry profile has been found eligible and remains in the pool, the candidate can update it when information or circumstances change. This may include new language test results, additional work experience, education, marital or family status, or other information that could affect eligibility or the CRS score. After making changes, the updated profile must be resubmitted through the IRCC account. If a profile was found ineligible, it cannot be updated and the applicant must create a new profile.
Can I qualify for more than one Express Entry program at the same time?
Yes. A candidate may qualify for more than one of the three federal programs managed through Express Entry: the Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Worker Program and Federal Skilled Trades Program. If a candidate qualifies for more than one, IRCC determines which program the Invitation to Apply is issued under. The current order is Canadian Experience Class first, followed by the Federal Skilled Worker Program and then the Federal Skilled Trades Program. Candidates cannot choose which of these programs they are invited under.
Can I decline an Invitation to Apply and stay in the Express Entry pool?
Yes. If a candidate declines an Invitation to Apply, their profile is returned to the Express Entry pool as long as it is still valid and they continue to meet the eligibility requirements. They may be considered in future rounds, but another invitation is not guaranteed because CRS cut-offs, draw types and the composition of the pool can change. Declining an invitation does not by itself reduce the candidate’s chances of receiving another invitation. If circumstances have changed, the Express Entry profile should be updated before the candidate is considered in future rounds.
What happens if my Express Entry profile expires?
An Express Entry profile automatically expires if the candidate is not invited to apply within 12 months of submitting it. Once the profile expires, it is removed from the pool and the candidate will no longer be considered in future rounds. To return to the pool, the candidate must create and submit a new profile and still meet the applicable Express Entry eligibility requirements. A new profile should not be created while the existing profile is still active unless the existing profile is withdrawn first.
What happens if my CRS score or circumstances change after I receive an Invitation to Apply?
If a candidate’s circumstances change after receiving an Invitation to Apply, they should recalculate their CRS score and confirm that they still meet the requirements of the program and the round under which they were invited. Changes such as losing a provincial nomination, receiving different language test results or other changes affecting eligibility or CRS points can alter the score. If the recalculated score falls below the cut-off for the invitation round, or the candidate no longer meets the applicable program requirements, they should decline the invitation. If they still meet the requirements, the permanent residence application must accurately reflect their current circumstances and be supported by the required evidence.
