How Does Express Entry Work?

Step 1: Find out if you’re eligible

You have to make sure that you satisfy all of the requirements to avoid being refused.

Step 2: Get your documents ready

You need documents, such as language test results, to show that you’re eligible for Express Entry. Some documents take a long time to get, so you should get them ready now.

Step 3: Submit your profile

Your Express Entry profile is where you give us information about yourself.

If you’re eligible, we’ll accept you into our pool of candidates.

You’ll be ranked in the Express Entry pool using a points-based system. Your score is based on the information in your profile.

• Check your score
• Submit your profile

Step 4: Receive an invitation to apply for PR

The government will send invitations to apply to the candidates with the highest scores in the pool. If the authority invites you to apply, you’ll have 60 days to submit your application for permanent residence.

Online applications will be required to be submitted through one of the below programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
• Provincial Nominee Program (PNP)

Most applications will be pushed through swiftly by CIC, with many expected to be completed within six months.

If you fail:

Candidates who have applied for the Express Entry program but who are not invited to apply for permanent residency after a year may then resubmit their profile and re-enter the pool, provided they are still eligible for the program. This is to prevent backlogs and allow for quicker processing and turnaround times.

CIC states that the Express Entry program will enable skilled immigrants to obtain faster and more efficient immigration services. The program will also enable the Government of Canada to respond more quickly to the changing economic conditions and priorities in Canada and enhance flexibility.