Express Entry Program
The Express Entry Program is a points-based immigration system that Canada uses to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers. Introduced in 2015, the program selects candidates based on factors such as skills, work experience, language proficiency, and other attributes that indicate their potential for success in Canada. Applicants create an online profile and enter the Express Entry pool, where they are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Points are awarded for criteria like age, education, work experience, and language skills in English or French. Candidates with the highest scores receive Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence through regular draws conducted by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The Express Entry Program includes three federal economic immigration streams: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. In addition, some provinces and territories use Express Entry to select candidates for their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), which can further boost an applicant’s CRS score. Once a candidate receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA), they have 60 days to submit a complete application for permanent residence. The streamlined process aims to process most applications within six months, making it one of the fastest routes to permanent residency in Canada for skilled workers.
