Express Entry (EE)

Express Entry (EE) is an electronic application management system that has been in place since January 1, 2015 and replaces the former first-come, first-served system of application processing for permanent residence applications

There is a mandatory requirement to apply through EE for foreign nationals who wish to apply for permanent residence as skilled workers in one of the following sub-classes: 

• Federal Skilled Workers—FSW; 

• Federal Skilled Trades—FST; 

• Canadian Experience Class—CEC; and

• the Provincial Nominee Program—PNP

The objective of using technology in the application process is to address previous inefficiencies in the system, and to allow the IRCC to more efficiently manage the number and type of skilled worker applications by creating a pool of qualified candidates from which employers, provinces, and territories may recruit and select skilled immigrants. The pool is created by ranking qualified candidates. Top candidates receive an invitation to apply (ITA) for permanent residence.

How it works?

Candidates are scored through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) , which is used to rank candidates “with scores that reflect their human capital and ability to succeed in the Canadian economy.” In this way, the government is better able to control the number of applications from qualified candidates and has a commitment to processing them within six months.To control the number of applications and qualifying criteria, the minister regularly issues MIs to announce “draws” or “rounds” of invitations. The MIs set out the qualifying total number of points and the total number of invitations to be issued for the particular draw, and specify whether the draw is for one or more of the sub-classes of skilled worker.

Steps for Applicants:

• Applicants first create an online profile on the IRCC website and then will submit an expression of interest through the IRCC website’s EE system.

• Applicants must submit their language test results, their Canadian educational credential, or any equivalency assessments that are less than five years old.

• An applicant may already have a job offer, or may be applying with the view of being offered a job by an employer, or being nominated by a province. 

• If the minimum criteria is met, the applicants will be put into the EE pool and will receive a score (out of 1200 points) by the CRS.

• Candidates who exceed the CRS cut-off score will be issued an ITA for PR.

• If an ITA is received, the candidate must apply within 60 days under the program ITA indicates.

Express Entry Assessment