Canada Express Entry

Immigrants who are anxious to immigrate to Canada must know the pathways for Canadian immigration. There are several pathways and Canada Express Entry is the fastest route and the most popular route to get Canada permanent residency. To apply through the Express Entry, individuals need to understand how it works.

What is an Express Entry?

Express Entry is the most prominent way for skilled workers to settle in Canada. The Canada Express Entry is a point-based system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) launched in 2015. It was designed to attract skilled workers globally to contribute to the economy of the country.

In the point-based system, it assesses applicants' profiles, and points are allotted to them based on their skills, work experience, education, and other factors.

What are the types of Canada PR programs?

As we all know, Canada Express Entry is a point-based system used by the Canadian government to supervise the applicant profile for Canada Permanent Residency.

There are three routes under the Express Entry through which individuals can immigrate to the Land of Maple Leaf:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)

This program is for skilled workers with work experience who want to immigrate to Canada. To apply for this program requires a high level of English proficiency, and the applicant's occupation must be listed in one of the National Occupation Classification (NOC) TEER categories;

  • TEER 0
  • TEER 1
  • TEER 2
  • TEER 3
Federal Skilled Trade Program (FSTP)

This program is designed for skilled workers who have work experience in a foreign country in a specific trade for at least two years. Applicants can apply for this program if their language proficiency level in English or French is 5 or above.

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Applicants who already worked within Canada and now want to be permanent residents of the country can apply under this category. The language proficiency must be 6 or 7 in English or French and the occupation must fall in one of the TEER categories 0,1,2,3.

Benefits of Express Entry Canada

Several benefits to applying through Express Entry. Let’s break it down into simple sentences:

  • Fast processing and wherein applicant can expect a decision within six months after submission of the application
  • Applications are managed by electronic pools
  • A minimum of 67 eligibility score is required to enter the Express Entry pool
  • Individuals can enjoy a standardized, stable, and secure life in Canada
What are the eligibility criteria to apply for the Canada PR Express Entry?

To be eligible for Express Entry, applicants must meet the requirements of one of the three programs; Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trade Program, and Canadian Experience Class.

Here are the factors to be eligible for Canada Express Entry:
1. Age

Individuals' age must fall between 18 and 35. The maximum points they get as per their younger to older age.


Age Maximum points
18-35 12
36 11
37 10
38 9
39 8
40 7
41 6
42 5
43 4
44 3
45 2
46 1
47 & above 0

2. Education qualification

Applicants must have their Educational Credential Assessment equivalent to the Canadian education system. The advanced degree gets the highest points.

Education Maximum points
Doctor or PhD or equivalent 25 points
Master’s Degree 23 points
Two or more diplomas 22 points
Canadian Bachelor degree 21 points
Canadian post-secondary degree 19 points
Canadian one-year program 15 points
High school graduation 5 points

3. Work experience

Individual work experience can help them to gain more points for Canada PR.

Work experience points
Above 6 years 15 points
4-5 years 13 points
2-3 years 11 points
1 year 9 points

4. Language proficiency

Applicant language proficiency is a crucial part of the immigration. They must be proficient in one of the two official languages; English or French.

English Level Proficiency
First Language Speaking Listening Reading Writing
CLB 9 & above 6 6 6 6
CLB 8 5 5 5 5
CLB 7 4 4 4 4
Less than 7 - - - -

French Level Proficiency
Second official language Points
Minimum CLB 5 in all four language factors 4
At least CLB 4 or less 0

5. Adaptability

If an applicant's spouse is immigrating with them, their education and work experience can get them points.

Adaptability Maximum points
Your spouse's language skills 5 points
Previous education in Canada 5 points
If your spouse's previous education in Canada 5 points
Past work experience in Canada 5 points
Spouse's past work experience in Canada 5 points
Arranged employment in Canada 5 points
Relatives in Canada 5 points

How to apply for the Canada Express Entry Program?

The process to apply for the Canada Express Entry Program involves several key steps:

1. Check your eligibility

Individuals must meet the eligibility criteria of one of the federal economic immigration programs managed by Express Entry.

2. Create an Express Entry profile

If an applicant is eligible, they can create their Express Entry profile online and fill out accurate information about skills, age, work experience, linguistic skills, and so on.

3. Collect documents

Individuals must gather all the essential documents such as Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), language certificate, proof of work experience, etcetera

4. Submit Express Entry profile to Pool

Once applicants have completed all the above steps, they can submit the profile to the Express Entry pool, where their profiles stand out against other profiles and obtain the CRS score.

5. Receive an invitations

If applicant profiles receive the maximum cut-off CRS score. Individuals get the invitations to apply for permanent residency and applicants have 60 days to submit their application.

6. Submit PR application

Applicants must submit their profile with the required documents and must wait for the application to be processed by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, Canada (IRCC).

7. Receive COPR

Once an applicant's application gets approved, they will receive a Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) and a permanent resident visa.

How much does Express Entry cost?

The total cost of Canada Express Entry is the sum of all the tests and other fees. The details are mentioned below

  • IELTS language test:- INR 15,500
  • Educational Credential Assessment: CAD 227-332
  • Biometrics: CAD 85/person
  • Government fee: CAD 1325/adult. CAD 225/child
  • Medical Examination: CAD 25O for adult and child
Processing time for Canada Express Entry

Once the application is received by the immigration authorities, it will take 6-8 months to process the application.

Documents required to apply for the Express Entry program

The list of the important indentures for the Express Entry is as follows

  • Application form
  • A valid passport
  • ECA report
  • Language test certificate
  • Proof of funds
  • Must have a valid job offer
  • Medical Certificate
  • Police Clearance Certificate
How can Go-Global Immigration help you?

Go-Global immigration Services can assist you at each step of your immigration journey. We provide guidance, from eligibility criteria to documentation assistance, and ease the process for our clients. So that they can easily land in their desired country with peace of mind.

Be the first one to connect with our immigration professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need IELTS to apply for Express Entry?

To apply for the PR through Express Entry, applicants need to have a minimum language proficiency score of 6.0 in each section and an overall 6.5 in IELTS exams.

2. What happens if my Express Entry expires?

Express Entry is valid for 12 months. If it expires, you can create a new profile with the assistance of an immigration consultant.

3. Can I include my family member in my Express Entry application?

Yes, you can add your family members to your Express Entry application.