What is Express Entry and how does it work?

Express Entry is a federal online system that manages applications for three main economic immigration programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. It is entirely federal — Ontario has no authority over Express Entry draws.

Candidates create an online profile and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on factors including age, education, language ability, Canadian work experience, and a valid job offer or provincial nomination. Candidates are placed in a pool, and IRCC holds periodic draws, inviting the highest-scoring candidates to apply for permanent residence.

A provincial nomination adds a significant fixed number of points to your CRS score, substantially improving your chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA). After receiving an ITA you generally have 60 days to submit a complete application. IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within a target period, though actual times vary. Because CRS cutoffs fluctuate, speaking with a lawyer before building your profile can help you understand whether your score is competitive.