Learn how Express Entry works in Canada, including CRS scoring, eligibility requirements, and pathways to permanent residence through federal immigration programs.

Express Entry

Express Entry is Canada’s flagship system for managing applications from skilled workers seeking permanent residence. It is not an immigration program itself, but rather an online system used to rank and select candidates who are most likely to succeed economically in Canada. It is the primary pathway for individuals with valuable skills, work experience, and education to build a future anywhere in the country.

The system is points-based, competitive, and efficient. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria for one of the federal economic programs are entered into a pool and ranked against one another using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). Those with the highest scores are then invited to apply for permanent residence.

Navigating Express Entry requires a strategic approach. At Career Plus Immigration, we provide expert guidance to help you maximize your score and present a flawless application, giving you the best possible chance of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA).

Programs Managed by Express Entry

The Express Entry system manages applications for four distinct categories of federal and provincial economic immigration programs. You must be eligible for at least one of these to enter the pool.

1. Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)

This program is for skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.

• Target Audience: Professionals, managers, and skilled tradespeople with experience gained outside of Canada.
• Key Requirements: You must meet minimum thresholds for skilled work experience, language ability, and education, and score at least 67 out of 100 points on the FSW selection grid.

2. Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

This program is for skilled workers who have recent work experience in Canada.

• Target Audience: Individuals who have already worked in Canada on a temporary work permit (e.g., post-graduation work permit holders, LMIAs).
• Key Requirements: You must have at least one year of skilled, professional, or technical work experience in Canada within the last three years.

3. Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)

This program is for skilled workers who are qualified in a specific skilled trade.

• Target Audience: Carpenters, electricians, welders, chefs, and other qualified tradespeople.
• Key Requirements: You must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade, a valid job offer of full-time employment for at least one year, or a certificate of qualification in that trade issued by a Canadian province or territory.

4. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)

Certain provinces and territories in Canada operate their own immigration streams that are aligned with Express Entry. If you receive a provincial nomination through an Express Entry-aligned PNP, you will receive an additional 600 points toward your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. This nearly guarantees an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence in the next eligible draw. PNPs are ideal for those who have a connection to a specific province—such as a job offer, education, or work experience—and want to settle there. Each province has its own eligibility criteria and application process.