Express Entry is a system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residence from skilled workers who want to immigrate to Canada. It is the main pathway for economic immigration to Canada and applies to the following federal economic immigration programs:

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Here’s how the Express Entry system works:

• Eligibility Assessment: Candidates interested in immigrating to Canada through Express Entry must first determine if they meet the eligibility criteria for one of the three aforementioned federal economic immigration programs. The eligibility criteria typically include factors such as age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and adaptability.

• Expression of Interest: Eligible candidates create an online profile in the Express Entry system. This profile includes information about their skills, work experience, education, language ability, and other relevant details.

• Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) Score: Once the profile is completed, candidates are assigned a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score based on the information provided. The CRS score is used to rank candidates against one another in the Express Entry pool.

• Invitation to Apply (ITA): Regularly, typically every two weeks, the Canadian government conducts draws from the Express Entry pool and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to candidates with the highest CRS scores. Candidates who receive an ITA have the opportunity to submit a complete application for Canadian permanent residence.

• Application for Permanent Residence: Candidates who receive an ITA have 60 days to submit a complete application for Canadian permanent residence, including supporting documents such as police certificates, medical exams, and proof of funds.

• Assessment and Decision: Once the application is submitted, it is assessed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). If the application is approved, the candidate and their eligible family members are issued permanent resident status in Canada.

Express Entry is a points-based system, and candidates can improve their CRS scores over time by taking steps such as improving language proficiency, gaining additional work experience, obtaining a job offer from a Canadian employer, or obtaining a provincial nomination through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).

Overall, Express Entry is designed to be a streamlined and efficient way for skilled workers to immigrate to Canada based on their ability to contribute to the Canadian economy.