Express Entry is Canada's primary system for managing applications for permanent residence under three federal economic immigration programs. Since its launch in 2015, it has become the fastest and most popular pathway for skilled workers to become permanent residents of Canada. This guide explains everything you need to know about Express Entry in 2025.
What Is Express Entry?
Express Entry is an online immigration management system used by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Eligible candidates create an online profile expressing their interest in immigrating to Canada. Candidates are ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and invited to apply for permanent residence through regular draws.
The Three Express Entry Programs
Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
For skilled workers with foreign work experience. Requires 1 year of skilled work experience, language test, and educational credential assessment.
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
For workers in skilled trades. Requires 2 years of experience in an eligible trade, language test, and a job offer or Certificate of Qualification.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For those who have already worked in Canada. Requires 1 year of skilled Canadian work experience in the past 3 years.
How the CRS Score Works
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) awards points based on your human capital factors. The maximum possible score is 1,200 points. Here is a breakdown of how points are allocated:
CRS Point Breakdown (Approximate)
- Core/Human Capital Factors: Up to 500 points (single) or 460 points (with spouse)
- Age: Maximum at 20–29 years old (110 points)
- Education: Up to 150 points (doctoral degree = max)
- Language skills: Up to 160 points (CLB 10+ in all abilities)
- Canadian work experience: Up to 80 points
- Spouse/Common-Law Partner Factors: Up to 40 additional points
- Skill Transferability: Up to 100 additional points
- Additional Points: Up to 600 points
- Provincial Nomination: 600 points (virtual guarantee of ITA)
- Valid job offer (NOC 0, A, B): 50–200 points
- Canadian education: Up to 30 points
- French language skills: Up to 50 points
- Sibling in Canada: 15 points
Express Entry Draws in 2025
IRCC conducts Express Entry draws approximately every two weeks. The CRS cutoff score changes with each draw based on the number of invitations issued and the current pool of candidates. In 2024, general program draws saw CRS cutoffs ranging from approximately 470 to 530 points. Category-based draws (introduced in 2023) target specific occupations or characteristics and often have lower cutoffs.
Categories for targeted draws include:
- Healthcare occupations
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
- Strong French language proficiency
How to Increase Your CRS Score
- Improve your language score: Retaking IELTS or CELPIP to achieve CLB 9 or 10 can add significant points
- Get a provincial nomination: A provincial nomination adds 600 points — virtually guaranteeing an ITA
- Get a valid job offer: A qualifying job offer from a Canadian employer adds 50–200 points
- Gain Canadian work experience: If you are already in Canada on a work permit, each year of Canadian experience adds points
- Complete Canadian education: A 1-year+ diploma or degree from a Canadian institution adds 15–30 points
- Improve your spouse's profile: A partner with strong language scores and education adds to your combined CRS score
The Express Entry Process — Step by Step
- Check eligibility for one or more of the three programs
- Complete a language test (IELTS, CELPIP for English; TEF for French)
- Get your educational credentials assessed by a designated organization (e.g., WES)
- Create an online profile in the IRCC Express Entry portal
- Receive a CRS score and enter the pool of candidates
- If selected in a draw, receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
- Submit a complete PR application within 60 days of receiving ITA
- Receive a decision on your PR application (typically within 6 months of complete application)
- Activate permanent residence by landing in Canada
Processing Time After ITA
IRCC's service standard for Express Entry applications is 6 months from the date a complete application is received. Many applications are processed faster. Complex cases (additional document requests, security checks) may take longer.
Financial Preparation for New Express Entry Arrivals
When you first land as a new permanent resident through Express Entry, your immediate financial priorities are:
- Open a Canadian bank account (KOHO is the fastest option)
- Apply for your SIN at Service Canada
- Apply for a secured credit card to start building credit
- Open a TFSA immediately — you start accumulating contribution room as soon as you become a Canadian resident
Read our complete newcomer financial guide for your full financial checklist.