How it works
Eligibility gets you into the pool. Ranking determines who may be invited.
This distinction is the source of a great deal of confusion. A person can qualify for an Express Entry program but still have a ranking score that is not competitive in a particular invitation round.
Program eligibility
Do you meet the legal requirements for at least one managed program?
Invitation round
Does a particular round include your program, category or score?
Programs managed by Express Entry
Three routes into the same selection system
Federal Skilled Worker Program
Commonly used by skilled workers with qualifying experience gained outside or inside Canada.
Read the program guideCanadian Experience Class
Designed for eligible skilled workers who have qualifying Canadian work experience.
Read the program guideFederal Skilled Trades Program
A route for eligible workers with qualifying experience in skilled trades.
Read the program guide
Basic eligibility framework
Questions to answer before creating a profile
- ✓Work experience
Is the work qualifying, correctly classified and supported by evidence?
- ✓Language results
Do you have an accepted test with results that are still valid?
- ✓Education
If your education was completed abroad, do you need a valid assessment?
- ✓Funds and admissibility
Do the applicable financial, medical, criminal and security requirements affect you?
From preparation to decision
The Express Entry process, step by step
- 01
Confirm eligibility
Check whether you meet the rules for at least one Express Entry program.
- 02
Prepare documents
Complete language testing and arrange education and work evidence.
- 03
Create a profile
Enter accurate information and receive a Comprehensive Ranking System score.
- 04
Enter the pool
Your profile may be considered in general, program-specific or category-based rounds.
- 05
Receive an invitation
An invitation to apply starts a firm deadline for the full application.
- 06
Apply for permanent residence
Upload supporting evidence, complete required checks and respond to requests.
Evidence matters
Documents you may need to prepare
When to get legal advice
Some Express Entry problems are difficult to correct after submission.
Get advice before filing if the points depend on disputed work experience, a nomination or job offer, or if an earlier refusal, omission, medical issue or criminal charge may affect the application.
Work duties do not clearly match the occupation claimed
Past refusals, status problems or omissions must be disclosed
A criminal charge or medical issue may affect admissibility
Points depend on a disputed job offer, nomination or relationship
You receive a procedural fairness letter
Your invitation information may not match your evidence
A focused Express Entry question may only need 15 minutes.
Use the time to identify the issue affecting eligibility, points or evidence and decide what should happen next. If more work is required, the lawyer can explain the proposed scope before you proceed.
Read what an immigration lawyer can do and how an immigration law firm may handle further work.
People also ask
Common Express Entry questions
Is Express Entry itself an immigration program?
No. Express Entry is the application management system used for several federal economic immigration programs.
Does entering the pool guarantee an invitation?
No. Eligibility to enter the pool and competitiveness for an invitation are different questions.
Do I need a Canadian job offer?
Not in every case. A job offer may be relevant to eligibility or strategy depending on the program and current rules.
Can I update my profile after submitting it?
Some information can and should be updated when circumstances change. The effect depends on what changed and when.
Primary references
Official sources used for this guide
Use the current Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada instructions, document checklists and program pages when preparing an application.
Government of Canada: Express Entry