Express Entry
The fastest pathway to Canadian permanent residence for skilled workers. Understand the CRS, optimize your profile, and maximize your chances of success.
6 months
Target Processing
500K+
Annual Target 2025
1200
Max CRS Score
3
Programs to Choose
Express Entry Programs
Choose the program that matches your qualifications and experience.
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
For skilled workers with foreign work experience who want to immigrate to Canada permanently.
Key Requirements:
- Skilled work experience (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3)
- At least 1 year continuous work experience
- Language proficiency (CLB 7 minimum)
- Educational credential assessment (ECA)
- Score 67+ on FSW points grid
Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
For skilled workers who want to become permanent residents based on being qualified in a skilled trade.
Key Requirements:
- 2 years work experience in skilled trade
- Meet job requirements for the trade
- Valid job offer OR trade certification
- Language: CLB 5 speaking/listening, CLB 4 reading/writing
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
For skilled workers who have Canadian work experience and want to become permanent residents.
Key Requirements:
- 1 year Canadian work experience (within last 3 years)
- Gained experience with proper authorization
- NOC TEER 0 or 1: CLB 7
- NOC TEER 2 or 3: CLB 5
- No education requirement
Understanding the Comprehensive Ranking System
Your CRS score determines your ranking in the Express Entry pool. Here's how points are calculated.
Core Human Capital
460 pts- Age (up to 110)
- Education (up to 150)
- Language (up to 136)
- Canadian work experience (up to 80)
Spouse Factors
40 pts- Education (up to 10)
- Language (up to 20)
- Canadian work experience (up to 10)
Skill Transferability
100 pts- Education + language/experience
- Foreign work + language/Canadian experience
Additional Points
600 pts- Provincial nomination (600)
- Canadian education (15-30)
- French language (up to 50)
- Sibling in Canada (15)
Recent Express Entry Draws
| Date | Program/Category | CRS Cut-off | ITAs Issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2026 | General | 524 | 5,500 |
| January 2026 | French Proficiency | 410 | 7,000 |
| December 2025 | General | 518 | 6,000 |
| December 2025 | Healthcare | 431 | 3,500 |
Strategies to Boost Your CRS
Not meeting the cut-off? Here are proven ways to increase your score.
Provincial Nomination
+600 CRSThe single biggest boost. Apply through a PNP aligned with Express Entry.
Improve Language Scores
Up to +136 CRSHigher IELTS/CELPIP or TEF scores directly increase your CRS.
Get Canadian Experience
Up to +80 CRSWork in Canada to gain valuable Canadian work experience points.
Learn French
Up to +50 CRSFrench proficiency provides additional bonus points.
Additional Education
Up to +30 CRSCanadian credentials add extra points on top of foreign education.
Canadian Education
+15 to +30 CRSComplete a diploma, degree, or certificate at a Canadian institution.
How Express Entry Works
Create Profile
Submit your Express Entry profile with education, work experience, language scores, and other details.
Enter the Pool
Your profile is ranked against others using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS).
Receive ITA
If your score is high enough, you receive an Invitation to Apply for permanent residence.
Submit PR Application
Complete your application with all supporting documents within 60 days of receiving ITA.
Express Entry FAQs
What is a good CRS score for Express Entry?
CRS cut-off scores vary by draw. In 2025-2026, general draws have ranged from 470 to 530+. Category-based draws (healthcare, French, STEM) often have lower cut-offs around 400-450. The higher your score, the better your chances. Most successful applicants have scores above 470.
How long does Express Entry take?
IRCC aims to process most Express Entry applications within 6 months of receiving a complete application. However, processing times can vary. You also need to factor in time for language tests, ECA, and profile creation before receiving an ITA.
Do I need a job offer for Express Entry?
No, a job offer is not required for Express Entry. While job offers used to provide CRS points, as of 2024 LMIA-based job offers no longer add points to your CRS score. Focus on other factors like language scores, education, and provincial nominations.
What are category-based draws?
Since 2023, IRCC conducts category-based draws targeting specific groups: healthcare workers, STEM professionals, French speakers, trade workers, transport workers, and agriculture/agri-food workers. These draws often have lower CRS cut-offs than general draws.
How long is my Express Entry profile valid?
Your Express Entry profile is valid for 12 months. If you don't receive an ITA within that time, you can resubmit your profile. Make sure to keep your information current and update any changes (new job, language scores, etc.).
Ready for Express Entry?
Let our experts review your profile, calculate your CRS score, and develop a strategy to maximize your chances of success.