Express Entry
What is Express Entry?
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
How can I apply for Express Entry?
Applying to Express Entry is a two-step process. The first step is to submit your profile which requires the following documents:
- Language test results
- Educational credential assessment report
- A passport or travel document
After you submit your profile and receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence, you will need to provide a more substantial application that includes reference letters, additional identity documents, police clearance certificates, and results of a medical examination.
Who is eligible for Express Entry?
Individuals with university or college degrees, skilled work experience, and moderate proficiency in English and/or French are ideal Express Entry candidates.
To submit a profile through the Express Entry system, candidates must also meet the eligibility requirements for one of the three federal programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
The easiest way to find out if you’re eligible is to use our free online assessment tool.
What are the requirements for Express Entry?
In general, to be eligible to apply to Express Entry as a skilled worker, you must:
- Have at least one year, in the last 10 years of continuous full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience in a skilled occupation
- Be able to demonstrate on an approved language test a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) seven in either English or French
- Completed post-secondary education that is assessed against Canadian standards with an Education Credential Assessment
These are the minimum requirements to apply to Canada’s Express Entry system as a skilled worker. Meeting these requirements doesn’t mean you will receive an invitation to apply for Canadian permanent residence. Candidates with stronger profiles will always be selected over candidates who simply meet the minimum requirement.
How much does Express Entry cost?
The cost of immigrating to Canada through Express Entry is about $2,300 CAD for a single applicant, or about $4,500 CAD for a couple. The breakdown of costs includes,
- Language tests: Average cost – $300
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): Average cost – $200
- Biometrics: $85/person
- Government fees: $1,325/adult & $225/child
- Medical examination fees: average cost – $450/adult & $250/child
- Police clearance certificates: average cost – $100/country
No government fees are required to submit your initial Express Entry profile. The fees are only requested when you are invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence. In addition to the government processing fees, you may also need to pay provincial immigration fees if you apply through a PNP.
You should also be aware that unless you are applying under the Canadian Experience Class program or have a valid arranged employment offer, you will need to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support your resettlement in Canada. These settlement funds are not fees paid to the government but you must have access to them to be approved for a permanent residence visa. The amounts per family size are mentioned in the table below:
| Number of Family Members | Funds Required |
|---|---|
|
1
|
$13,757
|
|
2
|
$17,127
|
|
3
|
$21,055
|
|
4
|
$25,564
|
|
5
|
$28,994
|
|
6
|
$32,700
|
|
7
|
$36,407
|
|
For each additional family member
|
$3,706
|
|
Required amount as of May 2023
|
|
Do I need a job offer for Express Entry?
How long does Express Entry take?
Express Entry can take as little as six months to process, from submission of the Express Entry profile to the issuance of a permanent resident visa. However, not all cases will proceed this quickly. Your Express Entry profile will remain active in the pool of candidates for 12 months if you do not receive an invitation to apply. If after 12 months you have not received an invitation, you are welcome to resubmit your profile and remain in the pool. To break it down further:
- Your profile will remain valid for 12 months in the Express Entry pool
- Upon issuance of the ITA, you will have 60 days to provide the requested full application of documents
- Once the immigration authorities receive your complete application, and your permanent resident visa, IRCC may process your application in about six months
How are Express Entry points calculated?
When people refer to Canada’s “Express Entry points”, they are usually referring to the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score. Canada uses the CRS score to rank candidates in the Express Entry pool using a series of factors, including:
- Age;
- Level of education;
- Proficiency in French or English;
- Foreign and Canadian work experience;
- Spouse factors; and
- Connections to Canada
For an estimate of your CRS score, use our CRS calculator tool.
Will the CRS score go down?
It is impossible to predict how the CRS score will fluctuate in the future. No lawyer or consultant can predict this, nor can they guarantee that a person will successfully receive permanent residence through the Express Entry system.
Further, with more and more provinces selecting profiles from the Express Entry pool, a candidate’s CRS score is losing its importance. Instead, Provincial Nominee Programs look for candidates that can fill local labour market or demographic gaps. This means that candidates with in-demand skills or work experience can still succeed in the Express Entry pool, even with a low CRS score.
The Canadian government has also hinted at moving to occupation-based Express Entry draws, which could make the CRS score obsolete.
There are several options for increasing a person’s chances in Canada’s Express Entry pool. To learn more about your eligibility for Express Entry or PNP, complete our free online assessment form.
How can I increase my CRS score?
1. RETAKE THE IELTS
Improving your IELTS score is the number one way to increase your points. On their own, good IELTS results can get you up to 160 points.
But if you have good IELTS and post-secondary education can get you an additional 50 points. Good IELTS and at least three years of work experience can get you another 50 points.
You need to score at least Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 7 to be eligible for Express Entry under the Federal Skilled Worker program, which is at least 6.0 on each language ability on the IELTS. But if you can score CLB 9 in all language abilities, you could be looking at up to 260 Express Entry points for just your language ability.
You can also take the IELTS as many times as you want to. You can even update your Express Entry profile with new IELTS test results after you submit your profile to the pool.
Global Solicitors provides all of our Express Entry clients access to free online IELTS tutorials to help prepare to take the test. There are a lot of free or paid materials available online to help you prepare.
Immigration Tip: Register to take your IELTS early. That way, if you don’t do as well as you hoped, you have time to retake them before you submit your profile. You can always update your profile, but if you wait until after you’re in the pool to improve your score, you could be missing out on draws.
2. WORK EXPERIENCE
Since Express Entry manages applications to economic immigration streams, your work experience is a big part of calculating your Express Entry points.
That said, it’s not very easy to accumulate more years of work experience just to improve your Express Entry points.
Immigration Tip: If you’re not eligible for Express Entry, or if you are eligible but don’t have a competitive score, consider coming to Canada first as a student or temporary worker. Canadian experience can open up a lot more Canadian immigration options.
A lot of candidates don’t leverage the work experience that they do have as much as possible, though. Express Entry uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) matrix to assign points to all occupations. Choosing the right NOC code is one of the simplest ways to increase your score.
You’ll need to prove that whatever NOC codes you claim in your work experience are accurate if you receive an invitation to apply for permanent residence, so you should not misrepresent your experience.
That said, it’s worth it to spend some time finding exactly which NOC codes accurately reflect your career history while getting you as many Express Entry points as possible.
The NOC matrix can be confusing to sort through, so consulting an expert to figure out which NOC codes you can claim can be very helpful.
3. SPOUSAL POINTS
It may not apply to some candidates, but if you have a spouse or common-law partner, you may be missing out on some points you can claim.
There are three possibilities here, and it’s worth looking into them all.
First, your spouse or partner may get you more points. By retaking a language test, or getting an educational credential assessment (ECA) for any post-secondary education they have, your spouse or partner could increase your Express Entry points.
Second, you may have a higher score as a single applicant. Since your score changes depending on whether you have an accompanying spouse or partner, you could increase your score by listing them as non-accompanying. If you receive permanent residence, you can still sponsor them to join you in Canada, but it does mean a period of separation.
Third, your spouse may be a stronger applicant. You should run through the exercise of trying to calculate how many points your spouse would get if they were the principal applicant, with or without you accompanying them.
Immigration Tip: If you and your spouse or partner are both strong candidates, you can each submit a profile to the Express Entry pool and list each other as accompanying. That way you double your chances of success!
If you’ve done as well as possible on language tests, claimed as many points as possible for your work experience, maximized your spousal points, and still don’t have a competitive score, there are some more challenging ways you can improve it.
4. JOB OFFER
An eligible job offer from a Canadian employer can get you between 50 to 200 additional points. Spend time on the Canada Job Bank, as well as private job boards and social networking sites to try to connect with Canadian employers in your field.
5. PROVINCIAL NOMINATION
6. STUDY
Going back to school is a pretty big investment to increase your score, but it can also have a big impact. A short program like a one-year post-secondary certificate could get you a lot of points. If you already have one post-secondary degree of three years or more, worth 120 points, and take a second one-year program, you can claim an additional 8 points for just education. If you already had CLB 9, and two years of Canadian work experience, you can claim an additional 50 points for skills transferability. That’s 58 total additional Express Entry points.
Canadian educational credentials are highly valued in Express Entry, and being an international student can open a lot of other doors to staying in Canada permanently that you might not otherwise be eligible for.
What is the ideal Express Entry candidate?
There is no one-size-fits-all type of profile that is eligible for Express Entry. Candidates who enter the pool receive a comprehensive ranking system (CRS) score. Those who rank higher are more likely to receive an invitation to apply. Selection factors that can influence your CRS score are language proficiency, your age, your level of work experience, education, and Canadian connections.
Ideal Express Entry candidates would meet the following requirements:
- Be under 30 years old
- Hold at least two Bachelor’s degrees or a Master’s degree
- Be able to demonstrate moderate to high English and/or French language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark [CLB] level nine or higher)
- Have at least three years of skilled work experience
Other factors that can boost your CRS score include:
- Higher language proficiency in English and/or French
- Bilingualism in French and English
- A Master’s degree or Ph.D. education
- Canadian work or educational experience
- A Canadian brother or sister currently residing in Canada
- An arranged employment offer from a Canadian company
- A nomination from a provincial nominee program
What is the difference between Express Entry eligibility points and CRS scores?
Is there a minimum score for Express Entry?
How are my language points calculated?
Express Entry language points are based on what a candidate scores on one of Canada’s official English or French exams. If a candidate has a strong proficiency in both French and English, they can maximize the number of points received under the language factor of their CRS score.
How does my IELTS score affect my CRS score?
Your IELTS or CELPIP score can have a significant impact on your CRS score. Scoring at least a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) 9 in each area of the exam can double your skill transferability factor points, which can considerably increase your CRS score.
Express Entry candidates may demonstrate their proficiency in one of Canada’s official languages – French or English. If you have a stronger proficiency in French, you may choose to take the French exam instead. In this case, you do not need to take the IELTS or CELPIP exam. Instead, you should aim to score a minimum of CLB 9 on each area of the French exam to maximize your language points.
Does my spouse need to take the IELTS exam?
If you are submitting an Express Entry profile through the FSW program with an accompanying spouse, they may need to take a language exam, such as the IELTS, depending on your FSW score. If your spouse scores a minimum of CLB 4 in each area of one of IRCC’s designated language exams, you can claim an additional 5 points toward your FSW score. If your score is below 67, these points could help render you eligible to submit a profile.
Your spouse’s language results may also help to increase your CRS score and improve your chances in the Express Entry pool.
Why is my Express Entry score zero?
- Expired language results or ECA report;
- No longer meeting minimum settlement fund requirements;
- Losing eligibility points toward the age factor (for Federal Skilled Workers)
- No longer meeting work experience requirements (less than one year of work experience in the past 10 years);
- Having less than one year of work experience in your primary NOC code
What CRS score is required for Canadian PR?
There is no specific CRS score that will guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence. The CRS cut-off is always fluctuating Government of Canada does not release the CRS cut-off targeted ahead of each Express Entry draw.
Why is the CRS cut-off so high?
The CRS cut-off for Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) specific Express Entry draws due to the additional points given to candidates with a nomination on their profile.
Express Entry candidates may receive 600 points toward their CRS score upon receiving a provincial nomination.
CRS score trend
In 2021, Canada alternated between holding Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) draws. In 2021, the CRS cut-off in CEC draws reached record lows. In February 2021, the Canadian government invited over 27,000 CEC candidates with CRS scores as low as 75. The CRS cut-off for PNP draws ranged between the 600-800s. The high CRS cut-off in PNP draws is due to the additional 600 points given to PNP candidates. That means that, before receiving a nomination, the lowest-ranking PNP candidate had a CRS score of less than 100.
Is 438/459/467/462 a good CRS score?
The lowest CRS score selected in 2019 was 438 – however, no guarantee having this score will result in an invitation. Whether you receive an invitation from the federal or provincial government will depend on various external factors, in addition to your profile.
A CRS score in the mid to high 400s is typically considered a good score, which may help your chances of being selected by a province.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, provinces have continued to invite candidates directly from the Express Entry pool, sometimes targeting a minimum CRS cut-off, sometimes only targeting other factors such as work experience, or the candidates’ score on their own points grid.
Since the CRS cut-off cannot be predicted ahead of each draw score, it is important to take measures to maximize your CRS score wherever possible.
CRS score history
How to calculate your CRS score?
To calculate your CRS score, you first need to understand how Canada awards points to Express Entry candidates through the Comprehensive Ranking System. You can then calculate your points against each factor to determine how you rank in the Express Entry pool.
To receive an estimate of your CRS score, fill out our free CRS score calculator tool.
What is an Express Entry profile?
An Express Entry profile is an electronic form submitted by eligible candidates that includes personal details such as age, work experience, education, ability in French and English, family details, and ties to Canada.
Using these details, Canada ranks profiles in the Express Entry pool against one another and determines who receives an invitation.
How to create an Express Entry profile?
To create an Express Entry profile, you must first create an IRCC secure account. If a representative is submitting a profile on your behalf, they will submit the profile through their Authorized Paid Representatives Portal.
After creating an account, you or your representative will need to fill out an eligibility questionnaire to determine if you qualify for an Express Entry program. If you are eligible, the next step is to fill out an online form with your information, including details on your age, work experience, education, and language test results. Once the form is submitted, the Express Entry system will automatically determine your Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score and which program you are eligible under.
What language results are required for Express Entry?
Most Express Entry programs require a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark 7 in each area of the French or English language exam (band 6 in each area of the IELTS exam).
There are some exceptions to this minimum requirement for candidates applying under the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program, or CEC applicants with a primary occupation in NOC skill type B.
Which ECA report do I need for Express Entry?
How will a job offer affect my Express Entry profile?
Adding a valid Canadian job offer may increase your Express Entry CRS score by 50-200 points. In most cases, a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) is required for these points to be awarded.
An informal job offer will not award any additional points to your Express Entry profile and should not be mentioned in the application.
How do I find my NOC code?
You can find your NOC code by searching the NOC matrix for your job title or industry. It is important to make sure the majority of the main duties listed on the NOC you choose match your job description.
For a full guide on how to find your NOC code, visit our dedicated page.
Why am I ineligible to submit an Express Entry profile?
How can I check the status of my Express Entry profile?
How long is an Express Entry profile valid?
An Express Entry profile is valid for 12 months. However, if become ineligible for Express Entry while you are in the pool, your profile may be removed before 12 months have passed.
What is an Invitation to Apply?
What happens if I receive an Invitation to Apply?
If you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you must apply for permanent residence within 60 days. If you miss the deadline or decline, your ITA will disappear, and you may not receive another invitation.
How to obtain an Express Entry police certificate?
What work experience proof is required for Express Entry?
How to obtain a medical certificate for Express Entry?
How to demonstrate proof of settlement funds for Express Entry?
- Printed on the financial institution’s letterhead
- Include the financial institution’s contact information
- Include the name of the applicant
- List any outstanding debts or loans
- Include the following information for each account:
-
- Account numbers
- Date of opening
- Current balance of each account
- Average balance for the previous six months
What’s better: PNP or Express Entry?
If you do not have enough CRS points to be invited to a federal draw, a PNP may be an option to increase your chances.
Most PNPs require an applicant to have an Express Entry profile. Since an Express Entry profile is free to submit, you don’t stand to lose anything by creating one.
If you are selected in a federal Express Entry draw without a PNP, this is a better option as it will bypass the need for additional provincial processing time.
The best way to determine whether a PNP or Express Entry is better for you is to complete our free online immigration assessment.
Can I apply for Express Entry and PNP at the same time?
If you are applying through a PNP, you will eventually need to apply to the federal government for permanent residence status. How you submit your permanent residence application will depend on whether your PNP is aligned with the Express Entry system (‘Enhanced’).
If your PNP is Enhanced, you can submit your permanent residence application through the Express Entry system for expedited processing. Candidates who receive a nomination under an Express Entry-aligned, or Enhanced, PNP will receive an additional 600 points toward their CRS score. These additional points essentially guarantee an Invitation to Apply (ITA) through the subsequent draw in the Express Entry pool. The IRCC aims for a 6-month processing time, but current processing times vary and we recommend you check the IRCC’s website at the time of applying for the most up-to-date information.
If your PNP is ‘Base’, you will need to submit it through the non-Express Entry permanent residence portal. Base PNPs operate outside of the Express Entry system and are subject to the standard PNP processing time, typically much slower than Enhanced PNP applications.
Express Entry profile?
Provincial Nominee Programs that use the Express Entry system
- Nova Scotia Experience: Express Entry
- Nova Scotia Labour Market Priorities
- Ontario Human Capital stream
- PEI PNP Express Entry
- Saskatchewan Express Entry
- Yukon Express Entry
- Alberta Express Entry
- British Columbia Skills Immigration
- Manitoba Express Entry Pathway
- New Brunswick Express Entry Labour Market Stream
- Newfoundland and Labrador Express Entry Skilled Worker Category
- Northwest Territories Express Entry
Will Express Entry close?
Is Express Entry the same as permanent residency?
What is an Express Entry draw?
When are Express Entry draws?
What is the Express Entry tie-breaking rule?
The tie-breaking rule is a date used by IRCC to determine which candidates with the same CRS score receive an ITA. IRCC uses the tie-breaking rule if there are multiple profiles with the same score as the CRS cut-off. This helps to control the number of ITAs issued in each draw. If a candidate’s score is the same as the CRS cut-off, they will only receive an ITA if they submit a profile before the tie-breaking rule.
What is an Express Entry profile number?
Why is the Express Entry login not working?
The IRCC online portal often experiences technical issues that can prevent someone from accessing their Express Entry profile. These issues can often be solved by clearing your browser cache, or by using a different web browser.
Can I apply for Express Entry without work experience?
Express Entry news
Why is my Express Entry application taking so long?
The service-standard processing time for Express Entry applications is 6 months. However, many factors may delay an applicant’s processing time, including:
- Country of residence;
- Type of application; and
- Completeness
For more information on processing time, please see our dedicated blog post.
What is the maximum age for Express Entry?
Can I apply to Express Entry twice?
No, you cannot have two Express Entry applications for the same applicant at the same time. However, if you are married, you can apply to your spouse if they are eligible. Therefore, one applicant cannot have multiple Express Entry profiles but you can have two profiles for the same family, in some circumstances.
If after 12 months you are not invited to apply, you can resubmit your profile and stay in the Express Entry pool for an additional 12 months. This can be repeated as many times as necessary.
How to fix mistakes in your Express Entry Profile?
- The Profile: Interested candidates create an Express Entry profile to show off their skills and experience. If they meet the eligibility requirements, they will be accepted into the Express Entry pool of candidates.
- The Application: The most competitive profiles from the Express Entry pool will be invited to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
When Can I Make Changes?
Good news, if you’ve submitted your Express Entry profile and you have not yet received an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence, then you’re in the clear to make changes! You can fix mistakes or even add new documents (for example, if you retake your IELTS exam and get a better score). But there are specific steps to follow. Here they are:
- Visit your Express Entry account welcome page. Next select the option that says, “What would you like to do today?”
- Next, head to the section that says, “View my submitted applications or profiles” and click on the button that reads “Check status and messages.”
- Near the bottom of the “Application/profile details” screen, you’ll see a button that says, “View submitted application.”
- Almost there, on the “Express Entry profile” page, hit the button that says, “Update form.” Make sure you select the appropriate section for modification.
- Make all the necessary changes (hopefully not too many), scroll to the bottom of the pages, then click “Save and exit.”
- All finished with your profile update? Look for the button that reads “Continue” near the bottom of the page. You’re now free to submit the newly modified version of your Express Entry profile. Pretty painless, right?
Quick reminder: Every time you enter a form and click on “Save and exit,” you’ll also notice a “Revert changes” button. It will be there even if no changes were made. Don’t panic. If you haven’t made any changes, hit the “Revert changes” button to make sure that the electronic system knows no changes were made.
Please note that if you make changes that affect your eligibility or your CRS score, the Express Entry system will update your profile to reflect these changes within 24 hours.
When Can’t I Make Changes
Now for the bad news—there are a few situations in which you cannot make changes to your profile.
- Your profile is ineligible:
If your profile doesn’t meet the criteria for one of Canada’s Express Entry programs, it will be refused and you cannot update it. How do you know if you’ve been found ineligible? That’s easy. If you log onto your Express Entry profile and you only have the option to “View profile,” it means your profile has been reviewed and refused. The system will state that your profile was ineligible.But don’t give up yet. You still have one option. You won’t be able to update your profile, but you can still submit a new profile. However, if you were considered not eligible based on your qualifications, you should probably wait until you’ve increased your eligibility before submitting another application. On your second application, be certain to enter and review all of the necessary information carefully to avoid any mistakes.
- Your profile has received an Invitation to Apply (ITA):
If your Express Entry profile receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence then all the information entered into the profile becomes locked in place. While you can technically amend the information when preparing your final application, you should try to avoid this. If you make any changes to your application that make you ineligible, your application will be refused. Also, the immigration officer handling your file reserves the right to request more information about any discrepancies between the original profile and the final application.A note on misrepresentation: Lying or providing false information on an immigration application is a serious offense. If a person is caught doing this they may be charged with misrepresentation, resulting in a 5-year ban from submitting any applications for Canadian immigration.
Canadian Experience Class (CEC) Eligibility
The Canadian Experience Class (CEC) program is ideal for candidates who have recent Canadian work experience and are seeking permanent immigration to Canada. CEC is also one of the fastest routes to Canadian permanent residence, taking as little as three to four months to process!
Find out if you are eligible to apply for Canadian Experience Class (CEC) or any other Canadian immigration program today! Take our free online assessment to get started.
What is the Canadian Experience Class program?
Who is eligible for the Canadian Experience Class Program?
To be eligible for CEC, a candidate must have at least 12 months of full-time (or an equivalent amount of part-time), skilled work experience in Canada. The Canadian work experience must have been acquired within the previous three years from the date of the application.
CEC is not an option for foreign nationals who do not have recent Canadian work experience.
Canadian Experience Class requirements
In order to count your 12 months of Canadian work experience towards your CEC application, it must meet the following conditions:
- Be obtained in Canada within the 36 months prior to the date of submission of the electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).
- Your employment duties in Canada fall under the NOC Code Skill Level 0, A, or B.
- Be lawfully obtained, paid work experience in Canada.
An applicant cannot count on work experience obtained while engaged in full-time studies in Canada.
In addition to the Canadian experience requirement, CEC has several other eligibility criteria which must be met to submit:
- Language: Reach a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 on an approved English or French language test for NOC skill level 0 or A jobs. Reach a CLB 5 for NOC B jobs.
- Residence in Canada: Intend to live outside of the province of Quebec.
Provided a candidate meets these requirements, they will be eligible to submit an Express Entry profile for the Canadian Experience Class program. However, candidates should note that they must meet Canada’s basic admissibility requirements. Certain criminal offenses and medical conditions may make a person inadmissible to Canada.
How to calculate your Canadian Experience Class CRS points?
Can I apply to the Canadian Experience Class program from outside of Canada?
Is proof of funds required for the Canadian Experience Class?
Does internship experience in Canada count towards my Canadian Experience Class application?
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Program
What is the FSW program?
Who is eligible to apply under the FSW program?
In order to qualify for the FSWP, a candidate must meet certain minimum requirements regarding years of experience, level of education, age, and English or French language proficiency:
- Work Experience
- At least 12 months of continuous, full-time, skilled work experience completed within the previous 10 years (or an equal amount in part-time experience).
- Skilled work experience refers to experience classified under NOC Skill Level 0, A, or B.
- Language Proficiency
- Reach a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 7 on an approved English or French language test.
- Education
- A minimum of a Canadian high school diploma or the equivalent in foreign education.
- Financial Support
- Enough funds to support themselves and any spouse and/or children in their settlement in Canada.
- Residence in Canada
- Must intend to live outside of the province of Quebec.
If a candidate meets the requirements listed above, they must also demonstrate that they score a minimum of 67 out of 100 points on the FSW eligibility point grid.
Provided a candidate meets these requirements, they will be eligible to submit an Express Entry profile for the Federal Skilled Worker program. However, candidates should note that they must meet Canada’s basic admissibility requirements. Certain criminal offenses and medical conditions may make a person inadmissible to Canada.
How can I apply to the FSW program?
Interested candidates must submit an Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Submitting an Express Entry profile does not guarantee a candidate will receive Canadian permanent residence. Only after submitting an Express Entry profile will a candidate be assigned a CRS score and be considered in future Express Entry draws for Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
When submitting your Express Entry profile, an FSW candidate will need to provide the following documents:
- Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA)
To claim points for education, an FSW candidate must provide a valid ECA report attesting to the value of foreign education by Canadian standards. There are five organizations in Canada authorized to issue ECA reports. This is not required for educational credentials obtained from a Canadian educational institution. - Language Proficiency Test Results
All candidates under the Express Entry programs must provide results from an approved language test taken within the previous two years. Accepted tests for English include the IELTS exam, and the CELPIP exam (only available in Canada). Accepted tests for French include the Test d’Évaluation de Français (TEF) and the Test de connaissance du français pour le Canada (TCF Canada). - Identification Documents
Candidates will be required to provide information from identification documents. Ideally, a candidate and all accompanying family members should possess passports valid for travel.
If a candidate is successful in receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence, they will move onto the second stage of the application process. In this second stage, the applicant will have 60 days to prepare and submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR). This application requires further documentation.
Since the Express Entry system launched in 2015, the lowest-ranking FSW candidate to receive an ITA held a CRS score of 413 points. If an applicant’s CRS score is below this score, they should actively pursue options for improving their score.
How long does it take to process an FSW application?
A Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Express Entry profile will remain valid in the pool of candidates for 12 months.
If, while in the pool of candidates, you receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA), you will have 60 days to submit a full application and documentation to the Government of Canada.
The standard processing time for Express Entry applications is six months from the time the application is received by the Canadian authorities to the issuance of a permanent residence visa.
Additional factors may affect your processing time, including:
- The complexity and/or completeness of your application
- The ease with which the officer can confirm the information provided in your application
- Adding family members to your application
Am I required to show settlement funds for FSW?
Federal Skilled Workers are required to demonstrate that they can provide for themselves and their families once they settle in Canada.
The funds required for settlement depend on the number of family members included in your application. Please refer to the below table for the amount required for your family.
| Number of Family Members | Funds Required |
|---|---|
|
1
|
$13,757
|
|
2
|
$17,127
|
|
3
|
$21,055
|
|
4
|
$25,564
|
|
5
|
$28,994
|
|
6
|
$32,700
|
|
7
|
$36,407
|
|
For each additional family member
|
$3,706
|
|
Required amount as of May 2023
|
|
For more information on what is accepted as proof of settlement funds, visit our Settlement Funds page.
If you are not able to demonstrate sufficient settlement funds, you can still apply as a Federal Skilled Worker if you first secure an offer of employment from a Canadian company.
What are the processing fees to apply under the FSW program?
The government processing fees must be remitted when submitting an application for permanent residence under the Federal Skilled Worker program. These fees are separate from a candidate’s settlement funds, which must be demonstrated as part of the Federal Skilled Worker eligibility requirements.
The processing fees to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker program are as follows:
| Application | Processing fee in $ CAD |
|---|---|
|
Principal applicant (Processing fee and right of permanent residence fee)
|
$1365
|
|
Spouse, common-law, or conjugal partner (with right of permanent residence fee)
|
$1365
|
|
A dependent child under the age of 22 who is not a spouse or common-law/conjugal partner, or a dependent over the age of 22 who is unable to support themselves financially due to a physical or mental condition
|
Add $230 each per dependent
|
|
Last updated May 10, 2022
|
Do I need to provide language test results for the FSW program?
To apply under the Federal Skilled Worker program, candidates must provide results from an approved language exam. To meet the minimum eligibility requirements, Federal Skilled Workers must score at least a CLB 7 or higher in each area of the language exam.
Federal Skilled Worker Program eligible occupations
To be eligible for the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), you must have at least one year of work experience in an occupation skill type A, B, or 0. For a complete list of eligible occupations, please see below:
| NOC code | Occupation Title | Skill type |
|---|---|---|
|
0011
|
Legislators
|
|
|
0012
|
Senior government managers and officials
|
|
|
0013
|
Senior managers – financial, communications, and other business services
|
|
|
0014
|
Senior managers – health, education, social and community services and membership organizations
|
|
|
0015
|
Senior managers – trade, broadcasting, and other services, n.e.c.
|
|
|
0016
|
Senior managers – construction, transportation, production, and utilities
|
|
|
0111
|
Financial managers
|
|
|
0112
|
Human resources managers
|
|
|
0113
|
Purchasing managers
|
|
|
0114
|
Other administrative services managers
|
Federal Skilled Worker Program vs. Express Entry
How do I calculate Federal Skilled Worker points?
To submit a program under the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), you must meet a minimum score of 67 on the FSW points grid. To calculate your Federal Skilled Worker score, you can check your points against the grids below.
For a free assessment of your eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker Program, complete our free online assessment form today!
| Factor | Points |
|---|---|
|
Education
|
25
|
|
Language Proficiency
|
28
|
|
Age
|
12
|
|
Work Experience
|
15
|
|
Arranged Employment
|
10
|
|
Adaptability
|
10
|
|
Minimum Pass Score
|
67
|
- Factor 1: Education
- Factor 2: Language Proficiency
- Factor 3: Age
- Factor 4: Work Experience
- Factor 5: Arranged Employment
- Factor 6: Adaptability
What is the difference between my FSW eligibility points and my CRS score?
To submit a profile as a Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), you must meet the minimum of 67 eligibility points. Once you can submit an Express Entry profile to the pool of candidates, you are ranked by the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) and given a CRS score. All candidates that enter the Express Entry pool are given a CRS score, but only FSW candidates need to meet the minimum FSW score.
What is foreign work experience?
To be eligible to submit an Express Entry profile, Federal Skilled Workers must have at least one year of full-time (or part-time equivalent) foreign work experience. Foreign work experience is any paid work experience acquired outside of Canada within the past 10 years.
The work experience must be in National Occupational Classification (NOC) skill type A, B, or 0. To determine the skill type of your work, you will first need to find your NOC code.
How do I calculate CRS points for foreign work experience?
Foreign work experience CRS points are calculated as part of the skill transferability factors in combination with a candidate’s:
- Official language proficiency; and
- Canadian work experience.
Having three or more years of foreign work experience will allow you to claim the highest amount of points under these factors. See the below tables for a full breakdown of foreign work experience CRS points.
Foreign Work Experience and Official Language Proficiency
| Years of Experience | Points for foreign work experience + CLB 7 | Points for foreign work experience + CLB 9 |
|---|---|---|
|
No foreign work experience
|
|
|
|
1-2 years of foreign work experience
|
13
|
25
|
|
3+ years of foreign work experience
|
25
|
50
|
Foreign Work Experience and Canadian Work Experience
| Years of Experience | Points for foreign work experience + 1 year of Canadian work experience | Points for foreign work experience + 2 or more years of Canadian work experience |
|---|---|---|
|
No foreign work experience
|
|
|
|
1-2 years of foreign work experience
|
13
|
25
|
|
3+ years of foreign work experience
|
25
|
50
|
How do I calculate FSW points for part-time work experience?
Part-time work for Federal Skilled Workers can be calculated one of two ways:
- Combining the total number of hours worked per week in two or more part-time, skilled roles (e.g. 15 hrs/week in job A + 15 hrs/week in job B = 30 hrs/week)
- Combining the total hours worked in one part-time job over two or more years (e.g. 15 hours/week for two years = 1 year equivalent of full-time work) and 15 hours per week in one part-time job over two years, etc.).
All part-time roles must be in NOC skill type A, B, or 0 to be considered toward one’s eligibility for the Federal Skilled Worker program.
Is the Federal Skilled Worker program open?
Express Entry draws for Federal Skilled Worker candidates have been paused since December 2020. The Canadian government recently announced that draws targeting federal skilled workers would resume in early July 2022.
That said, FSW candidates may submit a profile at any time. While FSW candidates may not be invited in a federal Express Entry draw until July 2022, provinces continue to invite candidates for the chance to be nominated for permanent residency through Provincial Nominee Programs.
Can a Federal Skilled Worker work in Quebec?
According to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, Federal Skilled Workers are persons who have the intention to become economically established in Canada and reside in a province outside of Quebec.
Therefore, to be eligible for the program, you must not intend to reside in the province of Quebec. If you intend to settle in Quebec, you should immigrate through a Quebec immigration program. However, you may work for a Quebec company as long as you can sufficiently demonstrate your intention to reside in another province.
Is there an age limit to apply for under the FSW program?
There is no age limit to apply under the Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) program. However, after the age of 35, candidates will begin to lose points toward the FSW eligibility requirement. After the age of 29, candidates will also lose points toward the age factor of their Comprehensive Ranking Score (CRS). For this reason, candidates with lower age points may need to increase their eligibility points and CRS scores through other factors.
Can my spouse and children be included in my FSW application?
Can I include my parents on my Federal Skilled Worker application?
Unfortunately, parents cannot be included in an application for permanent residence through the Federal Skilled Worker program. However, after becoming a permanent resident, you may be eligible to sponsor your parents to come to Canada.
Do I need a job offer to apply for the FSW Program?
A job offer is not required for the Federal Skilled Worker program. A large majority of candidates invited under the Express Entry system do not have a formal Canadian job offer. That said, having a valid job offer may increase a Federal Skilled Worker’s CRS score by 50-200 points. To qualify for these points, the job offer will likely require a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
I have a criminal background or serious medical condition - can I still apply under the FSW program?
Federal Skilled Trades
The Federal Skilled Trades (FST) program is one of the three federal immigration programs managed by the Express Entry system. As with all Express Entry programs, FST uses the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to rank interested candidates against one another, only inviting the most competitive candidates to apply for Canadian permanent residence.
- FST Program Requirements
- FST Application Procedure
Each year, over half of all immigrants to Canada are skilled workers welcomed through economic programs, including the Federal Skilled Trades program. For qualified tradespeople the FST program can be a fast option for obtaining Canadian permanent residence, and with it, the right to live and work in Canada permanently.
FST Program Requirements
To qualify for FST, a candidate must have at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade (or an equal amount in part-time). This experience must have been obtained within the previous 5 years and only considers work experience obtained after an individual has been granted the certification to practice the trade in their country of residence.
Canada’s National Occupational Classification (NOC) code, defines skilled trades as the following occupation groups:
|
Major Group 72
|
industrial, electrical and construction trades
|
|
Major Group 73
|
maintenance and equipment operation trades
|
|
Major Group 82
|
supervisors and technical jobs in natural resources, agriculture and related production
|
|
Major Group 92
|
processing, manufacturing and utilities supervisors and central control operators
|
|
Minor Group 632
|
chefs and cooks
|
|
Minor Group 633
|
butchers and bakers
|
If a person does possess the necessary work experience, they also must meet the other eligibility criteria outlined by the FST program:
- Canada Employment Connection
Have a valid offer of full-time employment for a position lasting at least 12 months or a certificate of qualification in their skilled trade which is issued by a Canadian provincial or territorial authority. - Language
Reach a minimum of Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level 4 on an approved English or French language test. - Residence in Canada
Must intend to live outside of the province of Quebec.
Provided a candidate meets these requirements, they will be eligible to submit an Express Entry profile for the Federal Skilled Trades program. However, candidates should note that they must meet Canada’s basic admissibility requirements. Certain criminal offenses and medical conditions may make a person inadmissible to Canada.
FST Application Procedure
If a person meets these requirements, they can submit an Express Entry profile to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Submitting an Express Entry profile does not guarantee a candidate will receive Canadian permanent residence. Only after submitting an Express Entry profile will a candidate be assigned a CRS score and be considered in future Express Entry draws for Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence.
When submitting an Express Entry profile, an FST candidate will be required to provide information from several documents:
- Language Proficiency Test Results
All candidates under the Express Entry programs must provide results from an approved language test taken within the previous two years. - Identification Documents
Candidates will be required to provide information from identification documents. Ideally, a candidate and all accompanying family members should possess passports valid for travel.
Though educational documents are not required for FST, an applicant must have certain documentation to claim points for education:
- Educational Credentials Assessment (ECA)
To claim points for education, an FST candidate must provide a valid ECA report attesting to the value of foreign education by Canadian standards. There are five organizations in Canada authorized to issue ECA reports. This is not required for educational credentials obtained from a Canadian educational institution.
Since the Express Entry system launched in 2015, the lowest-ranking FST candidate to receive an ITA held a CRS score of 199 points. If an applicant’s CRS score is below this score they should actively pursue options for improving their score.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS)
Immigration candidates in the Express Entry pool are ranked against one another using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranking candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for Canadian permanent residence.
- What is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score?
- How can I increase my CRS score?
- How can a Provincial Nominee Program increase my CRS score?
- What CRS score is required for PNPs?
- Do I get more CRS points if I apply with a spouse?
- CRS Score Breakdown Table
Curious about what your CRS score might be? Global Solicitors CRS score calculator lets you estimate your CRS score for Express Entry immigration to Canada.
What is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score?
In order to rank immigration candidates, the Canadian government developed a merit-based points system that assigns a score to each candidate in the Express Entry pool. This points system is called the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), and the score assigned to each candidate is called the CRS score. Express Entry manages three programs:
- Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
- Federal Skilled Trades (FST)
- Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
Any person who submits a profile to the Express Entry pool of candidates is assigned a CRS score out of 1200 points. Approximately every two weeks, the Canadian government conducts an Express Entry draw, where they issue a round of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence to the highest-ranking candidates. Note that IRCC does not disclose information regarding the date of the draw, the number of ITAs that will be issued, or the minimum required CRS score in advance of each draw.
How can I increase my CRS score?
There are many ways an applicant can increase their CRS score once in the Express Entry pool. CRS points are largely tied to the applicant’s language ability, education, work experience, and age. Additional points can also be claimed for having a sibling in Canada, speaking French at a high level, receiving a job offer in the country, or securing a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Securing additional points from one of these factors can substantially increase one’s chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in one of Canada’s upcoming Express Entry draws.
How can a Provincial Nominee Program increase my CRS score?
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) provide pathways to permanent residency for candidates with low CRS scores in the Express Entry pool. Receiving a nomination from a province could result in an additional 600 points toward one’s CRS score, essentially guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence (ITA).
Each province sets its criteria for nominee programs; while many require some type of connection to the province to be eligible to apply, others look for candidates that fill the labour market or demographic gaps. Candidates invited under a PNP are expected to settle in the province they are nominated under.
What CRS score is required for PNPs?
Each province sets its eligibility requirements for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Some of these programs use the Express Entry system to find their potential nominees. While many of these programs use their own points system, some provinces may use a candidate’s CRS score, among other factors, to decide whether they will be invited to apply for nomination.
Although these CRS scores may change from draw to draw, some provinces state the minimum CRS score required to be considered for nomination. For example, Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream does not send invitations to candidates with a CRS score lower than 400, and Alberta’s Express Entry stream will only consider candidates with a CRS score of at least 300.
Keep up to date on the latest PNP draw requirements using our Provincial Nominee Program Updates Tracker.
Do I get more CRS points if I apply with a spouse?
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points are awarded differently, depending on whether the applicant is married or single.
If a spouse or common-law partner is listed as non-accompanying in an application or is already a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, the applicant will earn points as a single applicant.
If an applicant is married and has an accompanying spouse, the spouse should provide language results and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for all post-secondary education. This will enable a candidate to secure the maximum number of points when including a partner on their application.
CRS Score Breakdown Table
Summary of maximum points per factor for Express Entry candidates
| Factors | Maximum Points Available |
|---|---|
|
A. Core / Human Capital Factors
|
460 (with spouse) 500 (without spouse)
|
|
B. Spouse or Common-Law Factors
|
40
|
|
C. Skill Transferability Factors
|
100
|
|
D. Additional Points
|
600
|
|
Maximum Total Points
|
1200
|
A. Core / Human Capital Factors
| Factors | Points | |
|---|---|---|
|
|
With a spouse or common-law partner
|
Without a spouse or common-law partner
|
|
Age
|
100
|
110
|
|
Level of education
|
140
|
150
|
|
Official languages proficiency
|
150
|
160
|
|
Canadian work experience
|
70
|
80
|
|
Maximum
|
460
|
500
|
B. Spouse or common-law partner factors
| Factors | Points |
|---|---|
|
Level of education
|
10
|
|
Official language proficiency
|
20
|
|
Canadian Work Experience
|
10
|
|
Maximum
|
40
|
|
A. Core/human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner factors = Maximum 500 points (with OR without a spouse or common-law partner)
|
|
C. Skill transferability factors (maximum 100 points)
| Factors | Points |
|---|---|
|
Education
|
|
|
With good/strong official language proficiency and a post-secondary degree
|
50
|
|
With Canadian work experience and a post-secondary degree
|
50
|
|
Maximum
|
50
|
|
Foreign work experience
|
|
|
With good/strong official language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark [CLB] level 7 or higher) and foreign work experience
|
50
|
|
With Canadian work experience and foreign work experience
|
50
|
|
Maximum
|
50
|
|
Certificate of qualification (for people in trade occupations)
|
|
|
With good/strong official language proficiency and a certificate of qualification
|
50
|
|
Maximum
|
50
|
|
Maximum
|
100
|
|
A. Core/human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner + C. Transferability factors = Maximum 600 points
|
|
D. Additional points (maximum 600 points)
| Factors | Points |
|---|---|
|
Brother or sister living in Canada (citizen or permanent resident)
|
15
|
|
French language skills
|
50
|
|
Post-secondary education in Canada
|
30
|
|
Arranged employment
|
200
|
|
PN nomination
|
600
|
|
Maximum
|
600
|
|
A. Core/human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner factors + C. Transferability factors + D. Additional points = Grand total – Maximum 1,200 points
|
|
Points breakdown, section by section
A – Core / human capital factors
- With a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum 460 points total for all factors.
- Without a spouse or common-law partner: Maximum 500 points total for all factors.
Age Factors
| Age | With a spouse or common-law partner | Without a spouse or common-law partner |
|---|---|---|
|
17 years of age or less
|
|
|
|
18 years of age
|
90
|
99
|
|
19 years of age
|
95
|
105
|
|
20 to 29 years of age
|
100
|
110
|
|
30 years of age
|
95
|
105
|
|
31 years of age
|
90
|
99
|
|
32 years of age
|
85
|
94
|
|
33 years of age
|
80
|
88
|
|
34 years of age
|
75
|
83
|
|
35 years of age
|
70
|
77
|
|
36 years of age
|
65
|
72
|
|
37 years of age
|
60
|
66
|
|
38 years of age
|
55
|
61
|
|
39 years of age
|
50
|
55
|
|
40 years of age
|
45
|
50
|
|
41 years of age
|
35
|
39
|
|
42 years of age
|
25
|
28
|
|
43 years of age
|
15
|
17
|
|
44 years of age
|
5
|
6
|
|
45 years of age or more
|
|
|
|
Maximum
|
100
|
110
|
Education Factors
| Level of Education | With a spouse or common-law partner | Without a spouse or common-law partner |
|---|---|---|
|
Less than secondary school (high school)
|
|
|
|
Secondary diploma (high school graduation)
|
28
|
30
|
|
One-year degree, diploma or certificate from a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute
|
84
|
90
|
|
Two-year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute
|
91
|
98
|
|
Bachelor’s degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute
|
112
|
120
|
|
Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees. One must be for a program of three or more years
|
119
|
128
|
|
Master’s degree, OR professional degree needed to practice in a licensed profession (For “professional degree,” the degree program must have been in: medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, law, chiropractic medicine, or pharmacy.)
|
126
|
135
|
|
Doctoral level university degree (Ph.D.)
|
140
|
150
|
|
Maximum
|
140
|
150
|
First Official Language Factors
| Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability | With a spouse or common-law partner | Without a spouse or common-law partner |
|---|---|---|
|
*Points are awarded for each language ability
|
||
|
Less than CLB 4
|
|
|
|
CLB 4 or 5
|
6
|
6
|
|
CLB 6
|
8
|
9
|
|
CLB 7
|
16
|
17
|
|
CLB 8
|
22
|
23
|
|
CLB 9
|
29
|
31
|
|
CLB 10 or more
|
32
|
34
|
|
Maximum
|
128
|
136
|
Second Official Language Factors
| Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability | With a spouse or common-law partner | Without a spouse or common-law partner |
|---|---|---|
|
*Points are awarded for each language ability
|
||
|
CLB 4 or less
|
|
|
|
CLB 5 or 6
|
1
|
1
|
|
CLB 7 or 8
|
3
|
3
|
|
CLB 9 or more
|
6
|
6
|
|
Maximum
|
22
|
24
|
Canadian Work Experience Factors
| Canadian work experience | With a spouse or common-law partner | Without a spouse or common-law partner |
|---|---|---|
|
None or less than a year
|
|
|
|
1 year
|
35
|
40
|
|
2 years
|
46
|
53
|
|
3 years
|
56
|
64
|
|
4 years
|
63
|
72
|
|
5 years or more
|
70
|
80
|
|
Maximum
|
70
|
80
|
Subtotal: A – Core / human capital factors
- With a spouse or common-law partner – Maximum 460 points
- Without a spouse or common-law partner – Maximum 500 points
B – Spouse or common-law partner factors
Level of Education
| Spouse’s or common-law partner’s level of education | With spouse or common-law partner | Without spouse or common-law partner |
|---|---|---|
|
Less than secondary school (high school)
|
|
n/a
|
|
Secondary school (high school graduation)
|
2
|
n/a
|
|
One-year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute
|
6
|
n/a
|
|
Two-year program at a university, college, trade or technical in school, or other institute
|
7
|
n/a
|
|
Bachelor’s degree OR a three or more year program at a university, college, trade or technical school, or other institute
|
8
|
n/a
|
|
Two or more certificates, diplomas, or degrees. One must be for a program of three or more years
|
9
|
n/a
|
|
Master’s degree, or professional degree needed to practice in a licensed profession (For “professional degree”, the degree program must have been in: medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, optometry, law, chiropractic medicine, or pharmacy.)
|
10
|
n/a
|
|
Doctoral level university degree (PhD)
|
10
|
n/a
|
|
Maximum
|
10
|
Does Not Apply
|
Spouse or common-law partner’s official language abilities
| Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level per ability (reading, writing, speaking and listening) | With spouse or common-law Partner | Without spouse or common-law partner |
|---|---|---|
|
*Points are awarded for each language ability
|
||
|
CLB 4 or less
|
|
n/a
|
|
CLB 5 or 6
|
1
|
n/a
|
|
CLB 7 or 8
|
3
|
n/a
|
|
CLB 9 or more
|
5
|
n/a
|
|
Maximum
|
20
|
Does Not Apply
|
Spouse or Common-Law Partner’s Canadian Work Experience
| Spouse’s Canadian work experience | With spouse or common-law partner | Without spouse or common-law partner |
|---|---|---|
|
None or less than a year
|
|
n/a
|
|
1 year
|
5
|
n/a
|
|
2 years
|
7
|
n/a
|
|
3 years
|
8
|
n/a
|
|
4 years
|
9
|
n/a
|
|
5 years or more
|
10
|
n/a
|
|
Maximum
|
10
|
Does Not Apply
|
Subtotal: A – Core / human capital + B – Spouse or common-law partner factors – Maximum 500 points
C – Skill Transferability factors (Maximum 100 points for this section)
Education and Language Proficiency
| With good official language proficiency (Canadian Language Benchmark Level [CLB] 7 or higher) and a post-secondary degree | Points for CLB 7 or more on all first official language abilities, with one or more under CLB 9 | Points for CLB 9 or more on all four first official language abilities |
|---|---|---|
|
Secondary school (high school) credential or less
|
|
|
|
Post-secondary program credential of one year or longer
|
13
|
25
|
|
Two or more post-secondary program credentials AND at least one of these credentials was issued on completion of a post-secondary program of three years or longer
|
25
|
50
|
|
Maximum
|
25
|
50
|
Education and Canadian Work Experience
| With Canadian work experience and a post-secondary degree | Points for education + 1 year of Canadian work experience | Points for education + 2 years or more of Canadian work experience |
|---|---|---|
|
Secondary school (high school) credential or less
|
|
|
|
Post-secondary program credential of one year or longer
|
13
|
25
|
|
Two or more post-secondary program credentials AND at least one of these credentials was issued on completion of a post-secondary program of three years or longer
|
25
|
50
|
|
Maximum
|
25
|
50
|
Foreign Work Experience – with CLB 7 or Higher
| Years of experience | Points for foreign work experience + CLB 7 or more on all first official language abilities, one or more under 9 | Points for foreign work experience + CLB 9 or more on all four first official language abilities |
|---|---|---|
|
No foreign work experience
|
|
|
|
1 or 2 years of foreign work experience
|
13
|
25
|
|
3 years or more of foreign work experience
|
25
|
50
|
|
Maximum
|
25
|
50
|
Canadian Work Experience and Foreign Work Experience
Subtotal: A – Core / human capital + B – Spouse or common-law partner + C – Skill transferability factors – Maximum 600 points
D – Additional points (Maximum 600 points)
Additional Points
A. Core/human capital + B. Spouse or common-law partner factors + C. Transferability factors + D. Additional points = Grand total – Maximum 1,200 points
What is the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score?
The Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) is a tool used by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to rank profiles against each other in the Express Entry pool.
The points-based system provides candidates in the pool with a CRS score based on factors such as one’s age, language ability, work experience, education, and ties to Canada.
Approximately every two weeks, the Canadian government holds an Express Entry draw, issuing a round of Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to those individuals in the pool who hold the highest CRS scores.
What is a good Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score?
While the lowest CRS score needed to receive an ITA was just 75 in Canada’s February 2021 historic draw for Canadian Experience Class candidates, the lowest CRS score selected in 2020 (excluding program-specific draws) was 468 points. Before that, the lowest cut-off in a non-specified draw in 438 in 2019, 439 in 2018, and just 413 in 2017.
As the CRS cut-off cannot be predicted ahead of each draw score, it is important to take measures to maximize your CRS score wherever possible.
What is the minimum Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score to enter the Express Entry pool?
There is no minimum CRS score required to enter the Express Entry pool of candidates. The CRS cut-off fluctuates from draw to draw and may increase or decrease depending on a number of factors. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not release what the minimum required CRS score will be ahead of each round of invitations. Therefore, the higher your CRS score, the stronger the chance you will have of receiving an ITA.
How can I increase my Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score?
There are many ways an applicant can increase their CRS score once in the Express Entry pool. CRS points are largely tied to the applicant’s language ability, education, work experience, and age. Additional points can also be claimed for having a sibling in Canada, speaking French at a high level, receiving a job offer in the country, or securing a nomination from a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP).
Securing additional points from one of these factors can substantially increase one’s chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) in one of Canada’s upcoming Express Entry draws.
How can a Provincial Nominee Program increase my CRS score?
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNP) provide pathways to permanent residency for candidates with low CRS scores in the Express Entry pool. Receiving a nomination from a province could result in an additional 600 points toward one’s CRS score, essentially guaranteeing an invitation to apply for permanent residence (ITA).
Each province sets its criteria for nominee programs; while many require some type of connection to the province to be eligible to apply, others look for candidates that fill the labour market or demographic gaps. Candidates invited under a PNP are expected to settle in the province they are nominated under.
Do I get a more Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score if I apply with a spouse?
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points are awarded differently, depending on whether the applicant is married or single.
If a spouse or common-law partner is listed as non-accompanying in an application or is already a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, the applicant will earn points as a single applicant.
If an applicant is married and has an accompanying spouse, the spouse should provide language results and an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report for all post-secondary education. This will enable a candidate to secure the maximum number of points when including a partner on their application.
Why is my CRS score low?
There are several reasons why one’s CRS score may be lower than expected upon entering the pool of candidates. By browsing our summary of maximum CRS points against your score, you can determine where you may be losing points.
While a low CRS score may be disheartening, the good news is that you can continue to improve your ranking in the pool, even after your profile has been submitted. Many candidates are successful in increasing their CRS score after gaining additional work experience, retaking their language exam, securing a Canadian job offer, or choosing to study in Canada. There is always room for improvement!
What CRS score is required for PNPs?
Each province sets its eligibility requirements for Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). Some of these programs use the Express Entry system to find their potential nominees. While many of these programs use their own points system, some provinces may use a candidate’s CRS score, among other factors, to decide whether they will be invited to apply for nomination.
Although these CRS scores may change from draw to draw, some provinces state the minimum CRS score required to be considered for nomination. For example, Ontario’s Human Capital Priorities stream does not send invitations to candidates with a CRS score lower than 400, and Alberta’s Express Entry stream will only consider candidates with a CRS score of at least 300.
Keep up to date on the latest PNP draw requirements using our Provincial Nominee Program Updates Tracker.
Express Entry Draw
Introduced in 2015, Canada’s Express Entry system organizes immigration applications for the different immigration programs managed by the Express Entry system. To be considered for these programs, a candidate first submits an Express Entry profile to the pool of candidates. All Express Entry profiles are ranked against one another through the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) which assigns each candidate a CRS score out of a total of 1200 points.
- Most Recent Express Entry Draws
- Composition of the Express Entry Pool
- What type of Express Entry Draws are there?
- Categories chosen for 2023
- What do I need to do to have my profile selected in an Express Entry Draw?
- What is the lowest CRS score accepted in an Express Entry Draw?
- How many profiles are selected in each Express Entry Draw?
- What do you do if your profile has been selected from an Express Entry Draw?
- How often are there Express Entry Draws?
- Am I more likely to be selected during an Express Entry Draw if I have a job offer?
- Improving the CRS Score
Find Out If You Qualify To Immigrate To Canada
Approximately every two weeks, the Canadian government conducts an Express Entry draw. Each draw has a CRS cut-off score, which represents the CRS score of the lowest-ranking candidate to receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. Once a candidate receives an ITA, they are given 60 days to complete and submit an official electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR).
Latest Express Entry Draw Results
Tie-Breaking Rule: If multiple candidates score at the CRS cut-off score, IRCC makes use of the tie-breaking rule to better control the number of ITAs issued in each draw. Only candidates who score at or above the CRS cut-off score and submit a profile before the tie-breaking rule will be issued an ITA. The tie-breaking rule was only instituted in November 2017.
Composition of the Express Entry Pool
What type of Express Entry Draws are there?
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) holds different types of rounds of invitations throughout the year. There are 3 different types of Express Entry draws that are held:
- General round of invitations: General rounds of invitations invite the top-ranking candidates in the Express Entry pool who are eligible for 1 of the 3 Express Entry Programs. The 3 programs include the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP), the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC).
- Program-specific rounds of invitations: Program-specific rounds invite the top-ranking candidates who are eligible for a specific Express Entry program. For example, the IRCC often has draws specifically for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), where only candidates who are eligible for a PNP are invited.
- Category-based rounds of invitations: The Minister of Immigration will establish specific categories to meet specific economic goals across Canada. Once the categories are established, the top-ranking candidates in the pool who are eligible for this category will receive an invitation.
Categories Chosen for 2023
- French-language proficiency
- Healthcare occupations
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) occupations
- Trade occupations
- Transport occupations
- Agriculture and agri-food occupations
What do I need to do to have my profile selected in an Express Entry Draw?
What is the lowest CRS score accepted for Express Entry Draws?
The lowest accepted CRS score varies with each Express Entry draw.
Since the Express Entry system was introduced in 2015, the lowest ever accepted CRS score has been 75. This was from a CEC Draw that took place in February 2021.
The lowest CRS score from an all-program draw, targeting Federal Skilled Workers was 413.
How many profiles are selected in each Express Entry Draw?
There is no set number of Express Entry Profiles selected in each Express Entry draw. How many profiles are selected with each draw depends on the number of candidates in the pool, the quality of candidates in the pool and the Canadian labour market needs at the time of the draw.
What do you do if your profile has been selected from an Express Entry Draw?
How often are there Express Entry Draws?
Am I more likely to be selected during an Express Entry Draw if I have a job offer?
Having an approved Canadian job offer does not guarantee that you will receive an ITA from an Express Entry Draw. It will however increase your chances. When you apply to the Express Entry pool with an approved Canadian job offer, you will receive either 50 or 200 points CRS points depending on the type of job you have been offered.
In addition to this, a Canadian job offer may make your profile more desirable to the province where the job offer is located.
How can you improve your CRS score to make sure you receive an invitation to the next Express Entry Draw?
If a candidate’s CRS score is significantly lower than the minimum cut-off in the pool, they should consider trying to improve their score. They could also update their profile to appeal to one of the specific category-based draws where the pool is likely to be a lot lower. For example, updating your French language scores to reflect those to meet the French-language proficiency category, could give you a better chance at selection compared to a general round of invitations.
For more information on improving ranking, please refer to Global Solicitors guidelines for improving the CRS score and ranking.
Invitation to Apply (ITA) & the Electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR)
The Invitation to Apply (ITA), sometimes referred to as the electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR), is the final step of the Express Entry program. The eAPR application provides the documents that support the details listed in your initial Express Entry profile.
Once you receive an ITA for Canadian permanent residence, you’re well on your way to fulfilling your Canadian immigration dreams!
- How do I get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
- What happens after I get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
- What documents do I need for my eAPR?
- How long does it take to receive an ITA?
- How much does it cost to submit an eAPR?
- Get help with your ITA/eAPR
How do I get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
The first step to obtaining an ITA is to submit an Express Entry profile. Following that, you will be entered into a pool of candidates and ranked using the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The CRS is a merit-based points system that assigns a score to each candidate in the Express Entry pool.
Candidates who are highly ranked will receive an ITA and then be asked to submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR). If the eAPR is successfully approved, the applicant and their dependent family members included in the application will be granted Canadian permanent residence.
What happens after I get an Invitation to Apply (ITA)?
After receiving an ITA, you will be given 60 days to prepare and submit an electronic Application for Permanent Residence (eAPR) in Canada. This application is submitted through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online web portal. Applicants will be asked to scan and submit copies of all required documents.
Immigration Tip
Check your account regularly to see if any messages or updates from IRCC have been issued regarding your application.
IRCC states that 80% of eAPRs are processed within six months or earlier from the date of submission. If an application is approved, then the applicant and all accompanying family members will be issued visas allowing them to travel to a Canadian Port of Entry (POE) to obtain their official permanent resident documents!
After becoming a Canadian permanent resident, individuals should be sure to educate themselves on the PR requirements to ensure they remain eligible to renew their permanent residence card or apply for Canadian citizenship.
What documents do I need for my eAPR?
The requirements you need to provide for your eAPR are those that support the qualifications claimed in your Express Entry profile as well as proof you are not inadmissible to Canada. If you cannot provide a document that is requested, always provide a letter of explanation outlining why it cannot be obtained. It is advisable to mention the attempts you have made to obtain the missing documents and provide possible alternatives.
Documents submitted must be in English or French. If they are not, you will need to have the documents translated by a certified translator.
Using the services of a Canadian immigration attorney can help explain to the visa office clearly and concisely why your documents are not exactly as requested. If you need help with your application, get in touch with us for a free consultation.
1) IDENTITY AND CIVIL STATUS DOCUMENTS
Passports
Birth certificates
For everyone included in your application, you must provide a birth certificate. Some countries do not issue birth certificates, in that case, you can provide a document that confirms the details of your date of birth and at least one of your parent’s names. Including a letter of explanation with your application is advisable if you are not providing an official birth certificate.
Adoption certificates are also required in the event you have adopted children.
Marital status
- Single (never married): In most cases, no documents are required to prove you are single
- Married: marriage certificate
- Common-law/conjugal: evidence of a genuine relationship
- Divorced: divorce certificate for each divorce you had
- Widowed: marriage and death certificate
You may need to provide a combination of these documents in some cases. For example, if you are divorced and then remarried, you will need to provide both your divorce certificate as well as your new marriage certificate.
2) LANGUAGE TEST RESULTS
Depending on which language test you took, IRCC may already have access to your test results. However, IRCC does sometimes request a copy of your language test results. It may be a good idea to include your results with your application, otherwise, your application could be delayed if IRCC ends up requesting a copy. If your spouse took an approved language test, this should also be included.
3) WORK EXPERIENCE DOCUMENTS
You need to demonstrate proof of the work experience mentioned on your Express Entry profile. To do this you will need to provide:
- Reference letters
- Electronic copies of your employment contracts and a sample of pay slips (if possible)
If you have claimed Canadian work experience, you must also provide:
- T4 tax information slips
- Notice of Assessment and Option C printouts from CRA
- A copy of your work permit/employment authorization
Check out our guide for more information about reference letters but to summarize, your letters should include the following:
- Your job title
- Your salary
- The average hours/week you worked
- A detailed list of your employment duties
- The dates of your employment
You’ll need one from each of your employers in the last 10 years. This is primarily how IRCC will decide if the National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes you’ve claimed accurately represent your experience.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) issues documents for tax purposes to everyone who works in Canada. If you claimed Canadian work experience, you need to show proof that you did so legally and that you paid your taxes.
4) EDUCATION DOCUMENTS
- Copies of certificates, diplomas, or degrees for each completed program of post-secondary study you have claimed points for
- Copies of transcripts for each completed secondary and post-secondary program
- An original Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) report
- If you have claimed Canadian educational credentials, you must provide proof of successful completion of the program
Immigration Tip
If you have claimed points for your spouse’s education, documents to support those qualifications should be provided as well.
5) PROOF OF FUNDS
You will need to provide proof that you have sufficient funds to support your relocation to Canada. These are referred to as settlement fees and vary depending on your family size. If you have an arranged employment offer that was mentioned in your application, this requirement is waived.
Immigration Tip
Minimum funds are calculated based on your family size. When you’re calculating how much you need to demonstrate, don’t forget to count yourself!
6) MEDICAL EXAMINATION CONFIRMATION
7) POLICE CLEARANCE CERTIFICATES
You and all of your family members will need police clearance certificates from every country you or they resided in for six months or more since the age of 18.
Police clearance certificates are only valid for 12 months. So you must wait until you receive an ITA before you apply for one, otherwise, it could expire by the time your application is processed.
However, they can also take a long time to receive. Since you only have 60 days from receiving your ITA to applying, this can be tricky to manage. If you have applied for police clearance certificates but do not receive them on time, you have to provide proof that you applied for them in your application. This will buy you some time for the police clearance certificates to come through.
8) PHOTOS
9) GOVERNMENT PROCESSING FEES
Principal Applicant: $1325
Spouse: $1325
Dependent children: $225/child
10) PROVINCIAL NOMINATION
11) PROOF OF RELATIVE
If you have claimed a relative in Canada, you must provide:
- Proof of Canadian citizenship/permanent resident status for your relative
- Proof your relative is residing in Canada like utility bills, Canadian tax documents, or banking records
- Proof of familial relationship with your relative in Canada
12) OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT
You do not need a job offer. However, if you claimed a valid job offer from a Canadian employer in your profile, you’ll need proof that the offer is legitimate by providing:
- A letter from the employer offering the job in Canada
- The associated LMIA number, if applicable
The letter from your Canadian employer offering you the job should be printed on the company letterhead and include your name, the company’s contact information, and the name, title, and signature of the applicant’s immediate supervisor.
The letter must also contain the expected start date, job title, duties and responsibilities, number of work hours per week, and annual salary plus benefits. Finally, the letter has to contain a commitment that the applicant will be employed on a continuous, paid, full-time basis for at least one year after issuance of permanent residence.
How long does it take to receive an ITA?
IRCC regularly issues draws for Express Entry applicants. If you are highly ranked, you can expect to receive an ITA within a few days to weeks. If you are not selected right away, your profile will remain active in the Express Entry pool for 12 months.
If after several months you have not received an ITA, it might be time to look into ways you can boost your CRS score. You can consider retaking language tests or looking into provincial nomination programs.
Can my family members be included in an eAPR application?
Certain family members can be included in an eAPR application. These include your spouse / common-law partner and dependent children under the age of 22. Children over the age of 22 who are financially dependent on the main applicant as a result of a physical or mental condition may also be included in the eAPR.
How much does it cost to submit an eAPR?
- Principal Applicant: $1325
- Spouse: $1325
- Dependent children: $225/child
- Biometrics: $85/person
- Medical examination fees: average cost – $450/adult & $250/child
- Police clearance certificates: average cost – $100/country