Express Entry

shimjoongs
Sep 29
2 min read

What is Express Entry?

Canada’s Express Entry (EE) is an online immigration application system launched on January 1, 2015. It uses a Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) to select eligible skilled workers, tradespeople, and those with Canadian work experience. Anyone who meets the requirements can apply for Express Entry.

As one of the fastest and most efficient immigration pathways, Express Entry allows qualified candidates to apply for Permanent Residence more quickly compared to other programs. Applicants must first create an online profile and will receive a CRS score based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. The government regularly invites the highest-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence.

✅ Who is it for?

Professionals with higher education, skilled work experience, and strong English or French abilities.

✅ Key to success:

Create a profile, reach a competitive CRS score, and submit a complete application once invited.

💡 How to Apply?

STEP 1: Create an Express Entry Profile

Applicants must register on the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website. Provide personal information such as age, education, language test results (IELTS or CELPIP), and work experience. Based on this, the system will calculate a CRS score.

STEP 2: Enter the Pool & Wait

If eligible, applicants are placed in the Express Entry pool. IRCC conducts regular draws and issues Invitations to Apply (ITAs) to those with scores above the cutoff. During this time, applicants may update their language scores, submit an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA), or obtain a provincial nomination to increase their CRS.

STEP 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

Once invited, applicants must submit a complete PR application within 60 days, including identity documents, work experience proof, language test results, police certificates, and medical exams. IRCC typically processes applications within 6 months.

👀 Latest 2024 Draw Results (Government of Canada)

EXAMPLE:

⬆️ What does it mean?

Required ranking: Applicants must rank 421st or higher in the pool to receive an ITA.
Cutoff CRS score: The lowest-ranked invited candidate had 727 CRS points.

💡 What if multiple candidates have the same score?

In case of a tie, the system uses a tie-breaking rule: priority goes to those who submitted their Express Entry profile earlier. For example, among candidates with 727 points, only those who submitted their profile before Sept 9, 2024, at 17:11:19 UTC were invited.